BBCF announces creation of scholarship for Black Belt students

Partnering with several leaders in the Black Belt region, the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) has announced the creation of the William Curry Scholarship for Academic and Community Leadership.

The effort is in response to what the announcement called a “sad refrain” of youths leaving the region for opportunities elsewhere. According to the announcement, the aim of the scholarship is to encourage students to come back to the Black Belt by awarding scholarships and internships.

The scholarship is named after Rev. William Curry, who is from Marengo County. The announcement stated that he chose to come back to his hometown of Linden after a stint in the military. He has been a member of the city council, as well as the the school board, and was a little league coach. Additionally he was a minister in the A.M.E. Zion church.

Contributing to the scholarship is Dr. Arthur Dunning and Taylor Jones, who donated $10,000 to the program, which matches another $10,000 in donations made this year, according to the announcement.

“One of my favorite things to experience with BBCF is when someone approaches us with a passionate and inspiring idea of how to make the Black Belt better.” said BBCF President Felecia Lucky.

“We were thrilled when Dr. Dunning reached out to share his love of Rev. Curry and how he wanted to translate Rev. Curry’s shining example into the reality of actively helping and encouraging students in the Black Belt! Thanks to Rev. Curry and ultimately Dr. Dunning and Mr. Jones for lighting this torch that we are honored to carry forward.”