This will be the third year that the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum holds its Woodson Warrior Scholarship Auction to raise funds for eligible Black high school students headed to college. But this year, in addition to the money that will be raised this month through the auction, the museum also received generous support from the community, including a commitment of $50,000 per year for 10 years from the Milkey Family Foundation. Additional funds came in from Joe Madden’s Respect 90 Foundation, along with other businesses and organizations. The donations total $125,000.
Scholarship recipients are chosen from candidates who live in St. Pete and have at least one African American parent. They must submit an extensive application, including recommendations and an essay. The museum started an outreach program last year with local high schools to advertise the scholarship program.
“People want to help, but don’t always know how,” said Jane Bunker, who created the auction and contributes her art. “Last year, when everything was not so good, with the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter [protests], people were really having their eyes opened.”
In addition to Bunker’s work, artists Steven Kenny, Duncan McClellan and Brenda McMahon will contribute 100% of the proceeds from their auctioned work to the scholarship fund.
The art can be viewed by appointment through March 12 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. To make an appointment, call 505-577-0150. The auction will take place on March 14; free registration can be completed online.
