2022-2023
Elevate.
www.BakersfieldIvyLegacy.org
Table of Contents 1
Our Mission
2
2022-2023 Operational Highlights
3
Giving Tuesday
4
Give Big Kern
5
African American Graduation Awards
6
Legacy Awards: Okafor, McKnight, Hicks
Elevate.
Our Mission. The Mission of the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation is to collaborate with educational agencies, local businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to secure and manage resources for the educational, leadership, and philanthropic programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, Kappa Omega Omega Chapter.
2022-2023 Officers
2022-2023 Board of Directors
Raquell Jones, President Kalisha McCabe, Vice President Corey Hurd, Treasurer Shimeaka Hodges, Financial Secretary Emaginne Grant, Secretary
Raquell Jones, Chairman of the Board Vivian Gayles Shirley Gordon Odella Johnson Janet Ford Shell Pam Smith Linda McKnight, AKA Chapter President Jeanie Hill, AKA Chapter Program Chair Kimberly Fleming, AKA Chapter Treasurer
2022-2023 Operational Highlights Collaboration is Key: Finding Solutions to Community Issues
1
In 2014, the Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation (BILF) was established as a response to the need for cooperation in the community. We partnered closely with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Omega Omega Chapter (AKA) to raise funds for education, health awareness, financial literacy, fine arts, and global impact programs.
Increased the number of African American students attending higher education.
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3
Fostered greater community awareness and support of BILF programs and initiatives.
Established Legacy Awards and guidelines for expanded community giving.
We enjoyed several opportunities of increased visibility in the community as we participated for the fifth year in Give Big Kern! We also participated in #GivingTuesday for the third time.
BILF gave $23,650 This is all because of increased giving from the community!
Our Strategy We are excited and continue working together with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the community to increase educational and leadership development in Kern County next year and beyond!
PROJECTS
DETAILS
OUTCOME
Communitywide effort 2nd Tuesday in November
4 donations $650 raised
Give Big Kern 2023
6th Year Participating BILF received news coverage
56 Donors $4,125 raised
44th Annual African American Graduation Awards
$23,550 awarded in scholarships Operating expenses $3,309
31 Seniors 338 8th Graders
#GivingTuesday2022
Legacy Awards
Don W. Hicks (continues) Kamilah Okafor (established) Keith V. McKnight (established)
$14,525 donated 7 Scholarships Awarded
President’s Message In 2022-2023, we were elevated once again by the generosity of our supporters. In slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to gather in person Annual African American Graduation Awards Program. This dynamic collaboration with the Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was the platform for us to give nearly $24,000 in 40 different scholarships to 31 students. That is 12.3% more given in scholarships compared to 2021-2022. #elevate Because of the support of the Kern Community Foundation (KCF) we were able to showcase our programs. We can’t help our community if we can’t connect with them. KCF’s Give Big Kern campaign gives us that opportunity every year and in 2023 we were able to reach more people than we have in previous years. And we received more donations from ‘new’ donors than before! Finally, this year saw the launch of Legacy Awards. This program allows us to partner with families and members of the community who want to establish a perpetual scholarship in honor of a loved one. We consider this a particular honor as our work will add to preserving that person’s legacy. In just this first year we have 3 Legacy Awards with total funds of more than $14,000 allowing us to award 7 students with scholarships. #thankful We are excited and continue working together with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the community to increase educational and leadership development in Kern County in 2024 and beyond! Raquell Jones President
photo by Jason Frost
NOVEMBER 29, 2022
#givingtuesday 3 Ways to Give: 1. Visit www.bakersfieldivy legacy.org/donate 2. Text PEARLS to 44321 3. Purchase an item on the Foundation’s Amazon Charity List bit_ly/items4legacy
Giving Tuesday is a worldwide movement that harnesses the power of individuals and organizations to bring about positive change in society. In 2012, it was founded with a simple idea encourage people to do good. Since then, it has evolved into a year-round global phenomenon that unites millions of people in a spirit of collaboration, generosity and celebration. Visit www.givingtuesday.org to learn more.
