The sound of gunshots is ringing in my mind. I was just 13, sitting in the backseat of my mother's car on our own street in Uptown Philadelphia. It was a typical afternoon until it was not. Gunshots shattered the silence, loud cracks, rapid and close. I was frozen. Men were running along beside the car, their faces determined, their pace frenzied. I bent my head down, and my heart thumped with the terror of being caught, of being used as a witness. I was no longer a child in that moment. I was a victim in a city that had long been abandoned by safety, resources, and justice. Everything shifted in that moment. Growing up in Philadelphia shaped my view of the world early on. It taught me what survival was like before I ever heard of living. I witnessed streets where dreams were postponed, children hardened by loss, and families merely surviving. But I also witnessed resilience, black women raising families, teachers trying to plant seeds in unfertile soil, and community organizers not giving up. These paradoxes shaped my childhood and made me grow up quickly. That shooting, and all of those other close calls, is why I wanted to look outside of Philadelphia for college. Not that I don't love my city, but because I couldn't bear the thought of being stuck in a situation where it would be worth dying over being able to walk home. I wanted to be away not just for safety, but for clarity...space to dream, space to grow, space to be more than what the stats said I would be. Now, I am a Morgan State University student pursuing a degree in Strategic Communications. I want to amplify voices such as mine, stories that get overlooked, truths that get dismissed. I am also an artist, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and plan to create an entertainment firm that finds and develops talent from underrepresented communities. In a world that profits from our pain, I want to build brands that celebrate our strength. I also envision bringing forth a beauty brand that builds confidence, and a non-profit that helps young women find their voice, their value, and their vision. I have also already earned over 80 hours of community service and will serve as Miss Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for my chapter next year, leading our service initiatives with passion and purpose. Everything that I am, and everything that I am going to be, was determined in that little girl stooping in the back of her mother's car. That showed me how fragile life is, but how raging I can be defending it, honoring it, and creating something out of it. Philadelphia molded me in another way. The danger taught me the value of peace. The struggle taught me about the power of purpose and that time when I thought I could lose my life? It fueled me to make something out of it.

The kitchen was cozy at Grandma's, not just from the oven, but from her loving us so much. One afternoon sticks so clearly in my head. I must have been eight because I was sitting under the kitchen table with my legs swinging back and forth as she removed a tray of mac and cheese from the oven. It was bubbling and golden brown, and I squealed, "That's my favorite! " She just laughed and wiped her hands on her apron and said, "Of course it is, I made it just for you." That was her love language, quietly cooked food, soft smiles, and always making us feel extra special. As I got older, our bond grew even stronger. We were both Virgos, both stubborn and resilient, and she would say, "You got your fire from me." I believed her. I wasn't prepared for how cancer took that flame from her. My grandmother was diagnosed when I was in high school. Even though she had her own house, the cancer treatments and the bodily wear they put on her became too much. She moved in with my mom, my sister, and I. Chemotherapy made her weak so that she could barely walk. One of us came in every day, and a private nurse, but we took care of her too both physically and emotionally. The woman who made my favorite foods now couldn't even sit up for herself. I tried to be strong, but it's hard to watch your hero fade away. I remember one day, just before she passed. She looked at me in bed and said, "May I see your prom dress? " My junior prom was just weeks away, and I promised her I'd show her at my prom send off. I didn't think time was slipping away. But May 27th, 2022, was the day she passed away. In my home. I was the one that found her. That memory is seared into my soul. Twelve days later, June 9th, I went to prom without being able to show her my dress. I smiled for pictures, but a part of me was lost. Cancer didn't just steal my grandmother, it stole a piece of my heart. But through that pain, I promised myself something: I would live the life she had planned for me. I would get up. I would carry her courage with me in everything I do. Life is difficult nowadays. My mom, who used to sponsor my studies, recently lost her job. We are receiving some little government assistance, but it is not enough to pay for food, gasoline, and other necessities. We're likely to lose our home, and without these scholarships like this one, I don't know how I'll be able to pursue my college education, but I'm not giving up. I am a servant to my community and the reason why I do that is because that is something my grandmother always wanted to do but never could. I have already completed over 80 hours of service, and I plan to start a nonprofit organization so that I can build confidence in young women, like my grandmother did with me. Eventually, I plan on starting my own entertainment record label to assist upcoming artists and a beauty franchise encouraging self-acceptance and authenticity. This scholarship is more than financial aid, it's hope. It's safety. It's a chance to honor the woman who loved me through food, faith, and fire. I must keep my promise to her. I must stay the course. thanks to you, I will.

