In 2019, local artist Jane Bunker auctioned off 20 original paintings and launched the Woodson Warriors Scholarships Fund. As of 2021, with the help of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, the fund has awarded more than $137,000 to 31 deserving students. This year, Bunker and the museum hope to see that number grow even bigger as they strive to support the ongoing promise of present and future Black scholars and leaders.
The Scholars are Thriving
“We are so proud of our scholars,” Bunker says. “They are thriving. No one has dropped out of college since the beginning, and the average GPA (grade point average) is about 3.6. They are all very supportive of each other and speak about how important it has been for them to be a Woodson Warrior.” Current Woodson Warrior, Lauryn Latimer agrees. “No matter how hard college might be … because there’s not people in my classes looking like me … I had to remember that I’m a Woodson Warrior,” she says. “They have hope in me. I need to have hope in myself.” The chosen scholars represent seven high schools and 17 colleges.
The Gala: Give From Your Heart
Donations are welcome year-round, but two special events are helping to raise funds for present and future Woodson Warriors. Bunker’s recent works are on exhibit and offered for sale at the Chihuly Museum until April 30, with proceeds going to the scholarships fund. Secondly, in cooperation with the Woodson Museum, the Woodson Warrior Scholarships Fund is sponsoring a fundraising event on March 27 at the historic Coliseum. Attendees will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres from 4 to 5 p.m. before award-winning investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones takes center stage.
Known for her coverage of civil rights and racial injustice, she is also the creator of the 1619 Project. The work received a 2020 Pulitzer Prize for commentary. The judges cited her “sweeping, provocative and personal essay for the ground-breaking 1619 Project, which seeks to place the enslavement of Africans at the center of America’s story, prompting public conversation about the nation’s founding and evolution.” The evening will be capped by an opportunity to donate to the Scholarships Fund in a “Bid From the Heart” event at 6:30.
For more information, go to www.woodsonmuseum.org and www.woodsonscholarships.com.
