Applications Now Open for Reverend John C. Holland Awards
Please see this January 6, 2022 update from Hamilton Black History Council regarding this year’s Reverend John C. Holland Awards:
“Hamilton Black History Council has carefully considered the impact of the pandemic and the demands on our partners, youth, parents, and general community. As such, we have made the decision to move the date of the Reverend John C Holland Awards to June 18, 2022. We have heard how impactful it would be to return to a version of an in-person or hybrid event, where we celebrate the achievements of our youth and our community leaders. We know the important role that the JCHA event plays in fostering the spirit of community, progress and excellence which may be experienced differently when we see each other and connect more personally. And while we are still uncertain of what this new date will allow us to do, we hear you and we will plan with this in mind!
To afford our youth more time and opportunity to prepare their scholarship applications, we are also pleased to extend the application deadline to March 31, 2022. Making this decision responds to the needs of our youth and acknowledges the challenges they face with juggling many priorities. Thank you to those who have already applied. If you believe this additional time will allow for an improved application, applicants are encouraged to resubmit before this new deadline.”
Students of African descent are encouraged to apply for the Reverend John C. Holland Awards for a chance to win a scholarship or bursary up to $1,500.
For 26 years, the Reverend John C. Holland Awards has celebrated the accomplishments of Black youth in our community. The annual awards are hosted by the Hamilton Black History Council and have provided over 200 scholarships and awards to Black youth in Hamilton.
Students will be asked to provide a letter of recommendation, a school transcript, and a personal statement outlining their achievements, experiences, and goals. The application deadline is Jan. 6, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
There are several different awards available, including:
- Marlene Thomas – Community Advocacy
- Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council – Community Matters
- Ethilda Johnson – Business (Bursary)
- Lincoln Alexander – Breaking Down Barriers
- Nelson Mandela – Social Justice
- George Horton – Law Enforcement
- Raymond G. Lewis – Sports Leadership
- Dejehan Hamilton – Tune In (Bursary)
- General Achievement – (bursaries)
- Audre Lorde – LGBTQ2S
- YWCA – Girls Rock
- Evelyn Myrie – Political Action (Bursary)
- Olukunle Adetunji – Immigrants Matter
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Feb. 5, 2022. Good luck to all the applicants!
Updated on Monday, January 10, 2022.