Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, 1-24-08

UNCF Unveils New Logo

The United Negro College Fund unveiled a new logo this past week which uses the acronym UNCF instead of the organization’s full name. Included in the new logo is the UNCF’s signature slogan, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”



Michael L. Lomax, president of the UNCF, admitted that the use of the word “Negro” in the organization’s name is problematic. In announcing the change, Dr. Lomax said, “We want to hold on to our heritage, but we also want to find a way to say who we are that speaks directly and positively to a younger generation.”

The UNCF represents and provides financial support to 39 historically black colleges and universities. In 2007 it received donations of $195 million.