Bishop Ron O. Beazer Sr. Scholarship

The criminal justice system today is not really focused on African Americans and Youth. The has been a big problem years but right now we are talking about recent issues, in 2022 the arrest rates for Black individuals was 4,544 per 100,000 which is double the amount for white individuals. Black people takeover 14% of U.S. population but 32% of the 14% is incarcerated. Black students take more disciplinary action than white students. getting the proper education and being able to grow with their surrounding families. More than 53,000 youth are tried as adults every year in the US. These are just a few facts when it comes to the criminal justice system. A lot of African-Americans aren’t able to get the justice they need because of opinionated people. Things like this for you can affect them in the near future can affect them getting jobs, getting houses, etc. When minors are criminalized at an early age a placement a long-term strain on courts, law-enforcement, correctional facilities and social services and every year hundreds and thousands of minors are arrested for the most nonviolent offensives like theft, drug possession or disorderly conduct and in 2021 405,000 arrest were minors in for these offensive they have to serve time which affected their life, such as getting the proper education and being able to grow with their surrounding families. Cases like these heavily made me wanna work with the youth and minorities because they’re being treated unfairly in the criminal justice system, and I feel like if kids see another minority help them Maybe they’ll feel protected in a way. Growing up a big family I have always been surrounded by kids and different minorities such as African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, etc. so it’s not just African-Americans I wanna help. I wanna help everyone, but I have noticed that minorities are the ones who don’t get as much help being black myself I have noticed a repetitive cycle of mistreated civilians and seeing this cycle has grown my love for wanting to be in the criminal justice system to be able to help those mistreated civilians. since 2020 I have been a part of three nonprofits that help youth individuals get out of their hardships and show them a better life so in a way I have been helping people but being a lawyer or a judge is my career goal to help those people even further. Being a part of these nonprofits have shown me that everybody doesn’t grow up the same and everybody has their own situation going on and seeing these things have grown my horizon on how everybody goes through different things and has made me more understanding as a person. So that is one change that I would like to see in the criminal justice system, and I will wanna be a part of that change.

"Allow me to assist you," my mom kindly offered to the stranger—an elderly woman struggling to load her groceries into her car. Despite the woman's initial refusal, my mom persisted, saying, "I don't mind at all." The woman's beaming smile in response resonated deeply with me. In that instant, my heart matched the smile, for this seemingly small act was a testament to my mom's unwavering willingness to aid anyone in need. While it may have been a modest gesture, it was at home where the values of community and helping others were instilled in me. As I reflect on why community service is essential, I am compelled to delve into the journey that led me to actively contribute to its betterment and explore my deep-rooted connections within my community. One of my earliest ventures involved collaborating with a local hospital for a coat drive initiative. While most were excitedly planning gift exchanges, I opted to use my resources to buy coats for those in need. Hand-selecting each coat, I envisioned the smiles they would bring and the warmth they would provide during colder months. Engaging in the distribution process was more than just a task; it was an opportunity to impact lives directly and to offer warmth and support where it was needed most. I had the privilege of collaborating with a local food pantry that provides aid to families and individuals facing crises in Baltimore City. This experience opened my eyes to the realities of food insecurity and ignited a more profound sense of empathy. As I helped prepare baskets filled with essentials, I recognized the value of dignified assistance – knowing that a simple act could alleviate burdens and inspire hope. My involvement in Habitat for Humanity's Restore and Reuse program was another avenue through which I contributed to the community's well-being. Assisting customers in finding needed items, pricing and packaging donations, and ensuring an organized store environment became integral parts of my routine. This experience taught me the significance of resourcefulness and sustainability. By extending the life of donated goods, we reduced waste and provided affordable options for those seeking everyday products. My dedication extended to working with middle school kids from public and private schools. By volunteering my time and knowledge, I sought to empower young minds to navigate the world of academia. Guiding them in subjects like math, I witnessed their growth and development. This experience reiterated that community is about interconnection and mutual support. Through these experiences, I've learned that community is a two-way street. The more I invest, the more I receive – not in material gains but in the bonds forged, lessons learned, and growth. Looking ahead, I am inspired to continue this journey of community commitment while also pursuing my goals to become a chemical engineer. As I aspire to play an active role in shaping a community that is inclusive, supportive, and driven by compassion, I also envision utilizing my engineering knowledge to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges my community faces. My journey has solidified my belief in the transformative power of community connections. Just as Bishop Ron O. Beazer Sr. dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, I'm driven to continue fostering these connections, sharing experiences, and working hand in hand with my community to shape a brighter, more promising future for all. Through unity, empathy, and determination, I can contribute meaningfully to my community, positively impact the world, and ultimately create a scholarship to help others reach once unattainable heights.