NCBW, Central MS Chapter awards $11,000 in scholarships
JANS – The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Central Mississippi Chapter awarded $11,000 in scholarships to 11 graduating high school seniors from the Central Mississippi area during its 2026 Scholarship & Awards Program, held on the campus of Tougaloo College in the historic Woodworth Chapel.
The program featured keynote speakers Jamyiyah Cotten and Sydnee Thompson, both former NCBW Central Mississippi scholarship recipients who have excelled academically and professionally since receiving their awards.
Cotten, a Madison native, graduated magna cum laude from Alcorn State University in 2026 with a degree in mass communications. During her time at Alcorn, she distinguished herself as a scholar, student leader, athlete, and campus ambassador.
Thompson, an Edwards native, is a 2025 graduate of Tougaloo College, where she earned a degree in economics with a minor in pre-law. She is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at Mississippi College School of Law on a full scholarship.
Guests proudly watched as each scholarship recipient accepted her award, introduced herself, shared the college or university she plans to attend in the fall, and discussed her future aspirations.
Luigia Hodge, President of the NCBW Central Mississippi Chapter, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting the educational success of young women throughout the region. “We are honored to assist these outstanding young ladies with their educational expenses as they begin the next chapter of their academic journeys,” said Hodge. “Supporting students who choose to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities remains a cornerstone of our mission.”
To date, the chapter has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to deserving young women pursuing higher education.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are Kenley Cropper, Terry High School; Chelsie Gentry, Callaway High School; Calei Gilstrap, Northeast Lauderdale High School; Shykira Holliday, Ridgeland High School; Londyn Kirkland, Jim Hill High School; Anna Martin, JPS Tougaloo Early College; Ja’Niyah Mazie, Vicksburg High School; Abigail Myles, St. Joseph Catholic School; Shelbie Walker, JPS Tougaloo Early College; Emaleigh Wilson, Jim Hill High School; and Calese White, St. Joseph Catholic School.
The scholarship recipients will attend a variety of distinguished institutions, including Alcorn State University, Hinds Community College – Utica Campus, Jackson State University, Southern University and A&M College, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, Tougaloo College, and Tuskegee University.
Members of the Scholarship & Awards Committee include Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, First Vice President of Programs; Katrina B. Myricks, Chair; Cynthia Armstrong; Tearsanee Davis; Vanessa Edmond; LaVerne Gentry; Ethel Gibson; Melony Braxton Horton; Minnie Jones-Erhabor; Erica Reed; and Gaynell Tinsey.
About NCBW Central Mississippi Chapter: Through its annual Scholarship & Awards Program, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Central Mississippi Chapter continues its mission of empowering women and girls through education, leadership development, and community service.
