Collier, Tiahisia -- My Heritage, My Dreams Essay -- 2026 Chalmers Archer, Jr., Scholarship
Some of the strongest parts of who we are aren’t written in books. They live through tradition, faith, and family. Even though I do not know every detail of my heritage, I see it every year in the moments when my family comes together and in the values that continue to be passed down.
In my family, we celebrate holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July. These celebrations are important to us because they bring everyone together. On Easter and around Christmas time, we go to church as a family. These moments not only teach me but also teach younger kids in my family about faith. Since my family is religious, it is meaningful to see children learn about their Lord and Savior, because it reminds me of when I was younger and first experienced the same lessons. Watching them grow in faith brings back memories of my own childhood and shows me how traditions continue from one generation to the next. After church, we spend time together sharing meals and enjoying family traditions. On Thanksgiving, we come together to be thankful for what we have and share food as a family. On the Fourth of July, we celebrate with food, family gatherings, and fireworks that represent freedom and unity.
Even though I may not know every detail about my ancestors or where my family originally comes from, I do know that these traditions are part of my heritage. They reflect what my family values most: faith, unity, gratitude, and learning from one another.
My heritage is also shown through the lessons I learn from my family. I have learned the importance of respect, love, and staying strong during difficult times. These values are passed down even if they are not written in a family history book.
One day, I hope to learn more about where my family comes from so I can better understand the full story behind my roots. Until then, I carry what I do know with pride because it continues to shape who I am becoming.
In conclusion, my heritage is not just something I come from. It is something I live every day through faith, family, and tradition. It is still growing with me, and as I grow, I will continue to pass these values forward, so my story becomes part of someone else’s heritage, too.
Giles, Al’Thelmeka -- My Black/African American Heritage, My American Dream Essay -- 2026 Chalmers Archer, Jr., Memorial Scholarship
My Black/African American heritage is an important part of who I am. It represents a history of strength, perseverance, and determination passed down through generations. Growing up, I have learned about the sacrifices made by African Americans who fought for opportunities and equality so future generations could have a better life. Their struggles and achievements remind me that success comes from hard work, resilience, and believing in yourself even when obstacles stand in your way.
Because of my heritage, I understand the importance of making the most of every opportunity I am given. My family has always encouraged me to work hard, stay focused on my education, and never let challenges define my future. To me, the American Dream means earning a college education, building a successful career, and creating a better life for myself and my family. It also means using my success to help others and make a positive difference in my community.
One of the most valuable lessons my family has taught me is never to give up. My parents and relatives have always stressed the importance of respect, responsibility, and determination. Family gatherings, church services, and everyday conversations have taught me to treat others with kindness and to work hard to achieve everything I want. These values have helped shape my character and have motivated me to stay committed to my goals, even when things become difficult.
Like many families, mine has experienced financial challenges. There have been times when money was tight, and sacrifices had to be made to provide for our family’s needs. Seeing my family work hard through difficult situations taught me the importance of perseverance and gratitude. Instead of letting these challenges discourage me, I used them as motivation to push myself academically and to prepare for a successful future. These experiences have shown me that anyone can overcome obstacles through determination, hard work, and faith.
After high school, I plan to attend East Mississippi Community College and pursue a degree in Forensic Science. I have always been interested in science and solving problems. I am fascinated by how forensic scientists use evidence to uncover the truth and help bring justice to victims and their families. My goal is to build a career in forensic science where I can make a meaningful impact by helping solve crimes and supporting the justice system. I also hope to give back to my community by mentoring younger students and encouraging them to pursue higher education and careers in science. I want to show them that with dedication and hard work, they can achieve their goals no matter where they come from.
My Black/African American heritage has shaped who I am today by instilling in me the values of perseverance, hard work, and determination. These lessons continue to motivate me as I pursue my education and career goals. Receiving this scholarship would help lessen the financial burden of college and bring me one step closer to achieving my dreams. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue working toward a future where I can succeed professionally, support my family, and make a positive impact on my community.
Glover, Kennedy -- My African American Heritage, My American Dream Essay -- 2026 Annie Smothers Memorial Scholarship
My dream isn’t the American Dream. The dream of coming to America is the land of the free, to work for the majority of my life and retire. My people will never be free. They claim the system was built for us, not against us. We all know that is a lie. From the school-to-prison pipeline to the war on drugs, you have to be the one who wants to make it out. Beat the system, or you will become a victim of the system.
