AAHFM Annual Celebration
2022: AAHFM 34th Annual Celebration
Season 2022 Episode 1 | 34m 45sVideo has Closed Captions
The 34th Annual African American Hall of Fame celebration.
The 34th Annual African American Hall of Fame celebration. Due to the pandemic, it was decided to record the 33rd Annual African American Hall of Fame celebration. The event features the recognition of the scholarship recipients.
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AAHFM Annual Celebration is a local public television program presented by WTVP
AAHFM Annual Celebration
2022: AAHFM 34th Annual Celebration
Season 2022 Episode 1 | 34m 45sVideo has Closed Captions
The 34th Annual African American Hall of Fame celebration. Due to the pandemic, it was decided to record the 33rd Annual African American Hall of Fame celebration. The event features the recognition of the scholarship recipients.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch AAHFM Annual Celebration
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(inspirational music) - In the fall of 1986, William "Junior" Watkins and a team of community visionaries established the African American Hall of Fame Museum.
The mission of the organization is to educate and recognize the accomplishments of African Americans and others who have made significant contributions to African American history in the greater Peoria area and beyond.
The mission was expanded to include the recognition of outstanding African American scholars in Peoria District 150, Quest Charter Academy, and Bloomington-Normal schools.
The museum opened at Proctor Center on January 15th, 1988 and it showcases artifacts, artwork, books, historical papers, and examples of inventions by often unknown African Americans.
Today, it is our esteem pleasure to honor the 2022 African American Hall of Fame Museum scholars.
The scholarship initiative coordinators are Bobby Gray for the Bloomington-Normal area and Ronda Guyton for the Peoria area.
At this time, please welcome Bobby Gray.
Bobby.
- Thanks Barry.
I'm the co-chair of the African American Hall of Fame Museum Scholarship Committee.
I get the opportunity to work with the principals and counselors of Bloomington High School District 87, Normal Community High School, Normal West Community High School Unit 5 and University High School located at Illinois State University.
The principles and counselors of these schools connect with us through the outstanding African American students.
We appreciate the cooperation and we look forward to our continued partnership.
Barry.
- Thanks Bobby.
Now standing in for Ronda Guyton is African American Hall of Fame Museum Vice President, Chris Weaver, Chris.
- Thanks Barry.
Ronda works with counselors in Peoria District 150 and Quest Academy schools to identify those students who qualify.
The scholars must have a minimum grade point average of 3.2, demonstrated leadership at school and in the community, provide two recommendations from a counselor or official, submit an essay about the significance of history in their lives and be admitted to a university or college for fall 2022.
Our organization is committed to unwavering support of African American scholars who have carved a vision of success through demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and service to the community.
- Thanks Chris.
After the scholarship applications are returned, they're reviewed and ranked by a panel of three judges who are not members of the African American Hall of Fame Museum and are experienced in the evaluation of information.
Rankings are returned and the scholarships are awarded.
Scholarship sponsors contribute money to the African American Hall of Fame Museum that is awarded to outstanding African American graduating scholars from Peoria District 150, Quest Academy and Bloomington-Normal schools who are accepted at colleges and universities for fall 2022.
It is with pleasure that I announce the 2022 African American Hall of Fame Museum scholars and sponsors.
Let's begin with the scholars from Bloomington.
Marissa A. Hilt attends Bloomington High School.
She has a 5.1 GPA and is the daughter of Maurice and Dominika Hilt.
Marissa is a member of the National Honor Society, has received a scholarship Achievement Award, recognized as a Principal's Academic Scholar, and she has received the IHSA Scholar Athlete award.
Marissa is a captain of girls basketball.
She runs varsity track and is a pole vault leader at Bloomington High.
She volunteers at Bickford House, City of Refuge Ministries and Midwest Food Bank.
Marissa Hilt is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Scholarship sponsored by Ameren for $2,000 and a $1,000 award sponsored by Dale and Laura Avery.
She has been accepted at Wayne State University and plans to major in Actuarial Science.
Alannah D. Blanks attends Normal Community West High School and has a 4.7 GPA.
She is the daughter of Erin and Damarius Blanks.
Alana is currently the president of the Black Student Union at Normal West, vice president of the Open Door Program, a member of the National Honor Society.
