Blvck Futures is an education initiative that I created to honor the memory and legacy of a friend that I considered a brother, Joshua L. Jessie. Josh was the type of individual that cared deeply for those around him and was passionate about Black history, culture, and the advancement of the community.
Josh had always been the friend that would call to check in with you and has, in my experience, shown up to help without ever being asked. Conversations with him were always filled with joy and substance. If you weren’t laughing with Josh, you were undoubtedly engaging in a thought-provoking dialogue that either educated you, challenged your way of thinking, or encouraged you to pursue a vision or goal.
In my personal experience, Josh was committed to pouring into EVERYTHING that I created. He supported every idea and made it clear that he was in my corner in whatever way that he could be of service.
Unfortunately, Josh lost his life in November 2020, and wasn’t able to see the fruit of many of the seeds of positivity and encouragement that he planted in me. In addition, COVID restrictions and protocols made it impossible for his family and friends to formally come together to remember him.
Considering his love and passion for Black culture, his unwavering support of everything that I did, and my lifelong goal of someday providing scholarships for students that may be struggling in some of the same ways that I did, I thought that one of the best ways to remember him was to create a scholarship fund in his honor.
The Joshua L. Jessie, Blvck Futures Scholarship is my way of utilizing the platform that I have created in my business and personal endeavors to not only honor the legacy of a dear friend but also pour back into the very community that has given so much to me.
Founder, Blvck Futures
Applicants must be a Black or minority undergraduate student, attending an HBCU, in satisfactory academic standing, with an expected graduation date of Fall 2022 or later.
The Joshua L. Jessie, Blvck Futures Scholarship is awarded to minority HBCU students that meet our basic eligibility requirements. Award recipients will be formally announced prior to the start of the following academic semester when scholarships will be awarded.
The window to apply is now open for Fall and Spring award consideration. The deadline to apply will be October 24, 2022, with the recipients being announced during FAMU's Homecoming Game on October 29th, 2022, in Tallahassee, FL.