My dream is to create a legacy, to make a difference, and to show other African-American girls who are just like me that they can beat this system, too. I am going into a field that is underrepresented (Medicine—Anesthesiology) to show those looking up to me that I can be the representation.
Being in a space where no one looks like you can be described as a double-sided sword. On one side of the sword is the position of power, and on the other side is the immense pressure that comes with it. When you are the “only” or the “first” in the room, you aren’t just representing yourself; you are carrying the reputation of those who will come after you. My main goal is to come into these spaces and show them that my presence is not an anomaly—it is the standard.
I want to turn exclusive rooms into inclusive ones, ensuring that the first is never the last.
Johnson, Andria -- My Resilience Essay -- 2026 Chalmers Archer, Jr., Memorial Scholarship
I showed resilience when I struggled in one of my classes. At first, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself because the work was harder than I expected. I didn’t do as well as I waned on my first few assignments, and it made me feel discouraged. I started to doubt my abilities and wondered if I was good enough.
Instead of giving up, I decided to push myself and try harder. I began asking my teacher for help, paying more attention in class, and studying more at home. I also changed my mindset and reminded myself that struggling does not mean failing; it means I am learning. Over time, my grades improved, and I felt more confidence in myself.
The experience taught me the importance of resilience and not giving up when things get hard. It showed me that success comes from effort, patience, and believing in myself. I learned that it is okay to ask for help and that challenges can make you stronger.
This will help me in the future because I know becoming a nurse practitioner will not be easy. There will be difficult classes and challenges along the way, but I now understand that I can overcome them if I stay focused and keep trying. This experience helped me to grow and showed me that I am capable of reaching my goals.
Langston, Chauvin, Jr. -- Book Review -- Mis-educating Blacks in a Southern Rural Community: The Case of Holmes County, Mississippi by Sylvia Reedy Gist--2026 Migration Heritage Foundation Scholarship
The book, Mis-Educating Blacks in a Southern Rural Community: The Case of Holmes County, Mississippi, by Sylvia Reedy Gist, explains how the education system in Holmes County has historically failed Black students due to racism, lack of resources, and inequality. The book looks at education from the time of slavery to the present and shows how Black people were the first to be denied education completely and later given access to schools that were underfunded and unable to compare to white schools.
Even after desegregation, these inequalities did not fully go away; instead, they continued in different forms, such as fewer resources, lower funding, and limited opportunities for students in rural areas. Gist connects these issues to a larger problem, like poverty and lack of political power in the community, which makes it harder for schools to improve.
The author also discusses efforts of the community to fight for better education, but progress has been slow. Overall, the book argues that Black students in Holmes County have been “mis-educated” because of the system and how it was never designed to fully support their success, and many of these challenges are still affecting students today.
I applaud Dr. Gist for publicizing this information by bringing it to the attention of those who might benefit from it the most.
Monroe, Jayana -- My Resilience Essay -- 2026 Victor Quann Jackson Scholarship
The first time I stepped into a hospital through the Health Professions Recruitment and Exposure Program (HPREP), I felt both excited and nervous. During the program, we received hands-on training at the University of Chicago Medical School, learning directly from healthcare professionals and exploring different careers in the medical field. Being in that environment allowed me to see how doctors, nurses, and technicians work together to care for patients. At that moment, I realized that I was not just observing a hospital. I was seeing the future I was working toward.
That experience required confidence, because I had to step into an unfamiliar environment and believe that I belonged there. As a student from Chicago Public Schools and a college-bound student, I often remind myself that opportunities like these are the result of hard work and determination. I pushed myself to ask questions, participate in discussions, and fully engaged in the program even when I felt unsure at first. By the end of HPREP, I felt more confident in my ability to pursue a career in healthcare.
My resilience has also been shaped by balancing many responsibilities while staying focused on my goals. At Kenwood Academy, I have taken on leadership roles, such as serving as a Tech Support Student Leader and mentoring younger students. I have also participated in MedCEEP, the Medical Careers Exposure and Emergency Preparedness Program, where I continue to learn about careers in the medical field and the importance of emergency preparedness and community health. Outside of school, I have volunteered more than 100 hours through Living Worship Deliverance Ministries, helping with community events such as food drives and back-to-school programs that support families in need.
