Aubrey's Story
Did you know that only one in 10 children from low income families go on to graduate from a four year college? And that number is even lower for children raised by a single mom. Compare that to over a quarter of the children from middle income families and a half of children from high income families. We believe that if we are serious about empowering single moms to build a new legacy for their children we can't ignore this reality. So, in 2018 Fellowship Housing launched the Legacy Scholarship Initiative to begin addressing that gap for our families. Legacy Scholars are awarded a $20,000 scholarship over four years to assist with post-high school education or trade school. I am thrilled to share that we currently have 5 children of Fellowship Housing moms who are receiving a scholarship. Take a look below to hear from Aubrey, an amazing young woman of color who is the daughter of a Fellowship Housing graduate. She has chosen to speak out recently and we'd love to share her words with you.
"I have struggled with whether to make a post and if so what I should say. I have felt in my heart that I should make a post regarding what is so heavily being more talked about in our world, but has been going on for decades. I have encouraged others to use their voices so now as an educated black woman I need to use mine. Throughout my entire life I have faced challenges just because of the color of my skin. Every time I step out of my house I know that I am going to face racism each day whether that be a side eye on the street, workers in a store following you around to make sure you don't steal anything, or being cautious driving on the road because you fear being pulled over by a police officer to face police brutality just because of the color of your skin.
What hurts the most is that my skin color defines who I am before people know my character. I don't want to have to fear that my family or friends will be another hashtag. We are called to love others the way God loves us without judgement but purely for who we are.
If you are not of color and are asking what can I do:
First ask yourself, what is in my heart about black people? How do I really feel? Ask this before taking action.
Have conversations with those in your own home and get your parents point of view on things
Lastly educate yourself by talking to other black people (if you want to have a civil conversation I would be more than willing to) or by reading books, watching movies, and documentaries
Thank you so much for reading. I want to thank everyone who has reached out to me. I appreciate that more than words can express. BLACK LIVES MATTER."
Since receiving the Legacy Scholarship Award, Aubrey has been working hard at college, and we cherish her heart to help others. Here's a bit of what she had to say in her Legacy Scholarship Award acceptance speech:
"I am thankful to be given the opportunity to apply for the legacy scholarship. The scholarship will be very helpful to assist with my financial needs while attending school at ASU- Arizona State University. I desire to continue pursuing my degree in kinesiology. I love helping others and this degree will help me in my goal to become a physical therapist. I once desired to become a counselor to pour back into others by lending a listening ear like so many that did for me. While in high school I experienced a shoulder injury and needed physical therapy. My physical therapist took time to talk to me as he worked on recovering my injury as he also helped with my emotional recovery. This is why I changed from being a counselor to a physical therapist. I wanted to help heal the body and the mind and being a physical therapist I realized that I could do both."
You can be part of the change by empowering students like Aubrey through the Fellowship Housing Legacy Scholarship Fund. To get involved or learn more, please contact Pamela@fhcmoms.org.
