Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw & Sharon Harshaw Legacy Scholarship

Since I was born, I have always lived in predominantly white areas and spaces, with some instances where I was the only black girl in the room when it came down to classes. Despite this, my mother and father always managed to teach me everything that I needed to know about my culture, from the foods we eat, to the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities, and how our people have always strived through the oppression we’ve historically faced in order to achieve equality in society. I was taught all of this from a very young age, but I still wanted to learn more about my own culture, and attending a historically black university seemed to be the best fit for me to achieve that. Not only do I believe that attending a college like this will help me better connect with my cultural identity, but I also believe that it will help me in my future career as well. My mother in particular has always encouraged me to consider going to an HBCU after I graduate high school. Apart from herself, everyone else in my family, both on her side of the family and my father’s side of the family have all attended HBCUs. She didn’t attend one herself, but she has lived in a predominantly black neighborhood throughout her entire childhood, and has a better understanding of our African American culture and sense of community than I do. She has always told me that I must uplift and give back to my own community, especially the black community because of our heritage. I was in middle school back when she first started bringing up the idea of me going to an HBCU, but I didn’t truly look into actually attending until my tenth grade year of highschool, where staff at school started hinting that it was already time to start thinking of our futures beyond college. While I was researching a few colleges in North Carolina, I kept my future career in mind while doing so. As someone that wants to be a civil rights attorney, I wanted to attend a college that was a historically black college, had connections with a law school, and was in my best interest to go—which is exactly how I ended up committing to North Carolina Central University. I was also surprised to find out that NCCU’s law school was one of the only six historically black law schools in the entire country. A historically black university with a law school was more than enough when it came to my college checklist, and I was ecstatic when I realized that I could learn more about my own background, work towards my future career, and give back to my community all at the same time! As a result of predominantly my mother’s viewpoints, a desire to learn more about myself and pursue my dreams of becoming a civil rights attorney, I truly do believe that attending an HBCU can and will benefit me in the long run.

My name is Chase Joyner. I was born in Raleigh, NC but lived in Greenville, NC for most of my life. At the age of 12, I moved to Knightdale, NC, where I currently reside. Throughout my life, I have made many mistakes, garnered many accomplishments, and learned so much not only about the world but also about myself. The one thing I’ve known most of my life is that I've always wanted to attend North Carolina A&T State University. Between hearing my mom talk about her time attending school there and visiting the campus myself, I fell in love with this school. Thinking back, one of the most pertinent things I’ve experienced is my grandmother passing away in 2022. This event “rocked” my world and changed my entire perspective on life. Her passing away made me realize that I shouldn’t take things for granted and to attack every opportunity that comes my way. I established a personal standard and have relentlessly worked to empower myself along the journey. Despite encountering challenges, I remained resilient and refused to let them deter me. My work ethic increased exponentially. I started working out more to build a better body, began to focus on healthier eating habits, working to earn my own money, and I’m loving every second of it. The importance of education is one of the traits that my grandmother instilled in me. During summer breaks I would stay with her and she would buy math workbooks for all of her grandchildren to complete before the end of summer break. She would intentionally buy books that were a grade level higher in order to prepare for the next school year. From a young age, I learned that excelling in school and obtaining a solid education was crucial for securing a successful career and financial stability. Additionally, I recognized the importance of being accountable for my actions. It taught me to challenge myself by taking classes at the Honors and AP levels and have excelled academically. I am no stranger to leadership and have taken it seriously through the years. Participation in activities in school and the community has always been an intricate part of my plan and I have had much success. As a varsity football player, I instilled the wisdom I gained from being in school in my earlier years into my younger peers on the junior varsity team. Football has taught me the amazing skills of leading with the ability to not only be responsible and mature, but to also have great communication skills and demonstrate the ability to be dependable. Understanding the importance of having strong character is crucial, especially as we journey through life aiming for happiness and achieving the American dream: treating others with respect, being truthful, and showing integrity by being generous to everyone around us. It's important because it builds good relationships and makes the world a better place. By practicing the qualities of —respect, honesty, generosity, love, and kindness—we not only become better individuals but also contribute to building a more compassionate and inclusive society. These qualities are qualities that were instilled in me my entire life. These are the qualities that make up my character and the ideals that I choose to live by. At North Carolina A&T State University, I want to continue to showcase these qualities from my first year of becoming an “Aggie” and graduating from a college that I have always wanted to be a part of.