And she participates in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes program.
She played varsity volleyball for four years, received the Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete award, and the first team American Volleyball Coaches Association honors Best & Brightest Award.
Alana's references recognize her leadership roles in the classroom when playing volleyball, running track or supporting her peers.
Alana Blanks has been awarded the African American Hall of fame from Ameren for $2,000.
She has been accepted at Tennessee State University and she plans to major in physical therapy.
Silas E. Terrell is a senior at Bloomington High School and he has a grade point average of 5.1.
He is the son of Kowski and Fantasia Terrell.
Silas has excelled in honors and upper level classes throughout his tenure at Bloomington High.
He's a member of the National Honor Society, recognized as Student Rotary Member of the Month, competitor for 100 Black Men of America and recognized for outstanding academic achievement at Bloomington High.
He plays the trumpet in the marching band, was recognized as most valuable player for the soccer team, received the Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete Award, volunteers at Midwest Food Bank and works a part-time job for Divine Cleaning Services of Central Illinois.
Silas has been awarded the African American Hall of Fame Scholarship sponsored by Willow G. Brown and Judge Carla Barnes for $1,500.
Silas has been accepted at Loyola University.
Michael Coleman attends Normal Community High School and he has a 3.2 GPA.
He is this son of Michael and Cantrica Coleman.
Michael's coach has described him as a student and athlete who gives 110% in the classroom and as a competitive four year varsity football player.
He also was a lifeguard, swim instructor and ran track at his school.
Michael has played the saxophone for four years with the Symphonic Winds.
He is the recording secretary for Jack and Jill of America.
And Mike has volunteered to ring bells for the Salvation Army and serve meals at the Home Suite Home Shelter.
Michael has been awarded the African American Hall of Fame Scholarship for $1,500 sponsored by Willie G. Brown and Judge Carla Barnes.
He has just signed a contract to play football and will attend Carroll University in Wisconsin.
Amira A. Harris-Bommarito is a senior at Bloomington High School and has a GPA of 4.8.
Amira is the daughter of Frank Bommarito and Torey Harris.
Amira is a member of the National Honor Society and an ambassador at the Bloomington Career Center.
She elected to take a college level class and has done well with her coursework.
She runs cross country and track and plays soccer.
She's a member of the Ball Technical Honor Society and the speech team.
Amira is awarded the African American Hall of Fame scholarship for $1,500 sponsored by Duane Farrington.
She plans to attend Illinois State University.
Moving forward, it gives me great pleasure to announce the scholars from the Peoria area.
Kaliyah J. Walker attends Manual High School and has a 3.8 grade point average.
She is the daughter of Corrine Williams and the great-granddaughter of Reverend C.T.
Vivian, a civil rights leader throughout his lifetime.
Kaliyah began her pursuit of academic excellence in elementary school.
For nine years, she has volunteered to assist Ms. Wilson at Trewyn High School with the Peoria Grow Your Own coordinator program.
She has been on the honor roll since middle school and is currently a member of Manual's National Honor Society.
She serves as deputy mayor of Student Council, captain of the cheerleading squad and volunteers to take pictures for the Next Generation Academy.
Kaliyah works with the youth department at her church and is employed as teacher assistant at Christ Lutheran Preschool.
Kaliyah has been accepted at Western Illinois University and she plans to major in education and become a teacher.
Kaliyah J. Walker has been awarded the African American Hall of Fame scholarship for $2,000, sponsored by Peoria Pac LLC and a $1,500 scholarship sponsored by CAAR, Concerned African American Retirees, in honor of both organization's past president, Alfred J. Hooks.
Justus A. Omowuni attends Peoria High School.
He has a 4.6 GPA.
He is the son of Samson and Florence Omowuni.
Justus has played on the PHS soccer team for three years.
He is a member of the PRIDE team, works on the school newspaper and volunteers at Woodruff in the Career and Technical Center.
For two years, Justus has been a member of the National Honor Society, completing CNA training, packed gifts for operation children at his church and he volunteers at Sophia's Kitchen.
Justus is awarded the African American Hall of Fame scholarship sponsored by Ameren for $2,000.
He has been accepted to Illinois State University for the fall of 2022.
