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This Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) are proud to announce the inaugural group of winners of the Washington-Rosenwald HBCU Scholarship Program creative contest.
The contest, open to students currently attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) as well as high school seniors planning to enroll, was designed to revive and reimagine the powerful legacy of African American-Jewish solidarity that helped shape the foundation of modern American society.
Inspired by the partnership between Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald, who together built thousands of schools for African American students across the segregated South in the first half of the 20th century, and the enduring friendship of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel during the Civil Rights Movement, the scholarship program invites the next generation of leaders to carry forward a collaborative mission of education and action, rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
Contest participants were invited to respond to one of three prompts, each exploring the history and impact of African American-Jewish alliances in the United States, and their continued relevance today.
The 2025 scholarship recipients are:
Leona Francis, Morgan State University
Justin Kinnison, Howard University
Ayomikun Mesogboriwon, Talladega College
Jordyn Nesbitt, Xavier University of Louisiana
Kirah Young, Hampton University
Each winner received a $5,000 scholarship, jointly funded by AAMA and CAM, and was honored at AAMA’s annual conference in Washington, D.C. this April. Each winner also has committed to a minimum of ten hours of community service that connects to Judaism, which can include service with a Jewish organization, interfaith initiative, cultural or historical project, or another meaningful activity that supports Jewish life, education, or values.
“Educating younger generations about the shared history of African Americans and Jews is key to ensuring the future of the relationship between our two communities,” said AAMA Chief Executive Officer Phyllis Dickerson. “Through learning each other’s stories, our duty to forge a united front against hatred and discrimination and support each other in building a better society for all becomes even clearer.”
“African Americans and Jews have long stood shoulder-to-shoulder in the face of common challenges, and a restoration of that spirit of solidarity and cooperation is vitally needed today,” said CAM Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz. “Racism and antisemitism are two sides of the same coin and must be countered with equal urgency and ferocity.”
Reflections from the Scholars:
“This scholarship opened my eyes to the powerful legacy of Black and Jewish solidarity, and it left me with a deep sense of responsibility to carry that legacy forward. I’m incredibly grateful not just to receive this award, but to be welcomed into a community that honors history, justice, and unity.” – Kirah Young, Hampton University
“This scholarship helps make my education possible so I can make an impact just like Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald.” – Justin Kinnison, Howard University
“Winning the Washington-Rosenwald HBCU Scholarship was a huge honor. It gave me insight into the relationship between the Jewish and African American communities and inspired me to continue the legacy of unity and collaboration that those who came before me started.” – Jordyn Nesbitt, Xavier University of Louisiana
“Earning the Washington-Rosenwald HBCU Scholarship was a tremendous honor, connecting me to the history of collaboration between the African American and Jewish communities. Hence, the scholarship supports my education but also inspires me to work for a future full of unity, understanding, and social justice. I intend to uphold the values this scholarship stands for by trying to find and foster bridges and partnerships in the spirit of Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald.” – Leona Francis, Morgan State University
“Winning the Washington-Rosenwald Scholarship means more than financial support, it’s a vote of confidence in my journey. As a first-generation college student passionate about business and marketing, this award reinforces my belief that my background is not a limitation but a source of strength. It motivates me to keep pushing forward, not just for myself, but to inspire others like me.” – Ayomikun Mesogboriwon, Talladega College
About the African American Mayors Association (AAMA):
The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens.
About the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM):
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) is a global coalition engaging 900 partner organizations and five million people from a diverse array of religious, political, and cultural backgrounds in the common mission of fighting the world’s oldest hatred. CAM acts collaboratively to build a better future, free of bigotry, for Jews and all humanity.
