ST. LOUIS – It has been nearly ten years since a Ferguson police officer shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown. His mother, Lezley McSpadden-Head, has turned his story into community change through the Michael O.D. Brown Memorial Scholarship.
“I still get a chance to take care of my baby. So, this is another thing I get to do in his honor for someone else,” McSpadden-Head, founder and president of the Michael O.D. Brown We Love Our Sons & Daughters Foundation, said.
The scholarship supports Missouri high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education in performing arts and social justice.
“We’re looking at academic need or academic achievement, financial need, and community service record,” Isaiah Melendez, principal of McCluer High School, said.
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The scholarship is set to grant five $3,000 scholarships at Michael’s alma mater, Normandy High School and $3,000 scholarships to select St. Louis County high schools.
“I want them to feel proud about applying for the scholarship and being proud to receive it if they do. I want it to mean something for them,” McSpadden-Head said.