The Dallas County Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. awarded scholarships to high school graduates in the Black Belt area last weekend.

Twelve graduates of the Class of 2023 in the area received John D. Taylor  scholarships from the Delta Pi Lambda Chapter aka the Black Belt Alphas.

The 12 scholarship recipients are:  Amyrrean Acoff (Selma High School),

Aya Teandria (Selma High School), Gray Bates (Selma High School), Timothy Terill Beasley, Jr. (Wilcox Central High School)

Kaitlyn Chandler (Francis Marion School), Shikeria Ga’Shay Fails (Dallas County High School), Mya Richardson (Brantley high school), Jaylen Kamari Sellers (Alabama School of Math and Science), Carnelius Williams (Keith High School), Delandra Monique Wilson (Keith Middle High School),  Michael Pegaway, Jr. (Selma High School), and Ry’Neal Reese (Selma High School) .

“The Black Belt Alphas have been awarding scholarships in the Black Belt since 1949,” Black Belt Alpha member Billy Young said. “The cost of college tuition continues to increase, and I am thankful that the Alphas were able to assist 11 students from our area in their pursuit of a quality college education.

“Next year, our chapter will celebrate it’s 75th Anniversary and I hope that we will make an even larger impact in the lives of our students and families.  I would also like to thank members of the community for assisting us with our fundraising efforts.”

Roy Saulsberry, III; Selma Municipal Court Judge Donovan McGuire, Edward Armstrong President of the Black Belt Alphas), Council President Billy Young, and Fourth Judicial District Attorney Robert Turner, Jr. attended the event.