Jun 23

Jun 23 LGBTQ+ organization uses fundraiser to create scholarships

PFLAG scholarship recipient, Elijah Moss, is pictured with his mother, Nichol Barnes.
{Contributed photo}

Last year, during the height of police brutality, racial oppression and systemic racism protests, black, red and white yard signs began to appear across Davidson County. Their message was clear, simple and direct.

“Take a stand! Say no to racism!”

This collective response to what was taking place in the country was birthed by Wanda Cox.

“The lack of diversity and inclusion in this county often shocks me,” Cox expressed. “When George Floyd was murdered, in front of our eyes, I was appalled at the lack of understanding by many people in our area. The sign idea came to me as a way of being able to speak up and declare an objection to racism. To me, the sign seemed to be a way to make a statement and perhaps give other people the courage to use their voice to object to racism. My thinking was that it was time to do more than not be racist. It was time to stand up and encourage others to use our collective voices in our community against racism.”

As the project began to take off, Cox enlisted the help of the local PFLAG chapter. PFLAG is the United States' first and largest organization uniting parents, families and allies with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer. Cox is a board member.

PFLAG board members with their Say No to Racism Scholarship award winner Elijah Moss. {Contributed photo} — PFLAG board members with their Say No to Racism Scholarship award winner Elijah Moss.
{Contributed photo}

“I reached out to see if the local organization would like to use the idea to raise funds to do good in our own community. Together, we decided the funds raised would be used to create a scholarship for a minority student. It was rewarding to know that all students looking at scholarships across our county were able to see an offering to encourage diversity and inclusion for all.”

On June 8, PFLAG awarded two $2,000 scholarships to two graduating seniors. Elijah Moss, a Thomasville High School graduate, was the recipient of the first Say No to Racism Scholarship. Cox stated, “he is a promising young person committed to spreading diversity and inclusion in our county.”

In a statement to Davidson Local, Moss, who will be attending North Carolina A&T State University shared his appreciation for the reward.

“I think PFLAG is a great organization filled with great people who genuinely believe in the equality and fair treatment of minority and LGBTQ+ communities. I’m very grateful to be chosen for this scholarship.”

Currently, PFLAG is exploring options to continue offering the scholarships yearly. While brainstorming takes place, the group will keep advocating for the eradication of racism, oppression and discrimination.

“Ignorance breeds hatred,” said Cox. “I sincerely want to see this county become a better place for all people to live, work and play.”

For more information about the local PFLAG chapter, visit https://pflag.org/chapter/pflag-lexington-0.