Originally this story was meant to highlight two interconnected events sponsored by the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum: the second annual Jane Bunker art auction (to finance the Woodson Warrior scholarships) and the sixth annual First Ladies of African American History awards luncheon. The annual First Ladies event celebrates black women who have achieved a “first” in their respective roles while also serving as the venue for announcing scholarship recipients. Concerns connected to the COVID-19 outbreak forced the postponement of both events, but thanks to the generosity of Jane Bunker and the auction’s co-sponsor, the Woodson Museum, you still can help those worthy Woodson Warriors.
Who is Jane Bunker?
Jane Bunker is an artist and a woman that cares deeply about community. After moving to Gulfport in 2017, she was determined to use her talents to make a positive difference. Seeing a need, Bunker decided to do what she could to encourage and empower deserving African-American high school seniors aspiring to attend college. From that initial desire came a plan: Make and sell art to raise money to help make those kids’ dreams come true. With the help of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum and museum Director Terri Lipsey Scott, the Bunker Art Auction and the Woodson Warriors Scholarship Initiative were born. The inaugural auction, held in March 2019, raised more than $40,000 and helped 17 Woodson Warrior scholars as they headed off to college.
Pas De Deaux 30”x40”. Bunker Scholarship Auction. 
Carnival 36”x48”. Bunker Scholarship Auction.
Who are the Woodson Warriors?
Potential recipients of Woodson Warrior Scholarships must meet very specific guidelines. First, they must be St. Petersburg residents and Pinellas County high school or home-school graduating seniors with a minimum 2.0 cumulative unweighted GPA. Applicants also must submit a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or administrator as well as a 500-word essay on a specified (and challenging) topic. For example, students could write an essay in which they identify an issue facing the African-American community today. As a member of the selection committee, Bunker reads every essay. The responses, she notes, left her “feeling hopeful about our future.” Meet some of the 2019 recipients at bunkerscholarshipauction.com/the-scholars.
Want to Help?
The plan is to continue to grow the project over time by raising more money to help more students. As Bunker noted, “2019 was such a big success, we decided to do it again!” Circumstances forced cancellation of the 2020 Bunker Art Auction, which means that no new Woodson Warriors scholarships will be awarded this year. Instead, the Woodson Museum will hold an auction in March 2021, and Bunker will continue to sell her art (and accept donations) online and by mail. All funds raised between now and the rescheduled Bunker art auction will be distributed to the 2021 Wodson Warriors. For paintings, auction updates, and ways to buy and donate, visit BunkerScholarshipAuction.com. You can also donate to the Woodson Scholarship fund, get Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum event updates, and support the museum by visiting WoodsonMuseum.org