Kammie E. Hess attends Peoria High School and has a GPA of 4.4.
She is the daughter of Kai Hess.
Kammie is a scholar athlete and a member of the National Honor Society.
She is the captain of the volleyball team, plays basketball and runs track.
Kammie is a member of the Student Council, the PRIDE team, a youth camp volunteer and is currently vice president of the Peoria High School class of 2022.
She has received numerous awards for her outstanding service towards others.
Kammie is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Ameren for $2,000 and has been accepted at Illinois State University, Western Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Southeast Missouri, and Harris-Stowe University.
Joseph T. Heerman, senior at Peoria High School has a 4.0 GPA.
He is the son of Gabriel Heerman.
Joseph is described as charismatic, optimistic, and highly respected among his peers.
He serves on PHS Student Council.
He is a member of the Superintendent's Roundtable, Student Council, and has been inducted into the National Honor Society.
He participates on the Peoria High wrestling team and is involved with the Peoria High PRIDE team.
Joseph is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Ameren for $2,000.
Joseph has been accepted at Bradley University and plans to major in pre-med.
Aniyah C. Qualls attends Richwoods High School and she has a GPA of 3.9 and is the daughter of O.C.
Lee Qualls.
She is currently the vice president of MAAP and involved with a cross section of school events.
Aniyah works part-time and has started a lip gloss and eyelash business.
She recently became a member of the Richwoods National Honors Society.
Aniyah sings in the youth choir at her church and serves in the daycare.
Her objective is to be the one that helps others become successful.
Aniyah is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Doug and Diane Oberhelman for $2,000.
Aniyah has been accepted at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Myles J. Andrews attends Peoria High School and has a 4.2 GPA.
He is the son of Renee Andrews.
Myles serves as the videographer for Peoria High School football team and has been on Student Council for four years and a member of the National Honor Society.
For four years, he has been involved with the mentoring for life with 100 Black Men, youth group leader at Bethel United Methodist Church and a student class instructor at Art Inc. at Peoria High School, Myles is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Doug and Diane Oberhelman for $2,000.
Myles has been accepted at Bradley University.
Kiarra M. Williams is a senior at Richwoods High School with a GPA of 4.2.
She is the daughter of Monica Williams.
Kiarra is an outstanding student in the International Baccalaureate program.
She works 16 hours a week at Jimmy Johns and returns to school to participate in the Roundtable group, the Interact Club, Kesa recycling club and volunteers at the Midwest Food Bank, the Garden of Hope, the East Bluff Community Center, the Neighborhood House, bike camp and Easterseals.
Kiarra is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Hope Renewed Youth Conference Incorporated for $1,500 and has been accepted at the University at Missouri.
Alexis V. Smith is a scholar at Manual High School with the GPA of 3.7.
She is the daughter of Vanity Horn.
Alexis is the mayor of Student Council at Manual.
She plays volleyball and basketball.
She's a member of the Key Club, JROTC, the student advisory board, the photography club, the yearbook, and is a member of the Superintendent's Advisory Board, Alexis is awarded the African American Hall of Fame scholarship sponsored by Hope Renewed Youth Conference Incorporated for $1,500, in memory of Ms. Kay Lee Welch.
Alexis plans to attend Illinois State University.
Kamaria M. Morris enjoys challenges and it is evident by the curriculum that she has selected at Manual High School.
She has a 4.0 GPA.
She is enrolled in the dual degree program between Illinois Central College and Manual.
She is on the honor roll and serves on the Student Council and is a counselor at South Side Mission.
Kamaria received the Manual High School making a difference certificate.
She is the daughter of Angela Morris.
Kamaria is awarded the African American Hall of Fame scholarship sponsored by Hope Renewed Youth Conference Incorporated for $1,500, in memory of Reverend Alphonso Lyons Jr. Kamaria has been accepted at the University of Kansas.
Jada S. Davis is a senior at Richwoods High School.
She has a GPA of 4.3.
Her parents are John and Jennifer Davis.
Jada is an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate, a member of the Interact Club, she works on the high school newspaper and is a member of the Spanish Club and Key Club.
Jada received the mayor's award and was a member of the Richwoods band for four years.
