June 16, 2026, marked the 20th Annual Scholarship Reception to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of 62 highly qualified students who reside in Metro Louisville, will attend colleges and universities across the United States, and pursue a myriad of majors. The Branch’s Scholarship Committee distributed scholarships from corporate, endowed, and private sector funds that included the: 1) Ira J. Salls Legacy Foundation and Salls Family McDonald’s Fund, 2) Levi Alexander, Sr. Fund, 3) Salome C. Worthington Funds, 4) Kaufman and Coffman Fund, 5) Dr. Geneva Stark Aspiring Educator Fund, 6) Alexander, Bedford, Glenn Fund, 7) Fred D. Ray Fund, 8) Central High School Class of 1964 Fund, 9) Marshall Family Fund, and 10) Raoul Cunningham Social Justice Fund.

The celebration, held at Seneca High School, was full of elements that showcased a clear purpose, achievement, love, respect, and collaboration. It highlighted the debut of Nichole Marshall as the newly appointed chair of the scholarship committee and program leader; featured words of encouragement and wisdom from Elijah Simms, a 2026 University of Kentucky graduate and four-year Louisville Branch scholarship recipient; recognized members of the Ira J. Salls Legacy and McDonald’s Family scholarship; explained the origins of the Raoul Cunningham Social Justice scholarship; acknowledged the superior photographic artistry and commitment of Clinton Bennett with unwavering support of his wife Andrea Bennett; presented recipients with gifts to enhance their academic planning and organization; reminded attendees of the importance of voting and encouraged them to join and become active with the NAACP Louisville Branch; and viewed videos of past receptions and present recipients roll on the screen to music from Star Wars that relayed our wishes for the recipients - “May the Force be With You.” All these activities occurred within a family, amid support from Branch officers and members, and adoration of family and friends.

To become a donor to the scholarship fund, remit a check to:

NAACP Louisville Branch and write “Scholarship” on the memo line and mail to:

NAACP Louisville Branch

C/O Scholarship Committee Chair

4306 Wyola Court

Louisville, KY 40218

OR

Donate electronically by going to www.lounaacp.org and selecting DONATE. Follow the directions and keep tabbing until you reach NOTES. Type “Scholarship” in the notes to ensure that your donation goes to the scholarship program.

Celebration Time for the NAACP Louisville Branch Scholarship Program

The NAACP Louisville Branch stands in full support of the West Louisville Dream Team’s ongoing initiative to secure community ownership of the historic Nia Center.