In 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma's Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, was one of the most prosperous African-American communities in the United States.

The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 killed hundreds of residents, burned more than 1250 homes, and erased years of Black success.

"Why couldn't Black Wall Street recover?" is one of the first questions I asked when I first learned about this act of domestic terrorism. In addition to the psychological and physical toll this event inflicted, it's important to understand the technological landscape at the time. In 1921, there were no such things as multi-region availability zones where if you destroy one database, then there are 100s of replicas across the globe.

As a matter of fact, it would not be until 1926 during WWII that the field of study, Computer Science, was invented.

So why does this matter and what does this have to do with having a career in STEM? The advancement of science and technology has lowered the barrier of entry to learning and thriving. In person, one can be prevented from walking into a library, but online, we are all just IP numbers. In today's world, I believe the financial impact of the physical destruction of Black Wall Street would have been severely limited due to the advancements made in science and technology.

Although wage inequality is worsening in America, I believe a career in STEM can help to slow down the gap increase and potentially start to narrow the gap. STEM jobs tend to command some of the highest industry salaries, great benefits, work-life balance, and job growth.

There are studies that exist that suggest there is a positive correlation between wage and racial inequality. This award is to encourage and support a career in STEM in hopes of positively affecting the wage and racial inequality in America.

2001 State Commission Report

Eligibility

• Be a high school senior, full-time undergraduate, or graduate currently attending a two or four-year college or university or pursuing an alternative education path

• Complete an application (including proof of enrollment)

• Proof of residency in Kosciusko, MS, Mobile, AL, or Pensacola, FL, and surrounding areas (within 50 miles)

• Complete a one or two-page essay explaining your passion and defining your "why"

Eligibility

• Complete a one or two-page essay. The essay should define your community, the scope of work, and your why

• 2 signed community references

Named after John Bridges Simpson who passed away from cancer in 2007, this award is available to those pursuing a career in the medical field. My granddad was a large influence on my life growing up as a male figure.

Ms. Maya Angelou said "people will never forget how you made them feel" and I'll always remember the security and optimism I felt when he would say "everything will be alright."

Eligibility

• Be a high school senior, full-time undergraduate, or graduate currently attending a two or four-year college or university

• Have a grade point average of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale)

• Complete an application (including proof of enrollment)

• Proof of residency in Kosciusko, MS, Mobile, AL, or Pensacola, FL and surrounding areas (within 50 miles)

• Complete a one or two-page essay explaining your passion and defining your why

Dr. Dorothy Sallis Stewart was a compassionate physician who dedicated her life to serving those less fortunate. As the founder of J.I.L. (Jesus Is Lord) Family Health Center, Dr. Stewart focused her practice on providing quality healthcare to underserved populations. Dr. Stewart was especially devoted to the aging population and always went over and above to ensure her patients were treated with dignity and respect while receiving the highest quality of care, regardless of their ability to pay. Dr. Stewart earned her Medical degree from Wright State University and her Bachelor's degree from Tougaloo College. She completed her Fellowship at the University of California - San Diego.

Dr. Stewart will be forever remembered for her devotion to Kingdom work, generosity, and service to her community. 

The Dr. Dorothy Sallis Stewart fund will continue Dr. Stewart's legacy by supporting education for low-income students majoring in health sciences. 

To support the fund, please click here.

All donations to the Dr. Dorothy Sallis Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund are tax deductible. The scholarship will be issued through the ARM Church Community Development Fund.