Over the years, my engagements in community service organizations and the application of leadership principles have fundamentally shaped my character, provided life lessons, and, most importantly, offered me a sense of direction. These experiences have influenced my perspective on leadership and community service, ultimately shaping my development as a responsible citizen and a rising college freshman at North Carolina A&T State University. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities granted by two significant organizations in my life, Jack and Jill of America and the Cary Kappa League. As part of these organizations, I have invested numerous hours in driving positive change in my community while honing my leadership skills, a crucial aspect of my growth and the bedrock of my future aspirations. Volunteering in these organizations has not only given me practical exposure to the realities of society but also allowed me to demonstrate my dedication to making a difference in people's lives to take initiative as a cornerstone of leadership. At Jack and Jill of America and Cary Kappa League, I have had the chance to exemplify certain values. The countless moments of touching the lives of others have served as a testament to my commitment to motivational leadership and resilient determination. As a man of Black and African American heritage, these experiences carry a deeper resonance as they exemplify the spirit of struggle for equality and community upliftment. However, my journey doesn't stop here. As I prepare to major in Civil Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University, I envision my future steeped not only in the study and application of engineering principles but also in engaging actively in the community. For me, the blend of leadership and service in the frame of civil engineering is about building the physical world while constructing a social one based on equity, community welfare, and shared progress. I aspire to develop environmentally sustainable infrastructure for Black and African American communities, often marginalized in national development conversations. The invaluable experiences from Jack and Jill of America and the Cary Kappa League have equipped me with more than just a strong academic foundation; they have imbued me with a profound sense of empathy, resilience, strategic thinking, and the courage to challenge the status quo, all elements of true leadership. Armed with an unweighted high school unweighted GPA of 3.4 and a yearning for building stronger, sustainable, and more inclusive communities, I am determined to not only fulfill my academic goals but also continue the legacy of service and leadership. In conclusion, the principles of leadership and community service instilled in me will continue to inspire my actions as I embark on this new academic journey. I am committed to serving my community and leading initiatives that prioritize inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and socio-economic progress. I am determined to channel my knowledge and resources to contribute to the overall betterment of Black and communities while exemplifying the values of leadership he so passionately championed.

When I was eleven years old, I decided to tryout for my middle school softball team. Going into tryouts, I had zero prior experience with softball and relied heavily on my natural athleticism and pure determination. To my surprise, I made the team and spent an entire season developing my love for the sport. While I loved the game, I by no means was what you would call a good player in that first year, and because of this I felt it very difficult to connect with my teammates. The summer following my first season, I joined a yearlong travel team, The Lady Phantoms, where I would develop fundamental skills to accompany my love for the game. In that year with The Phantoms, I improved immensely, however I still felt a sense of disconnect from my teammates. I began to wonder if that feeling had less to do with my ability to play the game, and more to do with who I was as a person. It wasn’t until I joined my next travel team, The Lady Dukes, that I finally understood why I felt so disconnected from my previous teams. Upon meeting the Lady Dukes, I discovered what I believed to be an anomaly, a team filled with predominantly black athletes. I instantly felt more comfortable in my two days of tryouts with the Lady Dukes than I felt in the entire year I played with The Phantoms, where I remained the only black girl on the team. It was then that I realized the disconnect I felt between my previous teams, was not skill-based but rather a cultural divide. I experienced a completely new feeling of community, that resembled the likings of a family rather than an organization. In that experience, I knew that I never again wanted to feel the way I felt playing on a predominantly white team. After joining my current travel team, AAFP Elite, an organization with all black coaches, that focuses on building up black student athletes to play softball at the collegiate level, I knew that an HBCU was the best decision for my future. I am proud to say that I have committed to Shaw University, the first Historically Black College and University, not only in North Carolina but in the South as well, to further my academic and athletic career. I plan to major in Sociology, in order to pursue a career in the criminal justice system. Ever since I can remember, I have always been a peacemaker, mediating and helping to resolve conflicts between friends and family members. As I got older, I began to develop a deep interest in the American justice system, having a knack for speech and debate and a passion for helping others. I quickly realized that the justice system is not as black and white as it appears, and being the type of person who needs to know the why’s behind a situation, I became interested in the sciences behind human behavior and interactions. I believe that by studying and understanding human behavior in society, and incorporating more practices like restorative justice in our legal system, we can achieve a more equitable society. I hope to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, attend law school, and begin my career as a lawyer. I want to continue my work volunteering with restorative justice programs and become involved with more volunteer work to give back to the black community. Lastly, I hope to coach youth softball one day in order to inspire young, black athletes to pursue their dreams of playing at the next level.

