Nothing has made me who I am more than living life as an independent student navigating college. Whether it's been attending class and paying tuition to groceries, books, rents—I’ve had to determine my needs versus my wants. I’ve gone a week without eating when supplies were due for classes, and I’ve traded hours of sleep working two part-time jobs. Still, despite the potholes of success, I’m on a journey for myself because there’s a destination with purpose. Just being a student for myself isn’t enough. I’m cultivating a foundation for myself to empower others with my entrepreneurial projects, advocacy efforts, and storytelling adventures. I am currently a junior marketing major with aspirations of earning my graduate degree in Professional Communication and Digital Media at Texas Southern University. My career goal is to become a media producer and entrepreneur with an overarching goal of highlighting Black history and minority voices through the film and digital storytelling process. Since I was 11 years old, I have had a passion for video. What started as filming events in my church community and creating event highlights extended to directing my short films and visual narratives. I’ve always wanted my own media company, producing media that highlights Black history and empowering those underrepresented Black children with their unheard stories or those attempts to be hidden from society. I have a penchant for positive change through creation because of my extensive community service efforts. Presently, I am involved with the American Marketing Association, Collegiate 100, NAACP, and Student Government Association in leadership positions on campus. My leadership role entails using the organizational funds and professional network to create events such as resource fairs, financial literacy workshops, and professional development opportunities for peers to facilitate success. For example, I have a book drive planned; I’ve collected various African-American literature for donation to Black students at PWIs. I thought of this drive because when I transitioned from PWI to HBCU, my experience was much different. With access to cultural education, one can know their history, see themselves in prevalent positions, and understand that there’s more than what meets the eye at any given moment. Participating in these experiences has transformed how I serve others and transformed me into a better listener, communicator, and visionary. I’ll help them overcome challenges, and I’ve taken obstacles and transformed them into opportunities. Others see me as an influencer because I’ve impacted others—whether showing a freshman how to find tutoring services on campus or championing them to promote themselves for their peer leadership position! I’ve accomplished so many things that before any apprehensive intention could evolve; service has been second nature. It’s not what I do; it’s who I am. Therefore, obtaining this scholarship would relieve one financial stressor from my priority list; I’d focus on my internship and creative endeavors instead of worrying about maintaining minimum essential expenses. It would validate that my intentions to pursue my future endeavors are appropriate as I’d use the funds for software, equipment, and courses to hone my craft sooner rather than later. Ultimately, it would be an extraordinary honor that my story means exponentially more to be like everyone else who believes I’d incorporate into the tapestry of greatness. I’m not just working toward a degree; I’m working towards something greater than myself: the vision where independent, creative, purpose-driven young leaders can build a platform of their own in their own communities. This scholarship would allow me to finish college and continue building beyond the walls of college.

Hi! It's Aaron Hall. I'm currently a junior at Texas Southern University for my Bachelor's in Marketing with a minor in African-American Studies. My passion is storytelling, and video and film production is my favorite medium. My professional ambition is to become a film producer and operate a media company to give a voice to a minority population and teach the world about Black history. I've developed a timeline of how to get there. Ultimately, I want to combine academic knowledge with practical, hands-on experience in the field of marketing and video production. For example, my current coursework at Texas Southern University has taught me the basics of branding, audience engagement, and content creation, and I've actively pursued opportunities outside the classroom in hopes of obtaining similarly practical experience in the field. At We Will Studios—an independent film company where I interned—I served as director of photography for two short films. This position allowed me to experience the detailed, intricate process that is filmmaking—directing a scene, cutting an edit, workshopping ideas to transcend our individual perspectives into a united vision. I'll be growing my reel in the near future as well, with more internships and continued on-campus employment. Already, my current position with the university's media center will enable me to create captivating video projects for the university students while honing my skills in video production. In addition, I'm applying for the Houston Rockets, as this will give me the chance to duplicate my marketing internship with a sporting audience through video projects with much larger reach. I will be enrolled in graduate courses at Texas Southern University for my Master's in Professional Communication and Digital Media after undergrad. This class adds to my current education relative to digital storytelling, the production process, and best practice communication strategies—essential components to how my media empire will operate in the future. In addition, this additional time will allow me to network with many professionals and mentors in the field. Ultimately, I want to own my own media company that makes films in Black history and about other minorities. I create archival, educational, and inspirational films. The way to get there would be to work with others of like mind across different industries and establish a brand on social and digital platforms to reach anyone and everyone. I've always believed in the philosophy of "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan." Where Gilroy has a destination and a way to get there, he's guaranteed to help not only the film community, but at the very least, so much more.

