Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Equity And Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves Williamsburg Descendants Scholarship Program with $250,000 fund
Summary
Council authorized establishment of the Williamsburg Descendants Scholarship Program as an action from the Truth & Reconciliation Committee: eligibility for residents with African American ancestors who lived in the city prior to 1964, a proposed $250,000 city-held fund, and likely administration by the Community Foundation with awards up to $5,400 per year.
The Williamsburg City Council voted to authorize the City Manager to take steps to establish the Williamsburg Descendants Scholarship Program, stemming from recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Committee. Staff (Mr. Tribbett) described the intended eligibility: city residents with African American ancestors who lived in Williamsburg prior to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The program is designed to be broad and flexible: scholarships of up to $5,400 per year, usable for four years of postsecondary study, retraining, or certification programs; no age limit was proposed.
Staff recommended holding an initial $250,000 in city funds to seed the program and partnering with an external administrator—likely the community foundation—to run application cycles and awards. Mr. Tribbett said the City has already had initial conversations with the Community Foundation and that a first award could be made in the spring once administrative arrangements align with the partner’s application cycles. Public commenters urged strong outreach and clear website information to ensure eligible applicants can find the program; council members stressed the city retains a responsibility to publicize and support successful rollout even if an outside partner administers awards.
Council unanimously authorized the city manager to take necessary steps to establish the scholarship program and to work with a partner to administer awards. Council members commended the Truth & Reconciliation Committee’s work and emphasized outreach and marketing to reach eligible descendants.
