Celebrating 40 Years: The Enduring Legacy of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund

Seattle, WA – What began as a heartfelt initiative by dedicated neighbors 40 years ago has blossomed into a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless students in the Mount Baker community. The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, continues its powerful tradition of supporting young academic aspirations, as evidenced by the 24 students who recently received scholarships.

Richard Monroe, one of the program's founders and its early chair, recalled the program's humble beginnings in 1985. Marilyn Cooks, another proud founder, echoed this sentiment, sharing that the scholarship started with just three recipients. Her initial inspiration stemmed from her own desire to return to school and her awareness of the many bright young minds in the neighborhood who also yearned for educational opportunities. "It was just a good time for this," Cooks noted, emphasizing the strong support from "wonderful neighbors."

The growth of the fund over four decades is a testament to the community's unwavering responsiveness. Marilyn Cooks expressed deep emotion at the program's expansion, stating, "to have it be 40, makes me emotional, because I'm so proud of the fact that for one the program has continued. We've increased our numbers, and we're able to give more to these students." She hopes the program will continue long after her time, calling it "a blessing."

The impact of the scholarship is evident in the lives of its recipients. Wes Brown, a former scholarship recipient, vividly remembers the moment he received his letter and the pride he felt as a "well-respected member of the community." The scholarship served as a powerful reminder to "keep my head on straight and not let the community down." Brown, who initially considered following in his father's footsteps, eventually forged his own path in college, a journey he now shares as he returns to speak and offer words of wisdom to new generations of scholars. His presence at the recent ceremony, witnessing 24 students receive their scholarships, filled him with pride, knowing "this tradition continues on."

Mumtaz Sheik Aden, a 2022 scholarship recipient, highlighted the profound significance of the award for first-generation college students. "It meant a lot," she stated, explaining that navigating the financial complexities of higher education without prior family experience was challenging. The scholarship "really meant that I could move on and do better in the world and do better for myself and succeed." Aden, who attended Cleveland High School, initially aspired to be an aerospace engineer but has since pivoted towards web development and mechanical engineering, demonstrating the evolving paths students take. Returning as a guest speaker to the Mount Baker community and the College Success Foundation, she felt it was "really meaningful to me" to share her experiences and show students what they could achieve.

Aden also emphasized the comprehensive support offered by the program, beyond just financial aid. She lauded the "amazing" community resources and mentors, encouraging prospective students to apply for the "very meaningful scholarship." For those outside the student community, she urged them to "donate or volunteer and give back to your community. It's a really good way of contributing to someone else's success and your success too." She detailed how students are paired with coaches, often aligned with their academic area or school, providing invaluable guidance and support.

The 40th anniversary celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund stands as a powerful reminder of what dedicated community effort and a shared vision can achieve. It's a testament to the enduring power of investing in education and fostering a supportive environment where every student has the chance to thrive and contribute to a liberated future.