I've wanted to be a changemaker in my community since I can remember. As a "coffee bean" destined to change the world, the only way to change the world is from within. Currently a junior at Texas Southern University, pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in African-American Studies, I've utilized my skill set and positions obtained through leadership to be a change agent on campus and in the local community. My most significant contribution comes from being an organizer of town halls at Texas Southern University. As a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, I noticed many students challenged in expressing issues regarding academic resources and their overall experiences at the university. Therefore, I established a student dropbox initiative where, after working with campus leaders and administrators, I would attempt to persuade students to anonymously drop any feedback and suggestions I would recommend. The initiative bridged the gap between students and those in power to facilitate change—from expanded library hours to requested tutoring resources. Students got the resources they needed, and many enjoyed the anonymity of submitting recommendations. I also had an internship with the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, and part of my responsibilities was to help coordinate a Young Professionals event. The Young Professionals event connected 60+ millennials with mentors and resources literally to professionally assist them and distributed takeaways to attendees for immediate integration of their newly learned skills. After evaluating the need for more young professional networking opportunities in my community, I collaborated with several home-based businesses and DeSoto organizations to connect participants with decision makers and empower them with transferable takeaways. Not only did this event flourish, but it spawned another initiative that would take place bi-monthly for continued progress. In addition, I've been the Campus Ministry Leader for Minorities, assisting diverse vulnerable populations navigate their college experience. I've facilitated workshops and focus groups to be the open space where students could air grievances and best accomplishments for communal feelings. For instance, I facilitated a "Vision Board Night" where people shared their aspirations and potential paths for achievement. It was an inspiring and empowering experience for all in attendance; we reasoned that since we established our aspirations, no hurdle would be too high to overcome. My philosophy of changing the world is one of passion. From utilizing all resources on campus to extended mentoring to ensuring underrepresented students have a voice—everything I've done is from a passion project of interest to help others around me. Thus, as my world continues to expand in the fight for a perfect imprint, I know my community will be a self-sustaining one, even when it comes down to nothing. By making change for others, I give everyone the chance to understand that they can change their boiling pot of water, too.

I've always had a passion for telling stories. I've been making videos since I was eleven—transforming the narrative into a different medium and rendering it in a visual language which, in the end, connects people from all backgrounds on equal footing. Thus, my intention to pursue a degree in the Marketing program with a minor in African American Studies comes from my personal understanding of what media can do for other purposes—social awareness and social responsibility of marginalized communities. I was that educated young reader who would later understand when things were lies or, in some cases, when they never were. I was always taught to find certain stories and communities, primarily African American stories and history books. The more I've learned about the resilience, intelligence, and accomplishments of people of color over the years, the more I've realized that one day, as a future filmmaker, I'll have my opportunity to tell stories of culture and history surrounding the proper facts to get people a better world educated and informed. I'll do it through my socio-erase. I realized my calling for media and storytelling at an internship with We Will Studios, a boutique film production company. I was the cinematographer for two short films: I shot and directed 60% of each film, co-wrote one, and edited the other. One of the shorts was a plea to expose the changes and contributions of Black inventors who, unfortunately, remain in the background. The chance to get my voice on film, to educate an audience and stimulate conversation about what many might view as a "little" thing, validated my perspective of storytelling as change. However, I haven't always had the easiest of transitions. My previous high school was predominantly white, and my transfer school is Texas Southern University. Transferring to TSU was an eye-opening experience. I had to network within a community that resembled me and operated for akin reasons. Therefore, TSU was a match made in heaven. Where my accomplishments reside is an atmosphere of creatively inclusive persons of various persuasions working toward like purposes. Thus, as an acknowledged student leader of the American Marketing Association, NAACP, and SGA, I have solidified my collaborative, advocacy, and leadership qualities—crucial elements to bringing my desires for inclusive growth through media to fruition. Furthermore, my education expanded beyond the classroom with community service and mentoring endeavors beyond the school setting. For instance, as a President's Aid and Campus Ministry Leader for Minorities, I've conducted several events and workshops to help fellow students achieve their aspirations. Furthermore, my social media efforts for the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation increased community awareness and participation by 25%. The power of storytelling, it seems, can truly engage a community. This is more than a scholarship. This is the evolution of my personal mission to change perceptions and effect change. By embarking on my future marketing and media career, I can fill in the representation gap—and maybe one day, when young BIPOC see figures like themselves in leadership and creative roles, they'll know they can, too. I'll use the power of storytelling to refute incorrect stories, embrace nuance, and celebrate the long history and culture of simply being Black. This scholarship will assist in fulfilling my personal ambitions of owning a media company that focuses on minority stories and pursuing graduate studies for a Master's in Professional Communication and Digital Media. I have the passion, commitment, and productivity to leverage this opportunity to impact the world. My stories will make the world a better place for a more hopeful, fair, and equitable future.

