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November 10, 2009
2008 & 2009 Scholar Updates
You may recall that last year, Quindell Evans and Keila Perez wowed us so thoroughly with their applications, we were simply unable to choose between them. Excited by their inspirational stories and their commitment to furthering Rashawn's legacy, we had no other choice than to grant not one but TWO $1500 scholarships!
Well, 2009 found our selection committee in quite the same predicament. The applications from Isaiah Sypher and Nafissatou (Nafi) Traore were so compelling that we've provided BOTH of the young scholars with financial support and mentors.
Want to know exactly what made these four students so impressive and how becoming RBMS scholars has changed their lives?
2009 Scholars
"Rashawn Brazell's legacy of selfless service and academic excellence has inspired me to not only continue my hard work in college but to also help rebuild our community. Beginning college, I am looking forward to engage in community service and help improve others' lives as I am devoted to further Rashawn legacy" says Nafissatou (Nafi) Traore who is currently studying Pre-medical Sciences at Hunter College.
Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Nafissatou has participated in groups that make a difference in the lives of her peers. She was Vice President of the Student Government Council. In her freshman year of high school, she was also a volunteer peer trainer of the Anti-Defamation League World of a Difference Program, where she trained to take a leadership role in the fight against bigotry. Here, she discovered the importance of diversity is that "it helps us to learn to interact with others from different cultures and ethnicities. It helps fight bigotry and smooth the progress of maintaining a better environment."
"Rashawn's legacy has instilled in me the importance of being engaged in this world, or as Erykah Badu puts it: 'Staying woke.' It is engagement in its many forms that allows us to effect change." It is in this spirit of effecting change that Isaiah volunteered for the Obama campaign in Youngstown, Ohio.
Sypher currently attends Wesleyan University where he is majoring in Economics with a possibility of majoring in Art History. In pursuit of his eclectic interests, Isaiah has been a part of the All-City HS Chorus, interned at the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art, Studio Museum in Harlem, and the American Museum of Natural History, has been a part of the French Club, was a peer leader at the Townsend Harris Summer Leadership Institute, and was Freshman Class President. His hobbies include knitting, reading French and English books, cooking, visiting museums and parks, and engaging in debates related to poverty, race, and sexuality.
2008 Scholars
Inspired by the story of Rashawn Brazell, Keila continues to follow her dream of becoming a lawyer. She currently attends John Jay College, where she participates in the Pre-Law Institute and plans to take advantage of a number of programs to prepare for law school, including the Summer Law School Prep Program and LSAT preparation courses. Outside of law, Keila is the Youth President of the Youth Society at Macedonia Pentecostal Church as well as an avid reader and music lover. Her goal is to be a well-rounded person and she is ready not only to work with students who have the same goals as she does, but also with those who need help accomplishing their own goals.
"I will never forget about Rashawn and his story. I pray that justice will come soon for Brazell and his family. Being a RBMF scholar confirms my dream of becoming a lawyer. I want to bring justice for families like the Brazells."
Quindell is a student at Buffalo State College where he has chosen to major in English and is considering a minor in Theatre. In his freshmen year, he is involved with the school's newspaper, the Media Club, the African American Student Organization (AASO) Extended Executive Board and the Caribbean Student Organization (CSO) Dance Team.
"Rashawn Brazell's legacy caused me to realize that selfless service and academic excellence is or should be a part of everyone's life. It also inspired me to seek further ways to adopt philanthropy." Among his goals for his sophomore year is to earn a 4.0 GPA, which he is preparing for with the encouragement of classmates who help keep him focused. He also plans on joining the Student Government and acting in a musical, taking full advantage of college life.
Posted by RBMF at 06:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
November 05, 2009
Let's Mix it Up!
The RBMF invites you to mix and mingle with us on Friday, November 13th at the Ruben Museum of Art's ultra-chic K2 Lounge. While there, you can learn more about our current programs and future plans while enjoying 2-for-1 drink specials, breathtaking Himalayan art and Brooklyn's own DJ Tikka Masala on the turntables.
Also, you can purchase your ticket for the 40" Toshiba LCD television we're auctioning off to support the 2010 Rashawn Brazell Memorial Scholarship. How's that for social justice with a twist?!
RSVP today by emailing info@rashawnbrazell.com, our facebook group or just drop by!
Posted by RBMF at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)