Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw & Sharon Harshaw Legacy Scholarship

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.

Since birth, I have been faced with major health challenges. I was born with Biliary Atresia. This condition affected my bile ducts, both inside and outside the liver, causing blockages and scarring. In the first seven months of my life, I underwent three major surgeries, including a liver transplant surgery, lovingly supplied by my mother. As I have grown older, I have become increasingly aware of the large scar on my stomach and its significance. This knowledge brought about insecurities, especially when it came to my appearance in comparison to others. Despite the challenges of growing up in a pediatric office, I treasured every moment spent there. I had regular check-ups with my main doctors, who were always cautious not to touch my surgery line, understanding my fear and creating a comforting environment. These experiences shaped the person I am today and fueled my passion for the medical field. My story motivates me every day to work towards saving lives, inspiring young kids to chase their dreams, and ensuring that everyone feels safe, comfortable, and loved in their journey to recovery and to continue to find their “difference” in the world like I did. When I lived in New York as a younger kid, I never knew what a HBCU was. Once I moved to North Carolina and saw the cultural differences and it impacted me heavily. I have remained a strong-willed person and participated in activities such as the American Sign Language Club, Best Buddies, Chic FifLa Leadership Academy, Delta Gems, International Club, and the Student Advocacy Team. In addition to my participation in various organizations. I also began the Black Student Union club for African American students to have an outlet to celebrate their heritage and community throughout high School with other cultural and ethnic races. Once I began this club it impacted my school deeply for the huge difference in culturally diversity. Changing into a white school was a huge cultural shock for me. Being able to create the black student union and change cultural aspects in my high school was a huge accomplishment for me. With this is the reason I want to go to a HBCU to continue my influence and joining various organizations as well. Another addition is the influence of me wanting to go to a HBCU was becoming a Delta Gem and being educated on the history as well. With all this, I aspire to pursue a career in chemistry pre-med. My goal is to become an Hepatologist, so that I too, can help others, contribute to research and take on a profession that comes with many challenges.

My name is Ameir Dawson, and I am a 17-year-old African American high school senior with high-functioning autism. My life revolves around two major passions: robotics and classical music. I have the privilege of being the first chair in my school's classical orchestra and an active member of the competitive robotics team. Balancing these interests has honed my technical acumen and enriched my leadership skills, contributing to a solid academic record with a 3.5 GPA. From a young age, I have been fascinated by how things work, especially machines and electronic devices. This curiosity evolved into a passion for robotics, where I found a platform to apply my skills in problem-solving and innovation. The field of robotics offers endless possibilities to create, adapt, and improve technology that can significantly impact our daily lives and the environment. This potential for innovation and service drives my ambition to pursue a career in electrical engineering with a focus on robotics. In the future, I envision myself as an engineer at the forefront of designing robotic systems that address critical global challenges. I dream of developing technology that enhances efficiency and sustainability, particularly in industries like waste management, healthcare, and renewable energy. These sectors stand to benefit immensely from advancements in robotics, from reducing human exposure to hazardous environments to optimizing energy consumption in major cities. My decision to attend a historically Black college or university (HBCU) is inspired by personal aspirations and historical significance. HBCUs are known for nurturing academic environments, cultivating leadership and excellence among African American students. The supportive community and the rich cultural heritage of HBCUs create a unique educational experience that resonates with my identity and values. This choice is also deeply personal. Throughout my educational journey, I have sought spaces where I can thrive not just academically but also socially and emotionally. HBCUs promise an environment where I can relate to peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences, which is particularly important as someone navigating the challenges associated with autism. The inclusive atmosphere of HBCUs, coupled with their commitment to empowering the African American community, aligns with my needs for a supportive learning environment. Moreover, HBCUs have a storied tradition of producing leaders and innovators in various fields, including science and engineering. This legacy of excellence and the focus on uplifting African American students in STEM fields inspire me. I am eager to contribute to and benefit from this legacy by bringing my unique perspective to solve complex engineering problems. As I look to the future, I am motivated by the possibilities an education at an HBCU can offer. I anticipate engaging with professors and mentors who are not only leaders in their fields but also understand the cultural nuances that affect African American students in academic and professional spaces. This mentorship is crucial for developing my skills and navigating the path to becoming a successful engineer. Ultimately, I aim to leverage the knowledge and experiences I gain from an HBCU to make meaningful contributions to society through engineering. Whether it's designing robots to clean oceans or developing automated systems to improve healthcare delivery, I aim to be at the forefront of technological innovation. Attending an HBCU is not just a choice for quality education; it's a step towards fulfilling my potential and impacting the world.

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.

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.