University of Memphis Launches George Floyd Memorial Scholarship

 

The University of Memphis in partnership with Shelby County Schools recently announced the creation of a George Floyd Memorial Scholarship.

According to a press release, the goal of the scholarship is to provide support to “as many African American Male Academy members as possible.”

The African American Male Academy is a program created by Shelby County Schools and the university to improve graduation rates among African American men. The program inducted its first class of 50 middle-school students on Sunday.

“As we embark on a new frontier of partnerships in Memphis, I’m proud to join my good friend, Dr. Rudd, in this work of putting a laser-like focus on the empowerment of young men of color in middle schools across the city,” said Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joris M. Ray.

“The fight against systemic racism is personal for me, as I know that students can’t breathe without equitable education. Through this memorial scholarship, we’ve set out to ensure that George Floyd did not die in vain, and that his final cries for breath will forever be ingrained on our consciousness as we extend a financial lifeline to students seeking to achieve greater outcomes,” Ray added.

The movement to create scholarships in Floyd’s memory was spawned during his memorial service at North Central University, whose president challenged “every university president in the United States to establish your own George Floyd memorial scholarship fund.”

Since then, Missouri State, Ohio University, Alabama State University, Winona State University, the University of Minnesota and several other schools across the country have launched Floyd memorial scholarships.

“This is only one small step toward productive change, but I can assure you it is the first of many concrete changes and reforms our university and community will be taking,” said University President M. David Rudd. “Loretta and I both will support the effort personally and will also dedicate time and energy to raise funds and support as many young Academy members as possible. We can build a better future, in Memphis, across Tennessee, and our country.”

All four officers involved in Floyd’s death have been charged and arrested, though one of the officers, Thomas Lane, was recently released on conditional bail. Floyd’s autopsy revealed that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, and had meth and fentanyl in his blood.

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Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].