$650 Raised! Types of donations: general donations (3) and Memorial Scholarship donation (1) totaling $650. NOMADIC
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2022-2023 CAMPAIGN
Since 2016, Give Big Kern has raised over millions of dollars, from thousands of donors, for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations. It is a one-month period of community engagement in giving and volunteering that culminates in a 24- hour giving frenzy on the first Tuesday in May. Give Big Kern is designed to bring all of Kern County together as one community, raising dollars and volunteer hours for local charitable organizations. The effort shines a light on hard-working local nonprofits, empowering them to advance their marketing and development capabilities, and donor, board and volunteer engagement while encouraging networking and collaboration among agencies across the sector. Observed on the first Tuesday in May, Give Big Kern is a dynamic and fun day of giving hosted by Kern Community Foundation to foster local philanthropy in support of 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Kern County. The effort allows participating agencies to gain visibility as they engage the entire community in “One day to celebrate the giving spirit of Kern County!” The Give Big Kern kickoff started with the traditional ringing of the Historic Liberty Bell and then concluded with a watch party at the Temblor. Several Sorors participated in the ringing of the Liberty Bell. This year’s goal was to raise 5k, though we were a little shy of the goal we did raise a whopping total of $4,125 from 56 donors and rank #37 out of 137 non-profit organizations that participated in the Give Big Kern 2023.
`This year’s contribution will help with our collaboration with Dignity Health, the American Heart Association, NAMI, Kern High School District, Bakersfield City School District, CSU Bakersfield, and Bakersfield College as we connect students and their parents to community resources to; improve high school graduation rates; increase exposure to college and career pathways; instill a sense of community (including civic and environmental responsibility; educate families on health/financial literacy.
$4,125 Raised!
44th Annual African American
HARVEY AUDITORIUM Bakersfield High School 1241 G. Street, Bakersfield, CA April 11, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. to 8:15 pm
During the graduation ceremony, the program awarded Certificates of Recognition to the 8th-grade graduates. The event was widely attended by approximately 600 to 700 individuals. The program recognized students from 15 different high schools, including Arvin, Highland, Bakersfield Christian, Bakersfield, Centennial, Graces, Golden Valley, Independence, Liberty, Mira Monte, Ridgeview, South, Stockdale, West, and University Bound High Schools. The Graduation Awards Program Committee received 31 complete applications, with all applicants receiving scholarships/awards.
In 1980 Kappa Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc stood in the gap to fill a void that was lacking at the time in the Bakersfield community, which was the recognition of African American students and providing an avenue to academic scholarships. The first ceremony included students from the six high schools in existence at that time. To date over $400,000 in scholarships have been awarded to hard working and deserving students
44th Annual African American Grad Awards
The awards and scholarships to High School graduates are based on the following criteria:
Timely submission of a complete scholarship application packet. The packet must include completed application, personal essay, sealed letters (2) of recommendation and an official transcript. Successful review of the application packet for significant achievement in one or more areas including: grade point average, school leadership activities, community service participation or athletic competition. There is also consideration of financial need.
To receive their scholarship, the award recipient must complete the following:
Submission of receipt for registration in 12 or more college units. Registration must be completed within the first semester after high school graduation. High School students nominated for a scholarship must meet all the above criteria. In the event a student fails to meet the criteria the award, the award remains in the scholarship fund to awarded in a subsequent year.
2023 DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Norma Boyd Memorial Award $1000 Radiation Banks, Stockdale High School Scholastic Achievement Award $1000 each student Brock Bownds, Stockdale High School Broderick Bownds, Stockdale High School Susianna Anderson Book Award $750 Jayden Cox, Independence High School Dr. Caren Floyd Memorial Scholarship $750 Sydney Fay, Centennial High School Rochelle Butler Memorial Scholarship $750 Adrian Wright, Highland High School Velaska Carter Memorial Scholarship $750 Brooklyn Stitt, Liberty High School Academic Excellence Awards - 4.0 -4.99 GPA $750 each student Noah Ford, South High School Ava Marantos, Independence High School Daschl Sandles, University Bound La Vestany Pollard, Golden Valley High School Breanna Holifield, Ridgeview High School
Educational Excellence Awards - 3.5- 3.99 GPA $500 each student Tyler Stewart, Bakersfield Christian Masyn Williams, Centennial Ava Seals, Mira Monte Symphony Robinson, Independence Julian Green, Stockdale Rome Rodriguez, Arvin David Tunde Adesanya, Independence Tiana Grady, Independence Educational Excellence Awards - 3.0- 3.499 GPA $250 each student Channing Stewart, Bakersfield Isaiah Perry, Garces Memorial De’Andrea Marshall, South Jaeden Merritt, Bakersfield Kya Cooper, Golden Valley Ariana Yates, Independence Prince Ellis, Independence Jaheem Hester, Bakersfield Jeremiah Burton, Stockdale Soror’s Child Award $100 Breanna Holyfield, Ridgeview High - daughter of Sorority Member Erica Mitchell
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The following individuals have donated scholarship funds to The Foundation to award based on specific criteria found in the application packet students submit to the Sorority.