She also played volleyball, soccer and ran track.
Jada is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Illinois American Water for $1,500.
She has been accepted at Loyola University.
Darius J. Graves is a senior at Peoria High School and has a GPA of 3.7.
He is the son of Nicole Graves.
Darius is a Boy Scout who achieved the highest rank in the Boy Scouts by becoming an Eagle Scout.
He is the captain of the swim team at Peoria High.
Darius plays chess, is a member of the National Honor Society and is recognized as a top math achievement student.
He received the NSBE future engineer award and the NSBE top community service award for two years.
Throughout his tenure at PHS, Darius elected to take enriched and advanced placement classes.
Darius is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Jamere Jackson for $1,500.
He has been accepted at Augustana University.
Taylor L. Huff attends Peoria High School.
She has a GPA of 3.8.
She is the daughter of Tiana Huff and Jay Nash.
Taylor has been an outstanding member of TRIO at Peoria High School, a member of the National Honor Society and a leader on the PRIDE team.
In addition to working part-time at Culver's, she assists with recruiting and mentoring new hires.
Taylor is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Brewers Distributing Company for $1,500 and has been accepted at McKendree University.
Desiree M. Lawson attends Richwoods High School.
She has a GPA of 4.1 and is the daughter of Latrent and Laticia Brock.
Desiree is a writer for the Richwoods High School Shield and she serves as a student contributor for NAACP publications.
She is president of the French Club and secretary of the Minority Academic Advancement Project.
Desiree has more than 150 service hours with local organizations.
Desiree is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Jamere Jackson for $1,500.
She has been accepted at North Carolina A&T University, Alivia N. Parker attends Peoria High School and has a 4.5 GPA.
She is the daughter of Kaya Bunting.
Alivia is the opinion newspaper editor.
She received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, and was recognized as an Illinois state scholar, 2021 through '23.
She is a member of Peoria High's Honors Association and the Peoria High National Honor Society and an Azizi Peer Educator, and a member of the Superintendent's Roundtable.
Other memberships include TRIO talent search, Spanish Club, Key Club, and the Spirit Committee.
Alivia is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Illinois American Water for $1,500.
She has been accepted at Northern Illinois University.
Symone L. Baptiste attends Peoria High School and has a GPA 4.4.
She is the daughter of Mika Baptiste.
Throughout Simone's high school experience she has taken advanced placement and dual credit classes.
She is a member of the PRIDE team, National Honor Society, regional youth council, TRIO with Upward Bound and a co-teacher during vacation Bible school at her church.
She balances academics, leadership in various organizations, along with working part-time at Taco Bell.
Simone is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship for $1,500 sponsored by CAAR, Concerned African American Retirees, in memory of past president William Gary Connor.
Simone has been accepted at Northern Illinois University.
Niana N. Meachem is a senior at Richwoods High School.
She has a GPA of 3.5.
Niana is the daughter of Patrick Meachem.
Niana has been enrolled in advanced placement classes and dual credit classes at Richwoods for several years.
She has been on the honor roll and was invited to join the National Honor Society.
She's a member of best buddies and the multicultural club at Dunlap High.
She balances academics well while working her two part-time jobs.
Niana is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship for $1,500 sponsored by CAAR, Concerned African American Retirees.
She has been accepted at Illinois State University.
Tristen E. White is a senior at Manual High School.
He has a 3.2 GPA.
Tristen is the son of Clea and Marcus White.
Tristen is a stellar athlete and leader at Manual where he played football and basketball.
He received honorable mention in football.
He was on the honor roll and is active in the youth ministry at his church.
He works part-time in his family business, TMT Shaved Ice.
Tristen is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship for $1,500 sponsored by CAAR, Concerned African American Retirees in memory of past president, Malvin G. Hightower.
Tristen has been accepted at Missouri Baptist University and he plans to major in physical therapy.
Savoy A. Jenkins attends Richwoods High School.
She has a GPA of 4.4.
Savoy is the daughter of Joseph and Rolanda Jenkins.
She's a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, Kesa Recycling Club, Map Club, and the Neighborhood House Roundtable.
Savoy played basketball and volleyball for two years, supported the community service initiative at St. Paul Baptist Church and collected hygiene products and clothing for the community.