Hi there! My name is Aaron Hall. I'm a junior at Texas Southern University working toward a bachelor's degree in Marketing and my undergraduate minor in African-American Studies. Ever since I was little, I've always had an interest in storytelling. Through my primary form of communication—writing—I can operate audio/video production and film while simultaneously captivating my audience. My anticipated future career relies on essentially being a Film Producer, meaning the quality assurance projects I'd love to manage come from films that represent and properly assess our culture historically. I'm an engaged student on campus, in the past and currently with the American Marketing Association, NAACP, and Student Government Association, as well as a President's Aid and Campus Ministry Leader, where my professional work in all of those realms translates naturally through my leadership and organizational skills. This scholarship would be life-changing as I near undergrad graduation and pursue my career. It would allow me to buy industry-standard software for video editing and transfer a portion of the scholarship for tuition to sustain my studies. My educational goals include a Bachelor in Marketing this year and a Master's in a couple of years in Professional Communication and Digital Media. My professional goals include owning a media company that produces films centered around marginalized narratives for greater representation in the entertainment industry. My personal goal is to use storytelling to record Black history and give the world a chance to not forget its history—especially with all the new legislation attempting to erase this narrative from classrooms. There are many different avenues through which I have made an impact within my community. I've co-hosted a Young Professionals event during my internship with the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, where I facilitated networking and garnered professional growth opportunities for over 60 attendees. As Finance Chair for Student Government, I've facilitated multiple town halls where I increased access to resources for students and advocated for initiatives to ensure a positive learning experience. I also engage in volunteer efforts through various on-campus organizations whose missions align with educational equity and inclusion for underrepresented demographic groups. The biggest blunder I've made happened during my first internship. I was far too arrogant regarding my editing capabilities on a large-scale video project. I honestly believed that by the time I would be capable enough of finishing it, I would meet my editing ability deadline, and when I didn't meet deadlines, I disappointed my colleagues. I now understand that I need to evaluate situations correctly, get feedback on my feedback, and effectively communicate the time needed. I now share a timeline and open channels of communication. Some of my greatest strengths are that I am resilient, creative, and purposeful. I will turn any adversity experienced into growth opportunities while using my skills for the greater good. Where my storytelling passion collides with my future goals for social change will leave a legacy that helps others.

