Introducing Our Winter 2021 Scholarship Recipients!
Determination, parents, grandparents and allies helped them forge their educational path.
The 431 Exchange was founded to continue the civil rights legacy of the Adult Education Center, a school dedicated to the principle that a rising tide lifts all boats.
Its graduates not only helped themselves, but also lifted up their families, descendants, and communities—to this day. Their perspective was “we, not me.” We see the same mindset in our scholarship recipients, and the winners of our Winter 2021 round are no exception. Here’s what recipient Anthony Jones wrote:
“What initially drew my attention to the program were the stories of resilience told by the women who were involved … A quote that stuck on to me was from Pamela Cole Wimbley, one of four sisters who attended the school. In 2019, she said of the Adult Education Center, "We exchanged a life of poverty for a life of prosperity." This quote is deeply personal to me. Every time I think of this quote, I am reminded of my mother’s immigration story and how she exchanged and sacrificed so much for me to have a life of prosperity. Because of her sacrifice, I am a first-generation college graduate and soon to become a first-generation master's student in my family. … I am thrilled to be standing on the shoulders of giants such as (Adult Education Center Director) Alice Geoffray to continue supporting education equality and social justice throughout the country.”
Our Winter 2021 scholarship recipients are some of the most determined young people we have ever encountered. These brave young people have walked a hard road: Turbulence has been the rule, not the exception. They have also experienced great losses. At the same time, they have found courage and determination through the role models of parents and grandparents, and from compassionate allies at school. Above all, they want to transform their lives through higher education. We could not be more proud to cheer them on. Here’s a look at our winners:
D’Asysa Butler
D’Asysa Butler is working on her bachelor’s degree in social work at Jackson State University. The loss of her grandmother in seventh grade was a defining experience for D’Asysa, for she was her best friend, her “diary,” and her greatest supporter. “My grandma inspired me to continue my education because anytime I feel like I was about to give up, I would just think about her and what she would want me to do,” says D’Asysa. “I know she would want me to continue going to school and getting my master’s. … my grandma always taught me that no one can take away my education, and it is something I will always have.” Even with her course load plus a job, D’Asysa has a 4.0 GPA.
Trenae Campbell
Trenae Campbell is studying for her bachelor’s in kinesiology exercise science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her plan is to become an occupational therapist, with a focus on helping U.S. veterans. Trenae’s mom has been instrumental in her career choice; she was in the Marines for 20 years. Through her, Trenae saw how many veterans “needed rehabilitation services after grueling years of work.” Trenae was introduced to the field after her mom became an assistant for occupational therapy professors. Trenae is a cousin of Adult Education Center graduate Linda Phoenix Teamer.
Anthony Jones
Anthony Jones is studying for his master’s in social work at Jackson State University. During high school, Anthony and his father experienced a prolonged period of housing insecurity. A foreign-language teacher, Susie, made her classroom a home for him. “She taught me how important it is for people to feel safe and to have a sense of belonging.” Meanwhile, Anthony’s father did everything possible to help him finish high school, working extra hours so Anthony could have test prep books and school supplies. When Anthony graduates in 2021, he plans to go on to a Ph.D. program.
Ta’Kiya Moore
Ta’Kiya Moore is working on a bachelor’s in biology at Tougaloo College. A difficult home life and her mother’s courage are what drives Ta’Kiya. “For many, giving up would be the easy route, but my mother continues to persevere even when things are not optimistic.” Ta’Kiya write. “She continues to be a light for others in a world of darkness and push me beyond my limits. When I become overwhelmed … she provided me with the push I needed to keep going. She ignited a flame in me and for that, I am grateful.”
Montiah Norton
Montiah Norton will graduate this May with a bachelor’s in psychology from Boston University. For Montiah, “education is freedom,” the freedom to live a life of safety, prosperity—and altruism. She wants to help those struggling financially and emotionally through her psychology degree. “It'll be the gift that keeps on giving,” she says. “I hope to improve the quality of life of the people I counsel and consequently help others like my mom and me access a brighter tomorrow through my education.”
Jaquaveon Payton
Jaquaveon Payton is studying for her bachelor’s in elementary education at Mississippi’s Tougaloo College. A mentor, Dr. Melissa McCoy, has been a powerful influence on Jaquaveon. Dr. McCoy “began to encourage me, from furthering my education, to being able to possess such qualities as leadership skills, and professionalism. … She has encouraged me to apply to various scholarships and internships, attend webinars, and apply and seek graduate school.” Jaquaveon is on track to graduate this year. “Although life may seem like a rollercoaster,” she writes, we “have the advantage of meeting new people on the ride.”
Skyler Phoenix
After some tough life lessons, Skyler Phoenix is proud of the man he’s become. Skyler is studying for his bachelor’s in computer science at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is the nephew of 1972 Adult Education Center graduate Linda Phoenix Teamer. Of his aunt, Skyler says, “She's constantly showed support for me throughout my life and has always believed in … the potential that I hold within myself.” His parents and close friends also have been instrumental in Skyler finding his career path to become a programmer in the entertainment industry.
Megan Sherrer
Megan Sherrer is on track to receive a master’s degree in social work from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, in May 2022. The love and determination of Megan’s dad is what inspires her. He faced numerous challenges as a young person and turned his life around to become a U.S. Navy oceanographer and then a manager of Navy ships that travel the globe. Says Megan, “Because of his past choices, he is able to speak strength to me and encourage me that I can finish this race. My family is my father's life, and he does everything in his power to see us succeed. Because of his love and dedication, I am able to be where I am today.”
We trust you are as impressed and inspired by our scholarship winners as we are!
If you have donated to The 431 Exchange for this scholarship cycle, we want to extend a profound thank you. And if you know of a deserving student, please encourage them to apply for our next round. The deadline is March 31. All the details are on our Scholarship Application. Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to sign up for our newsletter for scholarship opportunity updates.