Virgia Brocks-Shedd Scholarship Award

***Scholarship applications and all supporting documents, should be submitted to the Black Caucus Scholarship Committee Chair.

Description of Scholarship Award

The Virgia Brocks-Shedd Scholarship is awarded by the Mississippi Library Association Black Caucus Roundtable (BCRT) in honor of the late Virgia Brocks-Shedd who devoted twenty-six years of outstanding service to the Humanities. This award is made annually to a minority student and is a one-time, non-renewable award paid directly to the recipient. The recipient must attend the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Southern Mississippi at Hattiesburg. The winner will be announced at the MLA Breakfast Awards during the Annual Mississippi Library Association Conference. The scholarship committee would like to encourage the award recipient to please attend the breakfast.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Virgia Brocks-Shedd Heritage Award:

• Applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada.
• Applicant must be a minority.
• Applicant must attend the graduate program in Library and Information Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.
• Applicant must begin school no later than the next Semester immediately following the award.
• Applicant may have full or part- time status.

How to Apply

The following items must be included in the application package:

• Completed Application Form
• Resume
• Copy of letter of acceptance to the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) or an official graduate school transcript.
• Two letters of recommendation. Letters should highlight the applicant’s academic and personal abilities and his/her potential to make positive contributions to the library profession.
• One page essay on ONE of the following topics:

Flyer (PNG)

Contact Information

Scholarship applications and all supporting documents, should be submitted to the Black Caucus Scholarship Committee Chair.

In keeping with Mississippi Library Association’s theme “Stronger Together”, applicants may submit their complete application packet electronically by scanning all required documents into a pdf format and email them to:

 

Mrs. Mary Ann Peoples

Vicksburg Junior High School

1533 Rosa A. Temple Drive

Vicksburg, MS 39180

mapeoples@yahoo.com

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Donation Form

Virgia Brocks-Shedd (1943-1992) was born in Carpenter, Mississippi. She graduated from Piney Woods School in 1960. While attending Jackson State University, she studied under Dr. Margaret Walker Alexander and earned a B.S. degree in 1964. She received her masters degree from Atlanta University in 1965. Virgia served as Director of Library Services at Tougaloo College 1985-1991. She was a great leader, role model, educator, actress, poet and mother.

Professional affiliations included:

• Founding member of the Society of Mississippi Archivists
• Member of the Daughters of Margaret performing arts group

Community Service Involvement included:

• Served as a member of Jackson Writers’ Group
• Served two terms as President of The Piney Woods International Alumni Association
• Held membership in the NAACP
• Served on the Board of Directors of the Repertory Theatre

Her published works include:

• “Southern Roads/City Pavements… and We Must Rise”
• “Untitled” and “Definitely” in Mississippi Earthworks
• “Mississippi Woods”
• “Mississippi Writers: Reflections of Childhood and Youth”

2023 - Kim Blackett

2022 - Contaka Norman

2021

2020

2019 - Shirley Ginn

2018 - Juana Harris

2017 - Brenette Nichols

2016 - 

2015 - Zupuriuh Harrington

2014 – Floyce Thomas

2013 – Marsha Belton (Mississippi Valley State University)

2012 – Roberta Martinez Fotter

2011 – Yvonne Slaughter

2010 – Sonia Harper

2009 – Sarah Heidelberg

2008 – Mara Villa

2007 – Billy R. Glasco

2006 – Halima Welch

2004 – LaGena Fantroy

2003 – Raymond Brookter

2002 – Pat Rodgers

2001 – Tasha Lucas

2000 – Jacqueline Quinn

1999 – Chameka Simmons

1998 – Tracy Caradine

1997 – Debra Lundy

1996 – Veronica Walker

1995 – Linda Johnson

1994 – Carol Williams