In June, the foundation honored its 2010 scholarship recipients during a program at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and a familiar person in attendance was Delora Hall Tyler.
“As a trustee of the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation for the past 15 years, you would think that my excitement might have waned by now, as I watched 42 young men and women receive their certificates and bask in applause from parents and family members. Yet once again June 16 was a day that made me swell with pride as I listened, teary-eyed, to some of the winners read their essays,” Tyler said.
“Arnold Jackson, a young African-American man, suggested programs where men, including Black college professors, go to schools weekly and help mentor boys like him so they could learn how to become men.
“Katie Romos poignantly asked everyone to extend themselves to help eliminate homelessness. And Angel Mills wrote that the miseducation of Detroit Public Schools students is an abomination. She stated that her goal upon completion of college is to return to Detroit and start a non-profit business committed to providing Detroit youth with after-school programs.
“Each of these students made me, and I hope others in attendance, keenly aware of the magnitude of the service our scholars plan on providing.”
The keynote speaker was Jamal Simmons, a member of the foundation’s 1988 scholarship class, who is now nationally known for his work as a political analyst and television commentator for CNN.
“He reminded the new scholars that they will face challenges, but that the most important thing is that they recover and continue to fulfill their dreams,” said Tyler, who has served as the foundation’s president the past two years.
“Jamal’s down-to-earth style and the wisdom that he imparted sent the perfect message.”
The Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation strives to award 40 $2,000 scholarships annually. Since its inception, more than 900 graduates have been awarded $2.4 million.
“Most recently, our emphasis has been to elevate awareness about what the Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation does, and what makes it worthy of more support,” Tyler said. “But as hard as I try to describe the importance of this cause, no words can express what you see when you look into the eyes of 42 survivors who have navigated their way through all kinds of trials and tribulations in order to graduate and be recognized as Rosa Parks scholars.”
To learn more about the Rosa L. Parks Scholarship Foundation, including how to make a donation, please visit www.rosaparksscholarshipfoundation.org.
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