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The next generation of Black excellence takes center stage as remarkable young scholars compete for the prestigious Takisha A. Davis Scholarship Award. From an initial field of 66 talented students nationwide, these top 32 finalists share powerful, personal essays about their connection to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their visions for continuing a proud legacy.

Each essay reveals not just academic ambition but a profound understanding of how HBCUs have served as foundations for Black achievement throughout American history. One scholar, aspiring to become an orthopedic surgeon, speaks passionately about healthcare accessibility and the "HBCU medical school effect" in creating Black doctors. Another, headed toward architectural engineering, articulates his commitment to environmental justice in underserved communities. A third-generation HBCU student shares how her family's educational journey has shaped her dream of increasing diversity in publishing and literature.

What makes this competition truly special is the authentic connection between these young leaders. Following each essay reading, they engage in thoughtful conversation, supporting each other's goals across different disciplines. Their dialogue demonstrates exactly why they represent the promising future that HBCUs help cultivate – students who understand that excellence isn't just about personal achievement but about uplifting entire communities.

These scholars remind us why HBCUs remain vital spaces where students can thrive while feeling "seen and valued." As they compete for crucial financial support, we witness the continuation of a legacy that has produced influential figures from Martin Luther King Jr. to Vice President Kamala Harris. Their stories prove that investing in these students means investing in a more equitable future where diverse voices can make meaningful contributions to society.

Want to support these exceptional young scholars? Visit the website shown to cast your vote. Each dollar contributed goes directly toward funding their educational dreams and helping them become tomorrow's leaders.

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Drop Us A Line….

The journey from high school graduate to college student represents a pivotal moment in any young person's life, but for the finalists in the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship Stipend Award Program, it marks an opportunity to become part of a powerful legacy. As we witness these brilliant scholars present their essays and engage in dialogue, their passion for education and commitment to creating change becomes unmistakable.

This scholarship competition has already narrowed down from 66 applicants to 32 finalists, with only 20 set to advance to round three. What makes this process unique is how deeply personal it becomes—scholars don't simply submit applications; they share their stories, defend their visions, and make their case directly to viewers who can vote to support their educational journeys.

Meet Paris, who wants to become an anesthesiologist after noticing the lack of diversity in healthcare during her own surgery. "I want to be the kind of doctor that makes patients, especially young Black kids, feel completely seen," she explains with conviction. Then there's Samaria, headed to Clark Atlanta University to study early childhood education, determined to create inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued. Amaris bravely recounts her journey to self-acceptance after growing up surrounded by media that never reflected her image, while Hannah outlines her plans to address the misdiagnosis of skin conditions in people with darker skin tones as a future dermatologist.

What unites these diverse scholars is their profound understanding of HBCU legacy and their commitment to carrying it forward. They don't see themselves merely as beneficiaries of these historic institutions but as torchbearers who will promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their respective fields. Through their eloquent essays and thoughtful dialogue, they demonstrate exactly why HBCUs remain vital incubators for talent and leadership.

Ready to support these incredible young people? Follow the voting information scrolling across your screen or visit our social media platforms to help push your favorite scholars into the top 20. Every dollar contributed goes directly to funding their education—an investment not just in their future, but in the positive change they're destined to create in our world.

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Exceptional young scholars take center stage as the Takisha A. Davis Scholarship contest continues with powerful essays that showcase the bright future of Black excellence in higher education. This episode features Mia Jones, a Newark native with dreams of attending Spelman College, who articulates a compelling vision of why HBCUs remain vital institutions for developing tomorrow's leaders.

Mia's essay resonates with conviction and clarity as she explains how HBCUs represent more than academic institutions—they're foundations for empowerment, leadership, and community impact. She eloquently observes that "HBCU graduates are built differently," walking into rooms, knowing they belong, with a unique responsibility to uplift others. Her connections to HBCU alumni, including her school principal and Newark's mayor, demonstrate the tangible influence these institutions have on developing authentic, service-oriented leaders.

As the first in her immediate family to attend an HBCU, Mia's journey represents intergenerational progress and continuity with a powerful legacy. Her plans to study Political Science at Spelman before pursuing law school at Howard University reflect her ultimate goal of becoming a social justice attorney. With parents working as a public school teacher and utility company employee, the scholarship would significantly alleviate financial barriers to her education at "the illustrious number one HBCU in the nation."

The episode highlights the importance of supporting these brilliant young scholars through the Common Black College Application and scholarship opportunities. Host Monique Robinson reminds viewers that every student deserves an opportunity for hope and a future. Whether you're an HBCU graduate, considering attendance, or simply believe in educational equity, join us in celebrating and supporting these remarkable young people who represent the next generation of changemakers ready to transform our world.

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Drop Us A Line….

Dreams, legacy, and Black excellence take center stage as ambitious young scholars compete for the prestigious Takesha A. Davis Scholarship Award. These remarkable students have already proven their exceptional abilities, advancing from an initial pool of 66 contestants to the top 32 finalists in a journey that showcases both academic prowess and passionate advocacy for historically Black colleges and universities.

The heart of this episode features four outstanding students sharing their meticulously crafted essays about the profound significance of HBCUs and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each essay reveals not just academic talent, but deeply personal connections to these historic institutions. From a biochemistry major developing a website to help physically disabled individuals navigate public spaces, to an architectural engineering student dedicated to creating sustainable housing in marginalized communities, to an aspiring publisher determined to amplify diverse voices in literature – these young people embody the multifaceted excellence nurtured by HBCUs.

