- April 25, 2024
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by: Samira Taite-Headspeth
The Youth Black History Reality Program of the African American Cultural Society awarded $9,000 in scholarships on June 26, the highest donation in over 18 years to Flagler County high school graduates for their college education. AACS scholarship money was raised from donations at the Reality Show.
The first scholarship recipient was Morgan Lee, a graduate from Flagler Palm Coast High School. Lee has been with the Reality Program for three years and received a $2,000 scholarship from AACS. She believes her determination makes her stand out from the crowd and wants to pursue a career as a forensic psychologist.
“It’s very important for me to keep my head up and to always stay awake to the things that are around me.”
MORGAN LEE
Lee has enjoyed being a part of the Youth Black History Reality program because it helped her meet new people and allowed her to participate in something that was impactful.
“You can learn a lot from the program,” Lee said, “I’ve always wanted to set a good example for my brothers and to other young people so they can expand their knowledge.”
Lee hopes to teach others to fight for what's right, to reach your goals, and never let anyone shut you down. She will be attending Daytona State College to finish her associate degree and transfer to Florida A&M University, majoring in Criminology. “Someday I will be Dr. Morgan Lee,” she said. “Why? Because I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”
The second scholarship recipient was Maya Felton, a graduate from Matanzas High School. Felton has been with the Reality Program for four years and received a $3,000 scholarship AACS. She believes her optimism makes her stand out from the crowd and wants to pursue a teaching career to educate children with knowledge and love.
“When a black girl succeeds or accomplishes something it has a huge impact on young black girls and shows them that they’re capable of being amazing. Black girls are just breaking barriers.”
MAYA FELTON
Felton has enjoyed being a part of the Youth Black History Reality Program because it’s allowed her to express herself creatively and be surrounded with people she loves.
“The Youth Reality Program allows young black minds to express themselves,” Felton said. “It gives us a chance to learn about who we are and be who we are.”
Felton hopes to teach others that no matter what your dream is you can achieve it, to be kind, and to love yourself fully. She will be attending Arizona State University, majoring in elementary education, and will be on the track team.
The third scholarship recipient was Oslyn Bryant, a graduate from FPC. Bryant has been a part of the Reality Program for 10 years and was awarded the Dr. Marilyn Trigg Price scholarship for $1,000 and also received a $3,000 scholarship from the AACS. She believes her passion makes her stand out from the crowd. She wants to own an art studio one day.
“I’ve always executed a sense of pride and appreciation for being black. I’m proud to be a black girl.”
OSLYN BRYANT
Oslyn enjoyed being a part of the Youth Black History Reality Program because it allowed the black youth to project their voices, find role models, and learn their true history.
“The program helped me to learn about my own people, my ancestry,” Bryant said, “It’s something a lot of African American kids should be able to experience because understanding who we are as black people is important.”
Bryant hopes to teach others that you should never be ashamed of your blackness. Have passion and excitement for being who you are — any type of you is OK, she said.
She will be attending Daytona State College, for business and art classes. Then she plans to transfer to Savannah College Of Art And Design to further pursue art. To the members and committee of the Reality Program and AACS, Bryant said, “Thank you for this wonderful experience of growing up black and a woman, empowering young black women such as myself.”
