NCBW Central Mississippi awards scholarships to local graduates
JANS – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Central Mississippi Chapter awarded $12,000 in scholarships to ten graduating high school seniors during its 2025 Scholarship & Awards Program, held at Tougaloo College in the Bennie G. Thompson Academic Center.
Carla Kirkland, Founder and CEO of The Kirkland Group, served as the keynote speaker. During her heartfelt and motivational address, she encouraged the scholarship recipients to invest in themselves fully.
The program also included a musical performance by Calandra Davis Daniels, adding a special touch to the celebratory atmosphere.
Each scholarship recipient took the stage to introduce herself, share her post-graduation plans, and speak about her aspirations for the future.
President Rita Wray expressed the organization’s deep commitment to educational advancement, stating, “We are honored to assist these outstanding young women with their educational expenses this fall. These young women represent the future of our communities. By supporting their education, we are planting seeds of leadership, excellence, and change that will blossom for years to come.”
Each year, NCBW Central MS Chapter remains dedicated to empowering young women in Central Mississippi who plan to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities. To date, the organization has been awarded more than $330,000 in scholarships.
“Our goal is to not only award scholarships, but to support young women as they pursue their dreams and break barriers. The NCBW Central MS scholarship program reflects that commitment,” says Luigia Hodge, First Vice President.
The 2025 recipients are Amari Alexander, St. Joseph Catholic School; Makenzie Anderson, Germantown High School; Nyah Davis, Forest High School; Monica Huntley, Canton High School; Emmely Johnson, Jackson Academy; Camryn Matthews, Forest Hill High School; McKenzie Matthews, Terry High School; Amyiah Montgomery, Warren Central High School; Gabrielle Morris, Clinton High School; and Jailyn Williams, Clinton High School.