These experiences taught me that resilience is not about avoiding challenges but about facing them with determination. There were moments when balancing school, programs, leadership roles, and community service felt overwhelming. However, instead of giving up, I stayed organized, asked for support when needed, and reminded myself of the bigger goal I am working toward.
In the future, I plan to attend North Carolina A&T State University and pursue a career as a radiologic technologist. I want to work in the medical field, helping doctors diagnose illnesses while ensuring patients feel comfortable and cared for. I also hope to continue giving back to my community and encouraging other young students to believe in their potential.
Victor Quann Jackson’s story is a powerful example of resilience and determination. Despite facing many challenges, he continued pursuing his education and dedicated his life to uplifting others through teaching. His legacy reminds me that obstacles do not define a person’s future. Like him, I want to use my education, perseverance, and confidence to overcome challenges, reach my goals, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Price, Kirstin -- My African American Heritage, My American Dream Essay -- 2026 Reedy Family Memorial Scholarship
My African American heritage is a very important part of who I am as a person, as well as the world I live in. It is a legacy of strength, perseverance, and resilience that has endured for generations. I am very proud of this legacy and admire the countless examples of how this legacy continues to show up today. We are very strong people who believe in each other and our ability to do great things even when the odds are stacked against us.
African American culture is abundant in family values, tradition , music, art, and community. We see these carried out in any gathering or celebration and are always rich in pride. Learning about my heritage allows me to appreciate the celebration but also grasp the struggles that many African Americans had to suffer through. The struggles were real and very hard to endure. I have learned that it was often the celebration that allowed us to get through the struggles. Songs are an example of this. Songs during American slavery were called Negro spirituals. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Wade in the Water, Go Down Moses were a few spirituals, also called sorrow songs. They were used more often to communicate in code with each other, but they were used also as ways to help build community.
The history of African Americans is closely related to the history of America. From the difficulties of slavery to the struggle for civil rights, African Americans have played a significant role in American history. Civil right leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks had courage and fought for us to be treated equally, and that we have a voice. Now we all have the amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue our goals.
I personally take a great deal of pride in having these opportunities to chase my dreams. I realized there was a time in which no matter how much I may have wanted to achieve something, the color of my skin made it seemingly impossible. Although in many ways our world has evolved there are still inequities that serve as barriers to success.
It is my goal to continue breaking these barriers. Every day there seems to be more barriers, but every day is also a new day to persevere. By setting goals for myself and focusing on the steps to achieve those goals, I believe I can achieve anything.
Rivera, Vivianna -- My Puerto Rican Heritage, My American Dream Essay -- 2026 Migration Heritage Foundation Scholarship
Growing up, I was ashamed of being Puerto Rican. I lived in predominantly white communities, where I stood out in ways I couldn’t control. My skin was darker compared to the other kids, and I had the type of name substitute teachers hesitated before calling out. Kids pointed these things out constantly, and over time, I started to resent what made me different. I wanted to blend in, to be like everyone else. I wanted to have pale skin, blonde hair, and ocean eyes. Eventually, I stopped telling people I was Puerto Rican altogether. It felt easier to hide that part of myself than to explain it.
But at home, it was impossible to ignore my identity. My heritage was everywhere, from the magnet of our flag displayed on our fridge, to the paintings of San Juan hanging on the walls, to the Spanish music always playing in the background. My parents were proud of where they came from, and they never tried to hide it. I wanted to embrace my culture the way they did.
As I got older, I began to understand that my culture was more than just the physical attributes people poked fun at. My culture is shaped in our character. My parents came to the mainland from Puerto Rico with nothing but their children and their determination to give us a better life. They sacrificed everything to make that happen. I rarely saw my father because he worked long nights driving trucks. My mother stayed home, caring for five rambunctious children, and tackling the cooking, cleaning, and bills. Despite carrying so much on their shoulders, they still showed my siblings and me so much love.
Even after mornings of cleaning the house and calculating our expenses, my mom would still sit with me at the dinner table to help me with my math homework. My dad, no matter how late he got home, would quietly come into our rooms to kiss our heads and say goodnight while we slept. Through them and their actions, I began to understand my Puerto Rican heritage as one being about hard work, resilience, and most importantly, love.