Pam Baugher Scholarship Award $100 Iynea Garrett, Bakersfield High Maise Maria Baker Memorial Scholarship $250 Kya Cooper, Golden Valley High School Gwendolyn Johnson Award $250 to each student Noah Ford, South High School Arianna Yates, Independence High School Davis-White Family Memorial Scholarship $1000 Ava Marantos, independence High School Luether Ward Community Service Award $150 Damon Brown, Bakersfield High School Arthur Ward Ethics Achievement Sward $150 Iynea Garrett, Bakersfield High School Gayles Family Award $500 Jayden Cox, Independence High School Thomas J Jones Memorial Award $250 Jaeden Merritt, Bakersfield High School Karyn Bostick Memorial Scholarship $200 Rome Rodriguez, Arvin High School Reuben and Vera Ford Memorial Scholarship $200 Prince Ellis, Independence High School
The following is a list of awards presented at the ceremony: COMMUNITY AWARDS The success of the Graduation Awards is elevated by the continued support of individuals that join in our celebration of academic excellence. BILF thanks and appreciates the support given by the following donors. Charles Benjamin Hodges Education Scholarship Upside Academy, Inc. Scholarship Lt. Paul Bradford Memorial Scholarship Robert & Russell Reader Scholastic Award Irma Carson Scholarship Ronnie and Holly Mitchell Family Memorial Scholarship Brent and Diane McClanahan Scholarship Award Lynn and Grace Edwards Scholarship Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
27 junior high/middle schools were represented and included students from Bakersfield City School District (Cato, Chipman, Compton, Curran, Downtown, Emerson, Lincoln, Sequoia, Sierra, Stiern, Washington) Edison School District (Edison), Fairfax School District (Fairfax), Fruitvale School District (Fruitvale), Greenfield Union School District (Greenfield, McKee, Ollivier), Lakeside School District (Lakeside), Norris School District (Norris), Panama-Buena Vista School District (Actis, Stonecreek, Tevis, Thompson, Warren), Rosedale Union School District (Freedom, Rosedale), and Standard School District (Standard). 338 junior high/middle school students from the 27 schools qualified as honor roll students and were invited to the Graduation Awards Program. 200 of the 338 students attended and were presented with Certificates of Recognition. Thanks to the amazing community of donors $23,550 was awarded in scholarships/awards. Operating expenses $3,308.96
Okafor, McKnight, Hicks Legacy Awards
The Legacy Award is a way for families and groups to keep the legacy of a loved one alive with a lasting gesture in the form of a scholarship that can be awarded over an extended number of years to an extended number of students.
Kamilah Okafor Legacy Award
The Kamilah Okafor Legacy Award was set up by eight of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated, Kappa Omega Omega Chapter Spring 2017 initiates. In 2023, the sisterhood forever changed, as there are no longer nine. The remaining eight will keep her memory alive with this scholarship and commemorate her legacy through her passion for creative writing.
Raised: $10,587 Disbursed: $2,500 Kamilah Okafor Legacy Award gave $500 to each student, Tiana Grady, Independence High School, David Tunde Adesanya, Independence High School, Channing Stewart, Bakersfield High School, De’Andrea Marshall, South High School, Ariana Yates, Independence High School
This scholarship is open to all graduating seniors from a Kern High School District school. The applicant is required to submit a creative writing essay, be a Bakersfield resident, and plan to pursue a career in English, creative writing, or education.
Keith McKnight Legacy Award
In celebration of Keith Vernard McKnight’s birthday, the family of Keith has partnered with us to establish a Legacy Award in his name. Keith was known for his brilliant ideas and ability to think “outside the box.” He was also a supporter of the youth seeking higher education notably by donating to our Legacy Award program in his parents and grandparents honor.
Raised: $3,255 Disbursed: $1,000
Keith Vernard McKnight Memorial $1000 Broderick Bownds, Stockdale High School
Don W. Hicks
Legacy Award
Don Hicks was a powerful influence in his community, inspiring many to come closer to God, explore their musical talent, and be the best version of themselves. In his honor, we have established a scholarship fund that recognizes graduating high school seniors who are interested in pursuing arts or music.
Raised: $683 Disbursed: $750*
This scholarship is awarded to a student who submits an application for the Annual African American Graduation Awards Program.
Don W. Hicks Memorial $750 - Jayden Cox, Independence High School *Disbursed amounts above the raised $683 were from the previous year’s donations
Bakersfield Ivy Legacy Foundation, Inc. PO Box 12556 Bakersfield, CA 93389 www.bakersfieldivylegacy.org info@bakersfieldivylegacy.org
WE THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF
OUR PROGRAMS