In celebration of the birthday of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute (SCCI) is launching the first round of the William R. Howard Scholarship on Nov. 30, 2022. The scholarship in the amount of $500 each will be awarded to two young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 in the areas of art, culture and/or academics.
About William R. Howard
SCCI states that William (Bill) R. Howard has been quite effective in forging change. He started in banking in the early ’60s extending almost two decades of service such as supervising operations of 17 branches controlling $2.4 billion at the Metropolitan Savings Bank. Extending to years of service as first deputy commissioner for the Department of Finance of the City of New York serving as trustee to the Police Pension Fund, Fire Pension Fund and NYC Conventional Mortgage Accounts, to serving as assistant VP to Equitable Investment, Real Estate and Tax division. In addition, Howard supervised interbank relationships at the Bank of Credit and Commerce International in 72 countries. During the tenure of President William Clinton, Howard served as deputy U.S. trustee under Robb Evans.
Howard’s pristine work in the financial sector, says SCCI, is mirrored in his community service initiatives, as well. He volunteered his time to assist Coretta Scott King in fundraising for the development of the King Center while supporting artists along the way. Howard served as a trustee for the City University of New York, Brooklyn Navy Yard Industrial Park, Jewish Hospital (now Interfaith Medical Center), chair of the Downtown Development Authority in Atlanta, member of the Georgia Agricultural Authority, member of the Congressional Staff Club of the United States, Southern Governor Conferences, on the host committee of the Democratic Conventions (1978, 1980, 1984 and 1988; vice chair in 1976 and 1980) and member of the Georgia Agricultural Authority. Howard held the position of staff member to the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm from 1965-1976, both in Washington and the New York office. Continuing, he served as her advisor and proponent of her legacy throughout her life. He also kept her legacy alive by providing scholarships and served as the first vice president of the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute for Children, Inc. He also served as president of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, the largest carnival in North America, until his death, and his passion for facilitating steelpan art and craft is shared today.
“Bill was a mentor to so many in political, professional, and cultural spaces. His determination and energy were driving forces for initiatives that continue to inspire. On behalf of the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute Board and Advisors, we are honored to facilitate this scholarship in tribute to his legacy,” said Barbara Bullard, president.
The Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute states that their mission, founded by Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm in 1977 and her colleagues, is to provide opportunities and cultural experiences for all ages to utilize economic, educational, health and recreational resources in our communities. The newly created SCCI Board, restoring an institution that had gone to sleep due to the aging and passing of previous members, consists of thought leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives from an array of fields who understand the relevance of her legacy. SCCI’s goal is to preserve Congresswoman Chisholm’s legacy through the initiatives cultivated in 1977 with 21st-century activism and innovation. State-of-the-art programming is being developed in diverse media platforms.
About William R. Howard Scholarship
Open call to submit a video introducing yourself and an essay (1,500 word max) articulating “Why do you need the fund? How will the fund help you to reach your goals?” SCCI Board and thought leaders will select two finalists for a cash award of $500 each.
IMPORTANT DATES
– Date submission opens: Nov. 30, 2022 (Shirley Chisholm’s Birthday)
– Date submission closes: Feb. 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
ELIGIBILITY
– Students must be of African Diaspora, Indigenous, Latinx Descent
– CUNY students only (2- or 4-year colleges)
– Must be between 18 to 24 years of age
– Applicant must demonstrate substantial work in the areas of art, culture and/or academics
– The application process is online: shirleychisholminstitute.org | click “programming”
For more information: info@shirleychisholminstitute.org
I am appalled by the fact that this news organization allows individuals who don’t have the permission to have a scholarship fund in the name of my late father to publish an application to apply without the the permission of the Estate of William R. Howard. Since his death there have been many people using his name without transparency or the partnership of people who were his sons and daughters. I would think that a reputable organization such as the Amsterdam News would have done more to respect my fathers legacy.