Scholarship Recipients
2024 - $27,000 Awarded
The Students
Name: Mia
School: Sacramento State University
Mia plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources at Sacramento State University. Her interest in HR stems from a fascination with the hiring process and a desire to work in corporate environments, leveraging her knowledge of labor laws and regulations.
Mia excels in AP English Literature and Composition and has maintained B’s and C’s in her coursework. Her community service includes active participation in the Migrant Education Program and supporting events like “El Dia De Los Muertos.” She also demonstrates leadership at McDonald’s, training new employees and excelling in customer service.
Mia identifies as a descendant of African American ancestry, with roots in Louisiana. While uncertain about enslaved ancestors, she aims to honor her heritage through her career aspirations and educational achievements.
Name: Katrice
School: CSU Monterey Bay
Katrice is pursuing a degree in Business Administration at CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB). She has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and community service, highlighted by receiving Sacramento City College’s President’s Award for her outstanding academic performance.
Katrice aims to leverage her education to make a positive impact in the business world, fostering innovation and creating employment opportunities through entrepreneurship.
As a Resident Assistant at CSUMB, Katrice has excelled in fostering an inclusive community and promoting a collaborative environment. She actively participates in the CSUMB Mentor Collective.
Katrice says, “My cultural identity and personal identity as an African American are closely linked to my ancestors’ enslavement. I am proud and determined to uphold their legacy by working hard, making opportunities for myself and others, and becoming successful.”
- Name: Arianna
- School: Alabama State University
Arianna aims to pursue a degree in Marine Biology at Alabama State University. She plans to leverage her education to contribute to ocean preservation and sustainability efforts globally.
Arianna excels as a state champion gymnast and captain of the Dancing Dolls dance team, where she showcases leadership and discipline. Her involvement in activities like Aquaponics and Future Farmers of America underscores her commitment to sustainable agriculture and community leadership.
Arianna traces her lineage back to Moses Gentry, an enslaved ancestor who was purchased in Virginia and taken to Texas in 1860. She acknowledges the sacrifices of her ancestors, which inspire her to excel in her pursuits and contribute meaningfully to society.
- Name: Dennise
- School: Western Governors University
Dennise is pursuing a master’s degree and teaching credential through the Western Governors University. Her educational journey reflects a commitment to supporting youth, particularly within the Black and Brown communities, by aiming to become a substance abuse counselor and educator.
Dennise’s passion for supporting youth and creativity is evident through her involvement in the Monterey Youth Art Collective and efforts in fundraising for educational resources and sports equipment. She excels in project management, problem-solving, and networking, driven by a deep love for working with young people.
Dennise honors her family’s history, recognizing the resilience of her ancestors who overcame the challenges of slavery and migration. Her heritage from Mobile, Alabama, and Shreveport, Louisiana, informs her dedication to community service and connecting with her cultural roots.
- Name: Carlos
- School: Reed College
Carlos Jaden Cabrera is pursuing a major in Environmental Studies with a minor in Film and Media Studies at Reed College. We are thrilled to be supporting his third year at Reed. He aspires to become an environmental scientist and advocate for sustainable practices globally.
Carlos volunteered at the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, where he assisted in ecological research and restoration projects. He also champions community literacy, organizing book donation drives and supporting local library initiatives.
Carlos’s great-great-grandfather, born into slavery, transitioned from sharecropping to owning a tobacco farm in Tennessee, though institutionalized racism led to significant loss. Another ancestor, the son of a slave woman and her white master, fled across the Mississippi River to escape lynching, settling in Louisiana.