"I am my ancestors' wildest dreams." This is scribbled on my mirror, reminding me every morning that I carry more than my own dreams. I carry a legacy. I carry purpose and even when it becomes hard which it has, I keep that in mind to keep going. My name is Anaiya Graham, an incoming junior at Morgan State University majoring in Strategic Communications with a minor in Entrepreneurship. I am a servant of my people, a student leader, a creative, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated . I will serve as the Runway Coach for ABC next school year, a modeling organization on campus and also, I will have the privilege of serving my chapter as Miss Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and will coordinate and direct all community service projects. Volunteering has been something I've always done. I have completed over 80 hours of community service, ranging from being a mentor to young women to hosting violence seminars and coordinating campus-wide service events. But the polished resume conceals a struggling young woman fighting for her own destiny. My mother, who is the sole provider who has supported every step of my college journey, was recently laid off from her job. We are now facing the heartbreaking possibility of losing our home, and without financial assistance, I may not be able to return to school. We’ve begun receiving a small amount of aid from government assistance programs, but it’s barely enough to cover our basic living expenses. This is a reality we’ve never faced before. I’m trying to make ends meet by stretching groceries, sacrificing meals, and constantly choosing between gas for school or paying for necessities. I am not looking for sympathy. I am looking for a chance…a chance to continue pursuing my dreams, to break through the generational barriers placed in front of me, and to turn my struggle into something greater. I am asking for support not just so I can survive, but so I can thrive, and eventually give back to others who feel like their dreams are slipping through their fingers too. My vision is ambitious but grounded in mission. I hope to start an entertainment label that inspires and invests in talent, particularly those who, like me, are pursuing a dream with the world on their shoulders. I also hope to introduce a beauty franchise, distributing my own brand of products that promote authenticity and self expression. And at its foundation, I will establish a nonprofit organization focused on building self-confidence in young women and giving them the skills necessary to excel in whatever situation they find themselves in. This scholarship would not only be easing a financial burden but fuel all that I am making, or myself, for my community, and for the women who will be coming after me. Thank you for believing in my story, in my strength, and in my future.

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington I have always held on to this quote because my journey has been shaped by the struggles I have encountered. Although, it is within that struggle that I have found the resilience and purpose that drives me to keep going especially when the odds are stacked against me. As a musician with utmost passion for music, I understood that success in the industry is not merely about talent but also knowledge, strategy, and leadership. It is because of this that I am resolute in continuing my studies further and obtaining myself a Master's degree in Music Business at the University of Miami. This program will equip me with not only the knowledge to thrive as an artist, but the inside scoop on the industry I am so passionate about such as licensing, publishing, contracts, marketing, and translate my creative passion into a sustainable and rewarding career. I am not only an artist, I am also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated , an organization deeply rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Inspired by those principles, I aim to extend my influence beyond the music world. I would love to start a nonprofit organization with the aim of building confidence, perseverance, and leadership among women, but most importantly young women of color. I would like to offer spaces in which women can claim their power back, retake their narratives, and pursue their dreams with the confidence that they belong in each room that they enter. This is a very personal dream. My mother, my initial role model for resilience and sacrifice has lost her job. Her constant support has stood by my studies and art pursuits, but now we face the bitter truth that without scholarships and grants, I will be denied further studies. I don’t say that to seek sympathy, I say that to reflect how important this opportunity is to me. I’m not asking for a handout; I’m asking for a chance. A chance to pour into my community. A chance to elevate my gifts. A chance to build something greater than myself. With your support, not only will I get my degree, I will double the dividend on that investment on each step I take, every woman I empower, and every barrier I break. Thank you for your belief in the mission, the journey, and the vision behind it.