I've faced many difficulties throughout my life that challenge my fortitude and ability to emerge from the ashes; however, ultimately they've become my makeup. The most pivotal obstacle I've overcome occurred during my transition from a PWI to Texas Southern University, an HBCU. My former school was ill-equipped with the resources to help me progress in my career while simultaneously ridding me of my cultural identity. It was challenging to be in that setting. I would never fail and end up where I started. I made the leap and established my groundwork. Transferring was an option—not simple—the transfer fee, the added financial burden, the somewhat questionable endeavor of transferring from here to there with one hopeful endeavor; yet this was my change of a lifetime. Texas Southern University was a nurturing environment; my people comprised a diverse yet welcoming atmosphere with growth potential everywhere. I joined the American Marketing Association, the NAACP, and the Student Government Association, engaging in activities that would expand my experience for anticipated personal and professional growth. I've also had my share of leadership opportunities. For example, I've served as a Presidential Aid in the Student Government Association and a general member of the Academic Affairs Committee. My student-driven school spirit town hall and resource dropbox project demonstrate my commitment to elevating the student voice and enhancing my classmates' on-campus experience. In addition, I've spearheaded new professional development and community engagement. I've organized a Young Professionals Roundtable with my intern group to let students forge connections and expand. I've facilitated a public speaking workshop and a social media marketing workshop to equip students with tools for personal and professional expansion. I actively assume leadership roles in my film projects by executing projects that align with my storytelling vision. For instance, during my internship with We Will Studios, I was the director of photography for two short films. I guided a cast and crew through the scenes to proper execution through on-set problem-solving, effective communication, and consistent motivation of the cast and crew to achieve a shared vision. Every obstacle I've faced has been an educational experience, and from every leadership position, I've learned the satisfaction of humbly serving others and the project while a collaborative process is required to achieve a desired universal outcome. Thus, I will always be prepared to assume the leading role. I long to possess the knowledge gleaned from the fellowship and use it to continue the legacy of helping others, the chance to pen my own narrative and bring about meaningful change in my community. We've all been through so much, and as newly empowered change agents in the various positions of leadership, I've become a better me—even more equipped with the ability and wherewithal to ensure others are even better, too.

I've always had a passion for storytelling and the visual art form. I wanted to become a filmmaker by age eleven. I've always had an intimate relationship with the camera; it allows me to feel things that I couldn't communicate otherwise. For a child at that age, a camera is the only gateway to an audience. At the same time, without access to recording devices, I'd give up every possession I ever owned just to have access to the tools necessary to create even the smallest projects to demonstrate what I could. I at least hoped it would keep people entertained at a young age, let alone acknowledge the possibility of having a real, tangible gimmick to persuade an audience. The foundation of my career aspirations stems from what I wanted to do when I was younger. I've always had a passion for the media and the film industry, currently on the path and professionally engaged to make that a reality. As a junior marketing major at Texas Southern University, I'm involved in everything that piques my interest in creative pursuits. For example, my year-long paid internship with We Will Studios, a boutique film production company, involved my position as director of photography on two short films. This means that not only did I hone my technical abilities, but I also engaged in the nuances of a collaborative, creatively driven process in filmmaking. My experience in African-American literature and history has been involved with narrative—both pen and picture. Therefore, my future production aspirations align with where I want to go in the directing world in my tribute to Black culture and history. I want to make films that focus on Black history, especially for minorities—merely making them represent on-screen and ensuring that a genuine voice comes from often overlooked and whitewashed locations. This is my occupational and personal pay it forward, the due diligence to keep it on the screen and not let it fade away on the reel. All of this is before I've even touched a film camera. One day, I hope to have my own media company that supports minority voices and talents. I want to hire people from underrepresented communities—everyone from on-screen talent to behind-the-scenes occupations—and ensure those stories have a place to be told. My present affiliations with various organizations—the American Marketing Association, NAACP, and Student Government Association, here at Texas Southern University—provide me the trained experience in leadership capacity and the interdisciplinary opportunity to work with others while using my voice as a change advocate. It's been a long, fulfilling experience to set me on the path toward my dreams. The transfer from a PWI to an HBCU was my chance to embrace a meaningful journey toward appropriate equity access for my community and my anticipated professional endeavors. In addition, I've engaged in various mentorship and professional development opportunities, such as being a chosen finalist for EICOP's HBCU in ATL/NY/LA program. If there was ever a time for me to say in hindsight—and from personal experience—that this was a filmmaker destined to be, it's now, because she's currently doing and establishing the foundations for a grander empire down the road—projects that will change lives through multimedia endeavors and social change. I can't wait for it.