Savoy also works diligently to balance her commitments to school and the community and her part-time job at Portillo's.
Savoy is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Dr. Maxine Worthham and Marilyn Ragler for $1,000.
Savoy has been accepted at DePaul University.
Arionna A. Smith attends Peoria High School and has a GPA of 4.3.
She is the daughter of Angela Smith.
Arionna performed in the school play, "Just Another High School Musical."
She is a member of the PRIDE team, Key Club, Student Council, the National Honor Society and the Glen Oak Christian Youth Group.
She played basketball, runs track and volunteers at the Midwest Food Bank.
Arionna is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Levine Burdett for $1,000.
Arionna has been accepted at Illinois State University.
Kieanna M. Singleton is a senior at Peoria High School and has a 3.8 GPA.
Kieanna is the daughter of Diana Channey.
Kieanna has been a member of the Student Council since middle school.
She has enjoyed being involved in community service and food drive neighborhood initiatives for several years.
She has been a cheerleader since middle school and is on the cheerleading squad and dance team at Richwoods.
Kieanna enthusiastically works concessions during football and basketball games, is a member of the National Honor Society, and was selected athlete of the year.
Kieanna is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Susan and Bill Morton for $1,000.
Kieanna has been accepted at Missouri Western University.
Jasmin A. Armstrong is a senior at Richwoods High School.
She has a 3.8 GPA.
She is the daughter of Regina Davis.
Jasmin, an honor and advanced placement student at Richwoods received the Big 12 Conference Scholar Athlete Award for three years.
Throughout high school, she played soccer and volleyball for four years.
She was given honorable mention from nine conference volleyball coaches for her senior year.
She is an artist and a member of the art club and recipient of the certificate of achievement for the National Youth Leadership Forum.
Jasmin also works a part-time job.
Jasmin is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by West Central Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council for $1,000.
Jasmin has been accepted at Western Illinois University Leo A. Carney attends Richwoods High School, and he has a 3.3 GPA.
He is the son of Gloria Carney.
Leo, an International Baccalaureate student, is a member of the National Honor Society at Richwoods.
Other affiliations include the Podcast Club, a current events organization, and AVID, a college prep program.
He recruits students from middle school into AVID and serves as a positive role model for peers and Interact Club advocates.
Leo actively researches science fiction, the cosmos and mythology.
Leo is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated for $1,000.
Leo has been accepted at Illinois State University and he plans to major in accounting/finance.
Teyi L. Lawson is a senior at Richwoods High School and he has a 3.4 GPA.
His parents are Julian Jammadova and Yvonne Lawson.
Teyi speaks three languages.
He came to the United States with his family from Africa when he was nine years old.
He enrolled in AP English to master the language and has been described as diligent to succeed in the classroom and through his affiliations with soccer, basketball, baseball, and track.
He received the Big 12 Scholar Athlete Award.
He is on the honor roll, a member of the student Senate, Key Club and the robotics team.
He receives certificates of excellence, achievement and promotion.
Teyi is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Divine Creations with Jerry and Jennifer Johnson for $1,000.
Teyi has been accepted at Bradley and Western Illinois University, Mariah D. Murrey attends Peoria High School and has a 3.2 GPA.
She is the daughter of Edna Murrey.
Mariah is a graduate of elite and volunteers with the East Bluff home space program.
She received the certificate of completion for the girls' mental health group.
She has shown leadership through involvement in QCA running club, QCA art club, Gator robotics, and Key Club.
Mariah has completed over 100 community volunteer hours.
She works hard to balance her academic pursuits while working part-time at McDonald's.
Mariah is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Deborah Stenson-Humes Memorial Scholarship for $1,000.
Mariah has been accepted into the social work program in the College of Liberal Arts at Bradley University.
Nashya D. Randle is a senior at Peoria High School and she has a grade point average of 3.3.
She is the daughter of April Harris.
Nashya is a member of the National Honor Society, on the Peoria High Student Council, a member of book club, Spanish club and volunteers with the local food pantry.
She is an entrepreneur and makes and sells handmade crochet bags.
Additionally, Nashya works part-time at Taco Bell.