Throughout my life, I have faced challenges that tested my strength, resilience, and ability to persevere. One of the most significant hardships I encountered was the impact of sexual assault during high school at my first official job. This traumatic experience not only altered my perception of men but also took a severe toll on my mental health. It led me into a cycle of fear, distrust, and emotional confusion that I struggled to navigate. For years, I battled anxiety, depression, and the weight of an experience that no one should ever have to endure. When I entered college, I hoped for a fresh start, but the effects of my past trauma followed me. My mental health began to consume me in ways I had not anticipated. The pressures of academic success, social expectations, and personal healing became overwhelming. There was a period where I could barely keep up with my coursework, and I found myself on the brink of failing a class. It was a wake up call. I realized that if I wanted to take control of my future, I had to take control of my healing. Seeking help was not easy, but it was necessary. I turned to therapy, found a strong support system, and developed coping mechanisms that helped me regain stability. I learned that healing is not linear; it is a continuous journey of self-reflection and growth. With determination and support, I was able to not only improve my mental well-being but also reclaim my academic performance. I worked tirelessly to turn things around, and my efforts were recognized when I earned a spot on the Dean’s List. That moment was a testament to my resilience and commitment to rising above my struggles. My experiences have profoundly shaped my educational and career goals. As a Strategic Communications major, I am passionate about using my voice to advocate for mental health awareness and sexual assault survivors. I want to create platforms that empower individuals to share their stories, seek help without stigma, and access the resources they need to heal. Through my work, I aim to break the silence around these issues and foster a culture of support and understanding. Moving forward, I am committed to managing my recovery with intention and care. I prioritize my mental health by continuing therapy, practicing mindfulness, and surrounding myself with a positive and uplifting community. I have also found strength in advocacy, knowing that my experiences can inspire and help others facing similar challenges. My goal is to maintain a healthy balance between my academic pursuits, personal healing, and community impact. Resilience is not about avoiding hardship; it is about facing challenges head-on and choosing to grow from them. My journey has taught me the importance of self-care, perseverance, and the power of turning pain into purpose. As I continue my education and work towards my career aspirations, I remain dedicated to prioritizing my mental health and helping others do the same. My past does not define me, my strength and determination do.

Dear Scholarship Committee, My name is Anaiya Graham, and I am from Philadelphia, a city known for its brotherly love, rich history, but quite dangerous. Growing up in this city has profoundly shaped who I am and fueled my desire to give back to the community that raised me. Philadelphia is a place of creativity and potential, yet it’s also a city where many talented individuals struggle to find the support and resources they need to succeed. This reality has deeply influenced my ambitions and the direction I want to take with my career. I plan to major in Business Management and minor in Marketing at Morgan State University, with the goal of using my education to create opportunities for others, particularly those from underrepresented communities in Philadelphia. From a young age, I have been passionate about music, dreaming of becoming a successful musical artist. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve realized that my true purpose extends beyond personal success—I want to help others in my city who share my passion for the arts but face significant barriers to achieving their dreams. Philadelphia is filled with untapped talent, especially in the creative arts and entertainment industry. Yet, many artists from neighborhoods like mine often go unnoticed and unsupported. With my degree, I aim to establish a platform that provides these artists with the recognition and resources they need to thrive. I want to shine a light on the hidden gems of my city, giving them the exposure they deserve and helping them navigate the challenges of the industry. Additionally, I aspire to open a beauty franchise, Get Beautified Boutique, which will not only offer luxury beauty products but also serve as a beacon of empowerment for women in Philadelphia and all over the tri-state. Growing up, I saw firsthand how financial struggles can impact self-esteem and access to opportunities. My business will include a nonprofit initiative that donates luxury items to those in need—students, cancer patients, and other underserved groups in our community. My goal is to create a space where every woman feels valued and beautiful, regardless of her financial circumstances. Philadelphia has taught me the value of resilience, community, and the importance of lifting others up. I am determined to use the education I receive at Morgan State University to give back to my city and make a positive impact on the lives of those around me. This scholarship will help me continue my education and bring my vision of a more supportive and empowered community to life. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to pursue my dreams while making a lasting difference in my community. Sincerely, Anaiya Graham