CBC Spouses

The CBC Spouses have consistently shown their commitment to the next generation of leaders by providing educational opportunities for a diverse group of young people. The CBC Spouses laid the groundwork to establish CBCF’s internship and fellowship programs, and in 1988 the Spouses established their first education scholarship program. This collaborative work between CBCF and the CBC Spouses has provided more than $11 million in scholarships to deserving students and established a pipeline of opportunity to ultimately advance young African Americans in their career choices. In 2020 more than 100 high school students applied to the Spouses Essay Contest, writing to the prompt:

According to research conducted by Cornel Belcher of Brilliant Corners, Millennials are less likely to go to the polls than senior citizens. During the 2012 presidential election, 72 percent of Americans 65 and older cast their ballots, while only 41 percent of those 18–24 voted. Elections are decided by the people who show up at the polls. In your view, who do you believe shows up more, and what can be done to increase participation of those who currently sit out?

The following students were selected for their submissions. In addition to a cash award, each placed recipient received a laptop from the CBC Spouses Essay Contest Issue Forum session sponsor, Microsoft:

FIRST PLACE:

Ms. Justice Guldin – Congressman Hank Johnson Stephenson High School, Stone Mountain, GA

SECOND PLACE:

Mr. Kellen Matthews – Congressman Kweisi Mfume Calvert Hall College High School, Baltimore, MD

THIRD PLACE:

Ms. Kennedy Rushing – Congressman Bennie Thompson Germantown High School, Madison, MS