Foot Soldiers Park Awards 2026 Jo Ann Bland Legacy in Action Scholarships to Four Outstanding Student Leaders

Foot Soldiers Park proudly awarded four $2,000 scholarships through the Jo Ann Bland Legacy in Action Scholarship program during a recognition celebration held at the Foot Soldiers Park office on May 27. Students were honored alongside their families, friends, and staff for their academic achievement, community leadership, and commitment to advancing the legacy of Selma’s Civil Rights Movement.

Named in honor of Foot Soldiers Park co-founder and civil rights icon Jo Ann Bland, the scholarship invests in the next generation of leaders who are using their talents, education, and service to create positive change in their communities.

The scholarship was established to honor the courage and sacrifice of the Foot Soldiers who helped change the course of American history in 1965, while supporting young people who are building on that legacy through leadership, service, and civic engagement.

2026 Scholarship Recipients

Dereke Devol Furlow Jr.

Dallas County High School | GPA: 3.67

Attending Alabama State University | Criminal Justice

Dereke has distinguished himself through leadership roles in FBLA, Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society, and Beta Club. One of his proudest accomplishments was organizing a bake sale to support a classmate whose family lost their home in a fire. He plans to pursue a career in criminal justice with aspirations of serving as Director of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Reflecting on Selma’s legacy, Dereke shared that he sees the work of the 1965 foot soldiers as a reminder that justice must be protected and upheld so that every person is treated fairly and with dignity.

Samarion Malachi Woods

Selma High School | GPA: 3.60

Attending Bethel University | Computer Science

A standout student-athlete, Samarion has excelled in football and basketball while also serving as an intern at Edgewood Elementary School. Through his mentorship of younger students, he has demonstrated a commitment to being a positive role model and encouraging academic success.

Samarion is a direct descendant of foot soldiers Lonzy West Sr. and Alice Martin West. Inspired by the stories of his family and community leaders such as Jo Ann Bland, he hopes to continue uplifting others through education, leadership, and service.

Cedriauna Eaton

Selma High School | GPA: 3.82

Attending The University of Alabama | Electrical Engineering

Cedriauna’s commitment to service is evident through her work with Edmundite Missions, where she has spent years helping facilitate food distribution efforts, clothing drives, and ACT preparation programs for younger students. A leader in DECA and robotics, she has combined academic excellence with a passion for creating opportunities for others.

She views Selma’s history as proof that progress is built through action and plans to use her education in engineering to expand STEM opportunities for future generations in her community.

Kennedi Nicole Brooks

Dallas County High School | GPA: 3.97

Attending Huntingdon College | Early Childhood Education

Kennedi has demonstrated leadership through her work as a Hope Dealer Intern, participation in Girls State, FBLA, cheerleading, and youth ministry. She also launched a “drug-free anthem” campaign designed to encourage healthy decision-making among young people in her community.

Inspired by the courage displayed by the marchers who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Kennedi is committed to creating safe and supportive spaces where young people can learn, grow, and thrive.

Investing in the Next Generation

The Jo Ann Bland Legacy in Action Scholarship reflects Foot Soldiers Park’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement while investing in future leaders who will shape their communities for generations to come.

“Continuing the Jo Ann Bland Legacy in Action Scholarship for a second year means so much to us at Foot Soldiers Park,” said Foot Soldiers Park Founding CEO Kimberly Smitherman. “Mrs. Bland believed deeply in young people and in making sure they understood where they came from, what was sacrificed for them, and the power they carry to shape what comes next. Although she is no longer physically with us, her legacy is still very much alive. This scholarship is one way we continue her work — by investing in students who will carry Selma’s story, courage, and spirit into the future.”

As these young leaders prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives, Foot Soldiers Park remains committed to ensuring that the spirit of Selma’s Foot Soldiers lives on through the actions, leadership, and accomplishments of future generations.

For more information about Foot Soldiers Park and its youth leadership initiatives, visit footsoldierspark.org.