Brenda Baker

Legacy Scholarship

Award Description

The Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Brenda Louise Baker by supporting a Detroit graduating high school senior with college expenses. The scholarship awards $1000.00 annually to one graduating Detroit senior. 

Brenda Baker

Legacy Scholarship

The Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Brenda Louise Baker by supporting a Detroit graduating high school senior with college expenses. The scholarship awards $1000.00 annually to one graduating Detroit senior. 

Award Description

About Brenda Baker’s Legacy:

My mother, Brenda Baker, attended school in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement. Like many Black students, my mother’s educational experiences were negatively impacted by racial integration. She shared stories with me about being bussed to predominantly white schools and being taught by white teachers who were hostile toward Black students and reinforced racial stereotypes. These intensely negative racial educational experiences inspired her to be a fierce advocate in her children’s education. She believed: 1. Every child is deserving of an education irrespective of their racial identity, 2. Education starts at home, and 3. It is important for Black children to understand Black history in order to understand themselves.  

As a young child, I remember our family home being filled with a personal library that contained encyclopedias, books, craft books, and dictionaries. I recall watching documentaries about historical events and figures such as The Little Rock Nine, The Black Panther Party, and Malcolm X. Every year, my mother made us watch Roots and tv specials about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day. She took great honor in her children’s academic accomplishments. If you ever visited the Baker Family Home, you would see her pride represented in her children’s diplomas and graduation pictures on the mantle of her fireplace. Though she would not claim this, she was her children’s first teacher. 

As both a graduate and a former high school English teacher of the Detroit Public Schools Community District and now a professor and researcher of Black education, my mother’s devotion has deeply influenced my academic accomplishments and commitment to education. The Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship was established to honor her memory and ensure that her commitment to education for Black students lives on. 

-Dr. April Baker-Bell 

About Brenda Baker’s Legacy:

My mother, Brenda Baker, attended school in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement. Like many Black students, my mother’s educational experiences were negatively impacted by racial integration. She shared stories with me about being bussed to predominantly white schools and being taught by white teachers who were hostile toward Black students and reinforced racial stereotypes. These intensely negative racial educational experiences inspired her to be a fierce advocate in her children’s education. She believed: 1. Every child is deserving of an education irrespective of their racial identity, 2. Education starts at home, and 3. It is important for Black children to understand Black history in order to understand themselves.  

As a young child, I remember our family home being filled with a personal library that contained encyclopedias, books, craft books, and dictionaries. I recall watching documentaries about historical events and figures such as The Little Rock Nine, The Black Panther Party, and Malcolm X. Every year, my mother made us watch Roots and tv specials about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on MLK Day. She took great honor in her children’s academic accomplishments. If you ever visited the Baker Family Home, you would see her pride represented in her children’s diplomas and graduation pictures on the mantle of her fireplace. Though she would not claim this, she was her children’s first teacher. 

As both a graduate and a former high school English teacher of the Detroit Public Schools Community District and now a professor and researcher of Black education, my mother’s devotion has deeply influenced my academic accomplishments and commitment to education. The Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship was established to honor her memory and ensure that her commitment to education for Black students lives on. 

-Dr. April Baker-Bell 

Eligibility requirements: 

  • Must be African American 

  • Must be a graduating senior in 2026 from a Detroit public, charter, or private school 

  • Must be a citizen of the United States 

  • Must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 

  • Must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, or leader in your community or school who is not a parent or relative 

  • Must submit a 500-750 word essay that conveys a deep understanding and appreciation of Black history and its importance in fostering resilience and empowerment. In your essay, discuss how Black history has supported you so far and how it might shape your future as a Black student in college. Consider including personal anecdotes, influential figures, and historical events in your aspirations and future goals. 

  • Must submit a brief statement that explains how this scholarship will support you with your college expenses

  • Must submit a headshot   

Donations:

We invite you to support a Detroit graduating high school senior with college expenses by donating to the Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship fund today. Your contribution is 100% tax-deductible and 100% goes to scholarship recipients.

*If selected, awardee will be required to submit a reflective statement explaining how the Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship supported them with accomplishing their academic goals.

*The award will be announced on Mother’s Day of each year.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is April 10, 2026. Please click here to apply.

Eligibility requirements: 

  • Must be African American 

  • Must be a graduating senior in 2026 from a Detroit public, charter, or private school 

  • Must be a citizen of the United States 

  • Must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale 

  • Must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, or leader in your community or school who is not a parent or relative 

  • Must submit a 500-750 word essay that conveys a deep understanding and appreciation of Black history and its importance in fostering resilience and empowerment. In your essay, discuss how Black history has supported you so far and how it might shape your future as a Black student in college. Consider including personal anecdotes, influential figures, and historical events in your aspirations and future goals. 

  • Must submit a brief statement that explains how this scholarship will support you with your college expenses

  • Must submit a headshot   

Application Deadline

*If selected, awardee will be required to submit a reflective statement explaining how the Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship supported them with accomplishing their academic goals.

*The award will be announced on Mother’s Day of each year.

The application deadline is April 10, 2026. Please click here to apply.

Donations:

We invite you to support a Detroit graduating high school senior with college expenses by donating to the Brenda Baker Legacy Scholarship fund today. Your contribution is 100% tax-deductible and 100% goes to scholarship recipients. Click here to donate.