From a very young age I have always been highly interested in science but throughout the years I have narrowed my focus to studying global pharmaceutical research and development. Many current global health issues, such as COVID-19, have piqued my interest in this area. I am intrigued by how viruses evolve and spread, along with how vaccines and medicines have been developed to help battle and eradicate them. I want to pursue a major in Public Health or Global Health Studies as an undergraduate major in college. By attending a Historically Black College or University, I hope to be afforded opportunities to explore more about my selected career from the professors and research opportunities. At an HBCU, I want to experience research through real-world laboratory trials to deepen my understanding of how research ultimately impacts the presence and existence of viruses and other diseases. An HBCU can offer me practicum and research opportunities that will help elevate my scientific knowledge. Having this background knowledge would strengthen my potential to be successful at the next level as I ultimately wish to pursue a Doctorate in Global Health Studies. My plans to obtain a doctorate in Global Health are driven by my desire to eventually serve in the field of Biomedical Sciences as an Epidemiologist or Global Health Researcher, through attending an HBCU this can be fulfilled. The part of Health Sciences that intrigues me the most and that I’m most passionate about is serving underrepresented populations through improved healthcare service and delivery. This continues to be one of the greatest challenges in the healthcare field and is constantly documented as a focus for many medical professionals. Throughout my career, I plan to be a voice for the concerns and well-being of marginalized populations to promote and increase better healthcare options for all. By attending an HBCU, I plan to gain the knowledge and resources required to address the healthcare concerns embedded within many of these communities. HBCUs provide a multitude of opportunities where I can participate in conversations, which can help strengthen partnerships to educate about the need for better health care and equitable services. While pursuing my degree at an Historically Black College or University I hope to be a part of the next generation of diverse, progressive scientists who are the voice of change for better health care regardless of circumstances, location, or socio-economic status. By attending an HBCU, I know that I will receive the best education from the BEST researchers in the field of Health Sciences while also maintaining my diverse perspective.

Hello, I am Kiara Blake, a hardworking, driven, and detail-oriented high school student with artistic ability. I am a current senior at Apex Friendship High School in Apex, North Carolina. Here I am a part of the Academy of Engineering, a four-year career academy, and Key Club International. At heart, I've always had an artistic eye with a creative mindset. Growing up, everyone always told me I had artistic talent, whether it was my neat handwriting, drawing freehand, or being extremely organized. Art puts me in another trance and is something that flows naturally. My dream is to find a successful career that aligns with my passion for art & design. In the midst of the busy whirlwind of high school, I made it a personal priority to serve others put in the position. I have exemplified service in diversified forms, directly, or indirectly, big or small through my involvement in clubs and global organizations. I am a Sr. Ambassador in Young Black Leadership Alliance, a non-profit based in Charlotte, NC, focusing on service, leadership, and education. In July of 2022, I experienced this firsthand through our international mission trip to Montego Bay, Jamacia. I glimpsed life in struggling communities for just 6 days but returned with a different mindset and purpose for service. YBLA has transformed us as Sr. Ambassadors to take the initiative, accept challenges, and speak confidently, all to advocate for ourselves and others in the world. Wherever I end up, I hope to continue to incorporate service into what I do. I am looking to major in Business Administration and one day aspire to have my own business related to architecture and interior design in the future. I want to attend an HBCU because earning a college degree would make me a first-generation college student in my family. I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with high-achieving, like-minded black students on campus. After becoming a part of the Young Black Leadership Alliance, I saw tremendous improvement in myself. This resulted from having other students in the program with work ethics and mindsets similar to my own, which brought out a new level of commitment and competitiveness in me. I aspire to attend an HBCU in the fall of 2023 because it can give me an experience like no other. HBCUs have such a sense of home and community on campus, an atmosphere that I for sure want to be a part of come Fall 2023.

I plan to pursue a career in computer network engineering. I have been preparing for this since I started high school as my school has an Academy of IT and Cybersecurity. Being in this academy has been very influential in helping me decide my career path. After being exposed to the many aspects of computer networking and cybersecurity I am excited to pursue this as my major in college to sharpen my skills and be prepared for my career. I also took classes at a community college to earn a certificate in IT and I also took a few CCP classes to get a few college transfer classes completed before starting college as well. I am looking forward to learning even more as I move to my next level of education at a four-year university. My desire to be in the top of my class and to excel has been the driving force of my life. I always keep myself busy with sports, clubs, and volunteering. I've played basketball since I was little at various levels. I've played recreational, AAU, middle and high school. Last school year I joined the golf team and it was pretty fun, I plan to play again this year. I also decided to be a volleyball manager this year and found that I am naturally good at it and may want to play some level of it in college. I am very active in clubs such as the National Honor Society, Student Government, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I have held some officer positions and participated in the various activities of each organization. I also am part of Young Black Leaders of America, TRIO, and Aiming High. These organizations have helped me prepare for selecting a college, exposed me to testing tips for SAT and ACT tests, shown me various STEM activities in the local area, and allowed me afterschool tutoring and study time. One of my greatest accomplishments was being selected as a 2022 Bank of America Scholar and with that program, I was exposed to many avenues of community volunteering. In the future, I plan to become a Computer Network Architect. I also want to be able to use what I learned from my Bank of America Student Leader internship to use my knowledge and experiences to be able to create change in my communities. I have been exposed to HBCUs my entire life as my mom went to one and brought me to various events like homecoming and other activities on campus. I also attended a STEM camp during middle school and got to live on an HBCU campus. Many of my other family members also attended HBCUs and I have been able to see the impact it has had on their lives. It gave them many networking opportunities while also allowing them to grow culturally and academically. Whenever I step into an HBCU I always feel more accepted and more valued, and know that I belong.

