"I’m not letting anything stop me." –Catrease Newsome, 2019 Scholarship Winner

We’ve always known our scholarship winners are role models of fortitude and perseverance, but that came home even more clearly when we checked in recently with Catrease Newsome. Catrease was awarded one of our Legacy Scholarships last year. Those are given to descendants and relatives of Adult Education Center graduates. The Center was a little school that helped transform civil rights in New Orleans and the country during the 1960s, and we are committed to continuing its legacy with The 431 Exchange.

Catrease Newsome receiving her Scholarship Award from Hilda Mosley Smith, October 2019.

Catrease is the niece of Gail Collins, Class of 1970, and she is studying for a master’s in computer information systems at Southern University in New Orleans. When the pandemic hit, Catrease continued studying with online classes. But then a tragedy occurred: Her brother, Kevin, died of a heart attack in spring. Two days after he was buried, Catrease had a heart attack herself and had to undergo open-heart surgery. When we caught up with Catrease in late July, she was moving forward with resilience and determination.

Catrease Newsome, 2020.

“I’m recovering and preparing to go back to school next month,” Catrease said. “I’m trying to stay safe in the world (with the pandemic), but I’m not letting anything stop me.”

Catrease said her family members are her biggest supporters. They pray for each other every morning on a group text. The Serenity Prayer and gospel music are also healing influences.

Catrease’s goals are to land a tech job after graduating. She crafts custom merchandise—like tees, cups, and jewelry— as IMUNIQUE Creativity by Catrease, to help pay bills while she’s in school.

Catrease asked us to help her spread a message about heart disease through The 431 Exchange community and beyond:

“Whenever you feel something going on like chest pains, don’t play with it. Make sure you get it checked out.” Heart disease “doesn’t have an age,” she added. Catrease is in her forties.

Meanwhile, Catrease said she is staying on track for “as long as I have breath in me, and the Lord keeps me going. I plan on being in class the first day.”