I've always sought positions of leadership where my voice could impact change. For example, my most recent position was a Presidential Aid to the Texas Southern University Student Government Association (SGA). While my responsibilities included helping with the execution of academic townhalls and facilitating professional development workshops, after evaluating the environment, I realized my position was to ease the transition between the students' visions and the administration's expectations sooner than later. One problem I solved was developing an initiative to please an entire student body with differing wants and needs. Additionally, I came to the conclusion early in my tenure that a large enough segment of the student body felt estranged from academic resources that it wasn't even worth noting their wants and needs. Thus, in conjunction with the Academic Affairs Committee, I created a dropbox for students to anonymously communicate a specific challenge they were facing on campus. There was much deliberation determining how to do this—from facilitating the undertaking to ensuring student anonymity. This past year, I independently ran a few professional development workshops to assist students in their post-graduation endeavors—a public speaking workshop, a message effectiveness workshop, and a social media workshop to clarify how social media could establish a brand for themselves. The hardest part was convincing students to attend—not only out of disinterest but, unfortunately, many failed to see the benefit of attending these one-shot workshops. I employed strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability to overcome this challenge. I worked with my peers and teachers, connecting with the associated student organizations—NAACP and AMA—for social media posts, in-class engagement, and on-campus exposure of the workshops. I also negotiated independently to acquire the workshops' topics to ensure they would be useful to my peers' desires, as this made the topics' relevancy even more appropriate for personal and professional goals. The feedback was conclusive. The dropbox created a low-risk, low-effort opportunity for students to complain, and so much was done based on that feedback that it required administrative follow-up to address. The De-Stress Workshops had greater attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback across the board, and students personally thanked me for imparting new skills. I knew I was headed in the right direction—validating the voices of others, changing my approach based on perceived necessity, and collaborating was the way to go. These are the leadership lessons I will carry with me into my professional career from this experience: inclusivity, active listening, and ensuring others' voices are heard; the power to overcome through creative solutions and sheer will; and the power of collaboration and connectivity to practically do anything and simultaneously reach a common goal. No matter where my journey in the sports and entertainment industry may lead me, I will carry these skills through. In my future media company, from collaborative efforts with others to working with athletes looking to brand themselves and using storytelling to unify communities, I will use my adaptability and communicative and motivational skills for team unity. When someone takes the reins as a leader, they must recognize that it's not for them—but for the team and setting—to achieve common success. This will be my guiding principle for all future undertakings.

Hello, my name is Aaron Hall, and I am a junior marketing major at Texas Southern University. I am a transfer student coming from a small predominantly white institution in North Carolina called Montreat College. During my time at Montreat College I experienced a great deal of racism and colorism from teachers, teammates and peers. I was a track and field athlete at Montreat, and I was the only dark-skinned athlete on the team. I would repeatedly hear jokes about my dark skin and simple black "jokes" about me all the time. In class, I would tend to be the only black man in the classroom. When the teacher would assign group projects, I often would not have groups to join, and I was isolated. The racism and colorism that I deal with at Montreat College had a serious effect on my mental health and I started to attend therapy sessions. My goal in school is to be the best student that I can be academically. Even through all the mistreat that I received through my two years at Montreat College, I was able to achieve my goals academically. I transferred from Montreat College, and I left achieving a 3.46 GPA and I was a consistent member of the Dean's List and Presidents List, making the list three out of four years. Back home, over the summer, I interned with the City of DeSoto, in Texas. I interned in the economic development department. My keystone project was to host an event for young professionals in the Dallas- Fort Worth area. I wanted to focus primarily on three topics: career development, quality of life, and housing opportunities. I was successful able to put together a panel of six professionals that were well versed in these topics. Over sixty people attended the young professionals event, and I was able to gather the city manager, mayor, and four out of seven city council members to come and listen to what the young professionals want to see in the city. My project was a huge success, and I was able to bring the community together to speak about what they want to see in the city. As I have transferred to Texas Southern University, I have already hit the ground running. I am on the academic affairs committee, and I plan to advocate for transfer students, like me to receive the resources that we need to be successful at Texas Southern. I do volunteer work with the Houston Urban League and Houston Food Bank, because I want to help out the less fortunate. With my degree, I plan to be a film producer and own my own company. With my company, I want to give the opportunity for marginalized voices to be able to shine and have their talents on full display. Thank you for considering my application for the Kennard C. Brown Memorial Scholarship. It would be an honor to receive this support, and it would allow me to further my education and to help amplify the voices of my community!