Detroit! Armada! East Lansing! Florida! The Bahamas – demonstrated the true spirit of Harambee – African term that means” “All Pull Together!” These locales provided Michigan and Bahamian students, a powerful foundation to their Freshman 2022-2023 Academic Year at Florida A&M University (FAMU). The two-day event began with dinner, information, and Blanket of Support Trunk presentation in Detroit.
Dr. William F. Pickard and later His Excellency Governor General, C.A. Smith offered personal greetings, encouragement and charged students to give 110% because performance beyond excellence is required for success! They were requested to continue building on the legacies of these gentlemen and countries while establishing their own within their communities upon graduation!
Dr. LeQuita Booth, Scholarship Committee Chair offered valuable insight for Academic Responsibility. She explained as young adults, they are expected to complete assignments timely, ask for help from FAMU and Scholarship Committee, stay in touch with parents, support each other and focus on excellence.
Mr. Karl Bell, Managing Director of GAA New Ventures, LLC, explained budgeting is done from what they have – not what they are expecting or what friends suggest. Disciplined decisions must be made: Eating with meal plan instead of DoorDash; Digital or used books when possible; never spending all their money.
DPD Officer Eric Hill informed the young men and ladies how to prevent dangerous campus incidents. Don’t go out alone at night. Stay within curfew! Leave any situations where arguing or trouble is starting. Don’t accept food or beverage from a stranger in any situation. Always let someone know where you are and when you will return.
Wayne State University School of Social Work Interns, Rhonda Adams and Chermaine Odom offer strong mentorship through the maze of college life.
Scholars were presented with almost everything they need beyond tuition; personal hygiene items, linens, printers, microwaves, power strips, PPE and laundry supplies which allows them to begin their academic year with 100% focus on studying!
The power-packed next day was sponsored by Smith-Pickard Friendship & Alliance Scholarships’ partners, Greenstone Farm Credit Services www.gcfs.com and Hantz Farms www.hantzfarmsdetroit.com.
In 2021, Mrs. Bethany Barker of Greenstone, heard about the Smith-Pickard Scholarship and immediately offered paid internships, employment, and stipends. Hantz Farms offered mentorship and support with Greenstone. Mrs. Barker presented scholars with brand new laptops, removing a substantial burden from parents and students. The passion of Mrs. Barker, Greenstone and Hantz Farms is helping young people see the tremendous opportunities available in agriculture and business.
Mr. Peter Lemmer and Mr. Mike Score who provide mentoring and support to scholars, told the full history of Hantz Farms purchasing hundreds of abandoned acres on Detroit’s east side transforming them into inner city food sources.
Scholars, parents, Committee Members and partners boarded a luxury MotorCoach to Wolcott Mill Metropark, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Kutchey Family Market and Planted Detroit. Everyone saw animals, farms and processes for food from the field to the table!
Unavailable for this tour but participating board members, Ms. Lisa Williams, Dr. Loston Rowe, Ms. Doreen Odom, Mr. Paul Hubbard, offer ongoing support, information and mentorship to scholars regarding Agri-Business.
The Smith-Pickard Friendship and Alliance Scholarship is the manifestation of a dream through over 50 years of friendship between His Excellency Governor General C.A. Smith and Dr. William F. Pickard. The goal is to address food shortages in the Bahamas and the Greater Detroit area, while providing an excellent academic experience and financial support to those who are interested and qualify for the scholarship.
The entire scholarship body for this program is:
Class of 2021-2022 – Two Bahamian students and four Michigan students
Class of 2022-2023 – One Bahamian student and three Michigan students.
The two-day event culminated in the scholars actively committing to each other to communicate and support one another. Regular Zoom and conference calls with the Committee and each other make sure each scholar graduates and moves up to their next successful career choice. They will demonstrate the Harambee commitment while at FAMU as they study, learn, live and work toward the goal of friendship toward each other and alliance with their communities.
Beyond the Money is more than a statement. It is the way of life with the Smith-Pickard Friendship and Alliance Scholars attending FAMU.
More information about the scholarship, requirements, partnerships and success stories can be found by calling 313-849-3556.