My name is Jaida Avery, I attend Enloe GT Magnet High School. I have been accepted into North Carolina A&T, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Winston-Salem State University. Throughout high school, I worked at Blaze Pizza, while there, I received employee of the month, because of my hard work and leadership. I worked there for almost two years and began working at Zaxby's. Even though I work 4-5 days a week, I maintained good grades throughout the year and I am on the National Society of High School Scholars due to my achievements! I volunteered at my church supervising and entertaining three-year-olds. Extracurriculars I have participated in include chorus, soccer, cheerleading, dance, and violin. I love music; it calms me when I'm feeling down, excites me, and entertains me when I'm bored. I’m grateful and excited to commit to Winston Salem State University in the Fall of 2023. I am attending an HBCU because many of my family members have attended them. I love my culture and want to surround myself with people who look like me and it gives me a sense of comfort. In my opinion, college is more than just an education. This is where I will live and make lifelong friends and relationships. I love the community feel of the school, it’s not so big and not so small. I’m happy I joined the family! I plan to major in nursing, as my interest in the medical field has grown over time. I feel this is the perfect career choice for me since I have compassion and a nurturing spirit. I have always viewed myself as my sister’s protector as a child. I could never imagine not being a pillar in her time of need. It’s difficult for me to see my loved ones struggle. I am a natural giver, even if that may be taken for granted. My pastor at church always says, “We don’t give because we have to, we give because we get to”, which really resonates with me and who I am. I studied Anatomy/Physiology, Biology, and multiple health science classes in high school. These classes gave me a greater interest in nursing and informed me about various diseases/conditions I may encounter in the workplace. I’ve always found myself drawn to medical shows like Chicago Med and Grey’s Anatomy, which allowed me to witness the different types of roles in the medical field, and cases I may come across in the future. While on tour at North Carolina A&T, the nursing instructors placed a stethoscope around my neck, so I could hear the heartbeat of a mannequin infant. From that moment forward, I knew nursing was the career I wanted to pursue, as it just felt right! I want to become an ER RN because I have always loved being in a fast-paced work environment and helping people. Once I graduate college with my nursing degree, I would also like to get my Real Estate License, as it is a second passion that I have always loved. I see myself becoming a realtor or flipping houses. I moved a lot as a child so I was able to view firsthand the duties and responsibilities of a realtor. I remember when touring apartments/houses, I’d pretend to be the realtor the moment they left the room, which made me love it even more. I appreciate this opportunity to further assist me in reaching my academic, and professional goals. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, and my passions!

When my name is heard by others, their initial response is often to comment on its uniqueness. They are curious about the background of my name, but little do they know its true meaning. To those unfamiliar with Igbo culture, my middle name, Onyiyechi, may sound like a random combination of nine letters. However, for those who understand Igbo, they would know that Onyiyechi means "God's gift". As a Nigerian, born and raised in America, growing up was challenging as I often felt torn between being too Americanized to be considered truly Nigerian, and too African to fully fit in as an American. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the opportunity to embrace both my Nigerian culture and my identity as a Black American, and I have learned to fully accept and love myself as a Nigerian-American. Recently, I was invited to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for their scholarship finalist weekend, and I want to share the life-changing experience I had there. During the opening speech by the Chancellor, all the scholarship finalists were asked to stand up, and as I looked around, I became emotional. It was the first time I truly felt at home. I know that many of my fellow scholars may have had similar experiences, being ridiculed by other people of color for being articulate, achieving good grades, or being patronized for being black and smart, and feeling the need to constantly prove themselves in academic settings due to their appearance. It is clear that while all schools strive for excellence, the standard at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is higher, as they promote black excellence. When I was searching for colleges, I knew I wanted to be in a place where I would be fully supported, and I believe that attending an HBCU will not only provide that support, but also uplift me as a whole person, recognizing my worth beyond just academic statistics. Surrounded by black intellectuals who share the same goals, I know that attending an HBCU is the first step towards building my future. Speaking of the future, my plans after completing my bachelor's degree include continuing my education to become a physician's assistant. I am particularly interested in working in pediatrics or becoming a psychiatric PA, as I have always had a passion for serving the community. Ultimately, I aspire to establish a nonprofit organization that makes healthcare services more accessible to underrepresented communities, including my own. That being said, let me formally introduce myself: My name is Janet Onyiyechi Imoh, and I hope to make a change.