For my parents, the American dream meant opportunity, the chance to build a stable life and create a better future for their children. For me, it means honoring their sacrifices by embracing who I am and striving for success without hiding any part of myself. My identity is not one filled with shame, but rather strength. I’m proud to be Puerto Rican. And while it took me years to be comfortable with saying that I’m happy to be at a point where I don’t want to conform anywhere. I want to stand out. I want others to know what I am and how that has shaped me. My heritage has always and will forever be a part of me and how I carry out my life.
Shaw, Martavius, Book Review -- Growing Up Black in Rural Mississippi: Memories of a Family, Heritage of a Place by Chalmers Archer, Jr. -- 2026 Chalmers Archer, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Growing Up Black in Rural Mississippi by Chalmers Archer is a meaningful memoir about his childhood in Mississippi during the 1930s and 1940s. The book explains the struggles Black families faced in the segregated South while also showing the importance of family, faith, and hard work. Archer shares personal memories about growing up on a farm and how his family supported each other through difficult times.
One important lesson in the book is the value of perseverance. Even though Archer and his family faced racism and limited opportunities, they stayed strong and continued working toward a better future. The memoir also shows how education and community played important roles in helping people succeed. Archer explains how Black families worked together and stayed connected through their traditions and beliefs.
I think this book is inspiring because it teaches readers about resilience, determination, and the importance of family. It also helps readers better understand history by showing real-life experiences instead of just facts from a textbook. Overall, Growing Up Black in Rural Mississippi is a powerful story about overcoming challenges and staying hopeful during difficult times.
Sims, Ka’Duyn -- Book Review: Growing Up Black in Rural Mississippi: Memories of a Family, Heritage of a Place by Chalmers Archer, Jr. -- 2026 Migration Heritage Foundation Scholarship
Growing Up Black in Rural Mississippi is a personal narrative that offers a comprehensive and strong look at the African American experience in rural Mississippi during the 1930s and 1940s. Archer combines autobiography with storytelling as he describes family members and many other men and women from different walks of life who lived and worked in these rural communities.
Part autobiography, part oral history, and part reflections on culture, the book tells us how Black families made meaningful lives in the face of racism and immense social and economic barriers. A major theme is the contrast between the warm, nurturing space created by many black people and the white world outside of that space.
The calm and safety of black space experienced through Archer’s interaction with, and perception of his family and the broader Black community was one of abundant love, creativity, self-sufficiency and amazing resilience in the face of religious repression, land theft and other historical events that impacted the Black family.
The outside world was one of poverty, Jim Crow laws and violence against Black people. The way that Black people were able to create and maintain a healthy and strong identity in such adverse and impoverished circumstances is amazing.
Archer shares his personal story of travelling to a place of safety. His account stands out as he doesn’t just share the difficulties and hardship he experienced. Instead, he explores the issues of dignity, pride and culture that were challenged at almost every stage of his journey.
The account is simple to read but packs an emotional punch and contains some wonderful stories. This is an important work for those interested in the history of the African American experience, especially in the rural community. Archer weaves a personal reminiscence with the history of his community’s heritage for the person reading the book.
Smith, Jah’Elle -- My Haitian Heritage, My American Dream Essay -- 2026 Marjorie Barnes-Williams Memorial Scholarship
I grew up watching strength before I even knew how to define it. It looked like my mother, tired, determined, and still standing. She came to America from Haiti carrying more than just a suitcase. She carried sacrifice, responsibility, and a dream that did not end with her. It continued through me.
Growing up in a Haitian household, I learned a version of Haiti that felt completely different from what I heard in school. In classrooms , Haiti was often described as one of the poorest countries in the world. But that never matched what I knew. I remember sitting there, confused, almost frustrated, thinking that is not the Haiti I know. I even spoke up sometimes, saying Haiti is not poor, because how could something so rich in culture, history, and resilience be reduced to just that one word.
To me, Haiti has always been beautiful. Haiti is a country that fought for its independence for thirteen long years and became free in 1804, becoming the first Black republic to do so. That is not a weakness. That is power. Haiti did not just fight for itself. It inspired and supported other nations in their own fights for independence. It was the beginning of something greater, even if that part of the story is often left out.
Haiti has always lived inside of me, even while growing up in Chicago, a city deeply connected to Haitian history through Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. Knowing that a Haitian man founded the city I grew up in made me feel seen. It reminded me that my heritage has always had a place here, even when people do not realize it.