What sets this competition apart is the genuine camaraderie that emerges when the students engage in unmoderated discussion about their essays. Their conversation reveals mutual respect across academic disciplines, with STEM students validating humanities majors and vice versa. Several contestants share their pride in continuing family legacies as second or third-generation HBCU students, while others will be the first in their families to attend these historic institutions. Their dialogue demonstrates precisely why HBCUs remain vital in today's educational landscape – they create spaces where students can thrive authentically without code-switching or diminishing their identities.

The competition continues with public voting, where each dollar contributed goes directly to supporting these scholars' education. These students aren't just competing for financial support; they're carrying forward a powerful legacy of excellence, resistance, and community uplift that has defined HBCUs for generations. Vote for your favorite contestant and help shape the future of Black excellence across medicine, engineering, design, literature, and beyond.

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Three exceptional scholarship finalists share powerful essays about the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while competing in round two of the Takesha A. Davis Scholarship competition. Each contestant represents a different HBCU—Howard University, Florida A&M University, and Hampton University—bringing unique perspectives on how these institutions foster Black excellence.

• J. Bruno from Hampton University discusses how HBCUs provide community, accessibility, and support for Black students
• M. LaGronne from Howard University emphasizes HBCUs' role in diversifying healthcare and her goals to become an OB-GYN addressing Black maternal mortality
• Glenroy from FAMU shares his family's deep HBCU legacy and plans to study neuroscience while continuing this tradition
• Contestants provide thoughtful feedback on each other's essays, demonstrating the collaborative learning environment of HBCUs
• All three finalists explain why voters should support their educational journeys
• Host Monique Robinson explains voting procedures and the importance of advancing contestants to the top 20

We encourage viewers to vote for their favorite scholar by visiting the website shown on screen. Your support directly benefits these students' education with 100% of donations going to scholarship funds.

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Two brilliant HBCU-bound scholarship finalists share compelling essays on the historical significance and personal value of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Their passionate arguments highlight how these institutions foster academic excellence while creating lifelong family-like connections.

• Jasean Boyd presents a historical perspective on HBCUs from post-Civil War origins through segregation to their modern importance
• Sinclair Adina Powell draws on her parents' Howard University experience to illustrate the unique community and professional networks HBCUs create
• Both finalists have advanced from 66 applicants to the top 32 in the Takisha A Davis Scholarship competition
• Sinclair discusses her plans to study jazz at North Carolina Central University and eventually create a nonprofit for girls of color in music
• Anthony Brown makes a surprise appearance, encouraging students to "show out," not just "show up" at their HBCUs
• Both students emphasize how HBCUs provide cultural affirmation and professional connections that sustain Black excellence
• The competition will next narrow from 32 finalists to just 20 candidates

Vote for these exceptional students by clicking the link scrolling across the bottom of the screen. Your support can help shape their futures!

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From music education to political science to nursing, the semifinalists in the Takisha A Davis Scholarship competition are proving themselves as visionaries poised to transform their communities through higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This compelling episode features four remarkable scholars presenting thoughtful essays on the legacy of HBCUs in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, long before these concepts entered the mainstream conversation. Each contestant articulates not just personal career aspirations, but broader visions for creating more equitable systems in their chosen fields.

A standout music education major already attending Bowie State University speaks passionately about bringing music programs to underserved communities, while an aspiring attorney bound for Tuskegee University shares her experience creating inclusive spaces for marginalized students in her high school. A future nurse heading to Morgan State University details her commitment to addressing healthcare inequities, and another scholar reveals the powerful influence of her grandmother, who integrated a Texas high school in the 1960s.

What unites these diverse students is their recognition of HBCUs as institutions that nurture Black excellence while providing safe spaces for academic and personal growth. Their essays reflect a deep appreciation for the historical significance of these institutions and a commitment to carrying forward their legacy of leadership and service.

The Takisha A Davis Scholarship itself embodies this spirit of community support and educational advancement. Unlike traditional merit scholarships, this program focuses on students' ability to articulate their perspectives rather than GPA requirements. Public voting determines which contestants advance from the current field of 32 semifinalists to the top 20 and eventually the final 10, with all funds raised going directly to the scholars themselves.

Want to support these inspiring future leaders? Cast your vote for your favorite contestant - each dollar contributes directly to their educational journey and helps determine who advances to the final round of this life-changing opportunity.

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Drop Us A Line….

Three exceptional HBCU-bound scholars compete in the Takesha A Davis Scholarship Competition, presenting compelling essays about the value of historically Black colleges and universities in the 21st century. Each contestant shares personal connections to HBCUs and their plans to make an impact on campus through advocacy, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

• Aniyah Faith Williams (Florida A&M University) discusses how HBCUs provide access to higher education for marginalized groups and preserve Black history and culture
• Dontrell Martin (Southern University) shares his passion for mental health advocacy and plans to create spaces where seeking help is encouraged rather than stigmatized
• Will (Prairie View A&M University) highlights family connections to HBCUs and presents statistics showing these institutions produce 40% of Black engineers, 50% of Black teachers, and 70% of Black doctors
• Contestants engage in thoughtful dialogue about educational influence, campus impact, and diversity initiatives
• Host Monique Robinson emphasizes the importance of self-care and balance as students prepare for college
• Viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite contestant by sharing, commenting, and engaging with the competition

Please vote for our amazing scholars by engaging with the competition and leaving encouraging comments. Your support helps us provide more scholarship opportunities for these deserving students.

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