Nashya demonstrates her commitment to excellence in the classroom by helping others succeed and on the job as a trainer for newly hired staff.
Nashya is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship sponsored by Carpenter's Local Union #237 in honor of Alfred J. Hooks for $1,000.
Mariah has been accepted at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Alexandra R. Smith attends Richwoods High School.
She has a GPA of 3.2.
She is the daughter of Kelly Cox.
Alexandra has been the Richwoods dance team captain for three years.
She is an ardent student of dance and takes private lessons not only to enhance her performance, but also the performance of her team.
Her counselor describes her as a kind of person who makes everyone else around her better.
Alexandra volunteers at Sophia's Kitchen and works after school five days a week at a home daycare center.
Alexandra is awarded the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship for $1,000 sponsored by Eva Ellis in memory of 1999 hall of fame inductee, Octavia Burchett.
Alexandra has been accepted at Illinois State University.
Let us all congratulate our scholars.
And now please welcome African American Hall of Fame Museum Board President, Rosemary McCullough.
- Thank you, Barry.
And thank you for joining us as we celebrate those scholars who are destined to become our future leaders.
This year, 31 scholars received scholarships from organizations and individuals that acknowledge academic excellence in Peoria and Bloomington-Normal schools.
The scholarship judges are worthy of appreciation for reviewing all the applications and returning the results.
Thank you Walter Williams, Maretta Sidor, and Marilyn Ragler.
The African American Hall of Fame Museum Board would like to recognize the 2022 major sponsors.
WTVP PBS for being a major sponsor by producing and broadcasting this virtual presentation.
Ameren Illinois provided five $2,000 scholarships.
Ameren has been supportive of the African American Hall of Fame Museum scholarship initiative for six years.
Concerned African American Retirees, CAAR, four $1,500 scholarships, ongoing support for six years.
Doug and Diane Oberhelman, two $2,000 scholarships.
And they have consistently provided scholarships at that level for last 12 years.
Illinois American Water, Karen Cotton, provided two $1,500 scholarships for three years.
Brewers Distributing, a partner who has provided a $1,500 scholarship for the last six years.
Willie Brown, two $1,500 scholarship.
And he too has been with us since the African American Hall of Fame Museum expanded the scholarship initiative 12 years ago.
Jamere Jackson, two $1,500 scholarships this year and a contributor for the last nine years.
Duane Farrington, one $1,500 scholarship for three years.
Jerry and Jennifer Johnson, Divine Creations, a $1,000 scholarship sponsor for six years.
Other $1,000 sponsors include Dale Avery, seven years.
Laveine Burditt, three years.
Eva Ellis, three years, Susan and Bill Morton, four years.
Marilyn Ragler and Dr. Maxine Worthham, three years.
New $1,000 or $1,500 scholarship sponsors include Peoria Pac LLC, West Central Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council, Deborah Stenson-Humes, Carpenter's Local Union #237, Hope Renewed Youth Conference Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated.
2022 total scholarship support is $48,500.
It would not be possible for the organization to make a difference without the support of the board of directors.
William Junior Watkins, our founder.
Jackie Watkins, Secretary and musical performer.
Chris Weaver, Vice-President.
Eric Heard, Treasurer and Website Coordinator.
Barry Anderson, Program Development and Web Support.
Bobby Gray, Bloomington Scholarship Co-chair.
Ronda Guyton, Peoria Scholarship Co-chair.
Howard Johnson for the C.O.R.A.
Project.
Responsible for the installation of the Richard Pryor project.
And Camille Coates assisted him with that project.
Dr. William Spiller, Program Support and Musical Coordinator.
Special Project Coordinator, Melisande Peterson.
Photography and Technical Support, Kevin Kyle and Manny Banegas.
Thank you for taking action to enable the organization to make a difference.
To the scholars, as you carve your collegiate careers, keep in mind that excellence is not an act, but a habit.
The things you do the most are the things you do the best.
Our vision is for all of you to go forth and carve your path to success to become future change agents in the Peoria and Bloomington communities.
If you would like to learn more about the African American Hall of Fame Museum, please go to our website or visit the museum at Proctor Center, and finally, a very special thank you to the viewers for watching today and for supporting our students.
(inspirational music)

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