Sandra Evers-Manly, a visionary champion of untold stories, cultural empowerment
and educational opportunity has established the Dr. John Brooks Slaughter
NSBE Fund at the University of Southern California’s Viterbi School of
Engineering, continuing her lifelong mission of breaking barriers and
illuminating extraordinary legacies, the BHERC announced today.
A multifaceted leader with a singular purpose, Evers-Manly has consistently
uses her platform to foster content creation and to uncover, promote,
restore, and celebrate African American narratives. As President and Founder
of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC), she has been
instrumental in expanding diversity and representation in the entertainment
industry. Her work extends far beyond documentation and breathes life into
neglected histories, transforming historic silence into powerful testimony.
The newly established endowment honors Dr. John Brooks Slaughter, a
pioneering leader who was the first African American Director of the
National Science Foundation and the first Black Engineer of the Year.
“Dr. Slaughter showed us that excellence knows no boundaries,” Evers-Manly
stated. “Through this fund, his spirit of innovation and mentorship will
continue to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists.”
This year has already marked significant achievements for Evers-Manly. She
was recently lauded by the Secretary of the Navy for her pivotal role in
seeking justice for the sailors of the Port Chicago disaster-a testament to
her unwavering commitment to historical truth and racial reconciliation.
Additionally, she established the groundbreaking Charity Adams Earley
Endowment at Wilberforce University, further strengthening her reputation
as a transformative philanthropist.
The Dr. John Brooks Slaughter NSBE Fund will support various programs for
the National Society of Black Engineers, including the John Brooks
Slaughter NSBE Gala at USC Viterbi. More than a monetary contribution, the
endowment represents a living testament to Dr. Slaughter’s dedication to
creating opportunities for Black and other diverse engineers and
scientists.
An Emmy-winning executive producer and compelling author, Evers-Manly
continues to expand her impact. She is the author of the children’s book
“Raised Up By Mrs. And her L’s” and has two additional children’s books set
for publication in March 2025. Her work consistently bridges historical
heroism with educational opportunity.
“Each story I uncover, each hero I celebrate becomes a bridge connecting
past courage to present inspiration,” Evers-Manly explained. As a
relentless guardian of African American narratives, she has dedicated her
life to illuminating extraordinary stories of unsung heroes, particularly
those whose contributions were hidden in the shadows of history.
The establishment of the Dr. John Brooks Slaughter NSBE Fund represents yet
another milestone in Evers-Manly’s ongoing mission to reshape narratives,
break barriers, and create pathways to success for ambitious students.
About Dr. John Brooks Slaughter:
Dr. John Brooks Slaughter was a groundbreaking academic and administrative
leader who shattered many racial barriers in higher education and science.
A pioneering figure, he became the first African American Director of the
National Science Foundation, the first Black president of Occidental
College, and the first Black chancellor of the University of Maryland.
Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a board member of
Northrop Grumman, NACME President, Professor Emeritus of Education and
Electrical and Computer Engineering at the USC Rossier School of Education,
where he played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of diversity,
consistently championing inclusivity and excellence in STEM fields.
Appointed by President Jimmy Carter to lead the National Science
Foundation, Dr. Slaughter was recognized with the Presidential Award for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in 2015. In
2010, he joined USC Viterbi School of Engineering as a distinguished
professor, continuing his lifelong commitment to education and scientific
advancement. Laying a foundation that would transform and illuminate a path
to excellence and example of how to move beyond adversity. In 2015 he would
inspire 250 universities to pursue an increase in engineering
representation by increasing their diversity programs. A fete that earned
Viterbi the ASEE President’s award in 2017.
In high school, despite strong grades, his high school counselor suggested
trade school over engineering school. Undeterred, Slaughter earned degrees
in electrical engineering, including a Ph.D. in engineering sciences from
the University of California, San Diego.
Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Dr. Slaughter was beloved
as a dedicated husband, father, and friend-an interactive and engaged
mentor who inspired generations of scholars and scientists to pursue their
dreams without limitations.