Some of my strongest memories are tied to my family. My grandmother and my mother would tell me what life was like back home, and it always sounded like a completely different world. They talked about going outside and getting what they needed directly from the earth, picking fruits and plants from trees instead of walking into a grocery store . They described markets in the streets filled with people, color, and life; so different from the organized aisles and quiet systems used in America. Where I saw buildings and stores, they saw land, connections, and community.
Looking back at my childhood, I can proudly say my passion and goal in life derived from my heritage. I remember sitting there, breathing in the steam filled with orange peels and limes, my eyes closed, listening to my mother’s voice telling me it would help. And slowly it did. At the time, it felt normal. But now I understand it differently. That was care. That was knowledge passed down. That was love that did not come from pharmacy, but from generations before me.
Moments like that opened my eyes to different ways of living and understanding the world. It showed me that healing is not one-dimensional. Because of how I was raised, I learned that healing starts within. That belief did not come from a textbook; it came from my culture. It came from my heritage; it came from Haiti.
And at the center of all of that is my mother. I watched her grow in a country that did not make it easy. I heard her practice English, determined to succeed. I watched her earn her citizenship, a moment that reflected years of sacrifice. She worked endlessly, doing physically demanding jobs, yet she still found ways to care for her kids. She once dreamed of working in healthcare, even studying at Harold Washington College, but life forced her to put that dream on hold. Watching that changed me.
My dream is not separate from hers; it is an extension of it . I want to become a pediatrician, not just to treat children, but to support families who are still learning how to navigate a healthcare system that does not always understand them. I want to be someone they can trust.
I also want to combine the holistic healing I grew up with and the clinical medicine I will learn. I believe both have value, and together they can create more accessible and meaningful care for underserved communities.
Healing is not just something I want to do. It is who I am. My dream is bigger than mine. It is about giving back to my mother, easing the weight she has carried, and honoring every sacrifice she made. Even though I was born in America, I carry her story with me. Because of that, Haiti lives in everything I am. It is my history, my tradition, and my identity, and through it all it has shaped my purpose.
Warner, Miles -- My Resilience Essay -- 2026 Migration Heritage Foundation Scholarship
My name is Miles Warner, and I am going to share with you a time in my life when I believe that I showed resilience. It was my junior year of high school, and I was balancing both academics and baseball during an important season for my baseball team.
Baseball has always been more than just a sport to me; it was my life. It has taught me discipline, leadership, teamwork, resilience and the importance of hard work. At the same time, I understood that maintaining strong grades in school was just as important because academics would help shape my future beyond athletics. Managing practices, games, homework, studying, the field and in the classroom. Extra curricula activities were not always easy, but I was determined to succeed.
During the middle of the season during my junior year, I injured my throwing arm while attempting to make a difficult play during a game. At first, I thought the injury was minor, but after visiting the doctor, I learned that I would need several weeks of rest and physical therapy before returning to baseball. This was difficult for me because baseball had become such an important part of my life. I was disappointed that I would not be able to help my team during such a critical point in the season, and I also worried about how the injury would affect my overall confidence and performance when I eventually returned.
The injury affected me physically and was also mentally challenging. Watching games from the bench instead of being on the field with my teammates was frustrating, and there were moments when I felt discouraged. Even though all of this was going on, I still had to stay focused on my schoolwork and keep my grades up. Missing practices and games gave me more time academically, but emotionally it was difficult to stay motivated because I felt disconnected from the sport that I loved my whole life.
Instead of staying in a slump, I decided to use the situation as motivation to grow stronger. I did what my doctor told me to do and attended physical therapy and completed exercises every day to re strengthen my arm. The recovery process was slow, but it taught me patience and discipline. During this time, I also became more focused on my schoolwork and other clubs around school that I was a part of. This gave me extra time to dedicate to my studies, complete assignments early, and work hard to maintain strong grades. I realized that resilience was not just about overcoming physical challenges, but also about staying mentally focused when life becomes difficult.
After two months of hard work, I was finally able to return to the baseball field. Even though I felt nervous at first, I played with confidence and was ready to compete again. Pushing through this difficult time in my life taught me many valuable lessons that I will forever carry with me. This experience strengthened my character and showed me that with hard work, determination, and a positive mindset, I can overcome any obstacle that life may throw my way.