Edgar G. Richards was born January 25, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica. At age five, his family moved to Hartford Connecticut.
After some time, he moved to New York City to become an apprentice at The Dance Theatre of Harlem. Then, continued his academic studies at The Professional Children’s School. Later Edgar won a scholarship to The School of the American Ballet under the artistic guidance of George Balanchine.
He also trained at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School in WA, and performed for several seasons as a soloist with the State Ballet of Missouri, now known as the Kansas City Ballet.
He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta Ga. After graduating with a degree in English, Edgar moved to Washington, DC, and studied at Howard University School of Law.
Because of his commitment to social change and concern for human harmony, he returned to Hartford Connecticut where he would contribute to political missions, working alongside the mayor and the state treasurer.
Edgar's passion for the arts lead him back to New York City, exploring ideas in arts management. At Columbia Artist Music Incorporation (CAMI), he managed the tours of the world’s finest operas, orchestras, and dance companies.
He fell in love with The Riverside Church and was a leader in the Maranatha ministry, bringing the concerns of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community to The Riverside Church in the form of education and action, while providing fellowship and spiritual community.
Edgar was known to be genuine person and an inspiration to those he mentored.
How to Apply:
The Edgar G. Richards Scholar Award is presented by Maranatha, one of the Ministries of Mission and Social Justice at the Riverside Church, which is committed to serving God by fostering greater understanding while promoting equity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Same-Gender Loving, and Allies.
The completed application must be submitted though the electronic online process. No paper application will be accepted. All required attachments must be submitted at the same time your application is submitted.
The deadline for filing is May 31, 2024. Only complete applications can be considered. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your application will be reviewed by members of the Maranatha Scholarship Committee. Selection will be based on the Eligibility Criteria listed below.
Eligibility Criteria:
• All applicants must be attending an accredited college, vocational college, or university as a fulltime student, or be planning to attend in the Fall of 2024. The student may be commencing studies or may already be attending, and may be working toward a vocational school Certificate of Completion, Associate, Baccalaureate, or Master's degree.
• Be in good academic standing in a current academic program, or in the academic or vocational program most recently completed.
• Be self-identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and / or Transgender.
• Have been active in one or more LGBTQIA organizations, in roles that demonstrate leadership and service.
• If you are selected, you must attend the Riverside Church Pride Sunday Breakfast Celebration on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The scholarship will be presented at this event.
• Remember! Keep a copy of your application for your records.
Questions may be directed to The Riverside Church Missions and Social Justice Office at msjtrcnyc.org.
Reminder: Submit your completed application and all scanned attachments by May 31, 2024.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.