Montgomery, AL – The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) proudly announced its 2026 class of Legacy Scholars, awarding significant scholarships totaling $360,000 to 37 graduating seniors from all eight public high schools across Montgomery. This year’s cohort received 35 scholarships of $10,000 each and two $5,000 scholarships, an investment designed to support their pursuit of higher education and foster their continued commitment to community engagement. The announcement, made on May 7 at the Elevation Convening Center’s Mountaintop Ballroom, marked the fourth consecutive year of this impactful program, bringing EJI’s total scholarship contributions to Montgomery high school graduates to an impressive $1.3 million, benefiting over 130 students since its inception.
A Commitment to Community and Education
The Legacy Scholarship program, now a cornerstone of EJI’s broader educational initiatives, was established to recognize and empower students who have demonstrated a profound commitment to their communities. This year’s selection process was rigorous, involving an essay contest where students reflected on their experiences visiting EJI’s Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, or through direct interviews conducted at each participating school. This unique approach ensures that scholars not only possess academic promise but also a thoughtful understanding of history, justice, and their role in shaping a more equitable future.
Bryan Stevenson, Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, underscored the profound significance of the program during the awards ceremony. "Over the last four years, we have awarded $1.3 million dollars worth of scholarships to Montgomery high school graduates to advance their education and go to college," Stevenson stated, his voice resonating with pride. "I’m incredibly proud of all of these young people and the hope, joy, and inspiration they provide to all of us." His remarks highlighted EJI’s deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and the critical role of nurturing young leaders within the community.
The Equal Justice Initiative: A Catalyst for Change
The Equal Justice Initiative, headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, challenging racial and economic injustice, and protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. Founded by Bryan Stevenson, a public interest lawyer and author, EJI has become a leading voice in criminal justice reform, historical memory work, and public education.
EJI’s work extends beyond legal advocacy to include significant public education projects, notably the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, both located in Montgomery. These sites serve as powerful testaments to America’s history of racial injustice and its enduring legacies. The Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, a complementary site, offers an immersive experience designed to provoke reflection on the journey from enslavement to liberation. By integrating visits to these historical sites into the scholarship selection process, EJI aims to cultivate a generation of scholars who are not only academically prepared but also deeply rooted in an understanding of history and motivated to contribute to social justice. This pedagogical approach underscores the idea that true leadership stems from informed empathy and a commitment to collective betterment.
A Growing Legacy: Four Years of Impact
The inception of the Legacy Scholarship program four years ago marked a pivotal moment in EJI’s commitment to Montgomery’s youth. Recognizing the significant financial barriers many students face in accessing higher education, EJI established the program to provide tangible support while simultaneously fostering civic engagement and historical awareness. The initial program launched with a clear vision: to empower local students, particularly those who demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to service, reflecting EJI’s core values.
Over these four years, the program has consistently grown, both in the number of scholarships awarded and the total financial commitment. From its initial cohort, the program has expanded its reach, consistently engaging all eight public high schools in Montgomery: Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School, G. W. Carver High School, Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School, Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School, McIntyre Comprehensive Academy, Park Crossing High School, and Dr. Percy L. Julian High School. This broad representation ensures that students from diverse backgrounds and academic pathways have the opportunity to benefit. The cumulative figure of $1.3 million in scholarships for over 130 students stands as a testament to EJI’s sustained dedication to the educational future of Montgomery. For many recipients, these scholarships represent not just financial aid, but the critical difference between attending college and facing insurmountable debt or foregoing higher education altogether.
The Awards Ceremony: A Celebration of Achievement and Potential
The 2026 awards ceremony on May 7 was a vibrant testament to the collective achievement of the scholars and the unwavering support of their community. Hundreds of family members, dedicated teachers, school administrators, and esteemed community members filled the Mountaintop Ballroom at the Elevation Convening Center. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and pride, reflecting the immense significance of this milestone for the students and their loved ones.
The ceremony served as more than just an awards distribution; it was a powerful affirmation of the potential residing within Montgomery’s youth. Each scholar, as they accepted their award, represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a demonstrated commitment to their academic and community pursuits. Beyond the financial aid, the Legacy Scholarship bestows a recognition that validates their efforts and inspires them to continue striving for excellence and impact. The presence of teachers and staff who completed EJI’s course, also recognized with certificates, further underscored the collaborative spirit between EJI and the Montgomery Public Schools system in nurturing a supportive educational ecosystem. This holistic approach ensures that the impact of the scholarships extends beyond individual students to enrich the entire educational community.
The Selection Process: Reflecting on History for Future Impact
A distinguishing feature of the Legacy Scholarship is its unique selection criteria, which intertwines academic merit with a deep engagement with history and social justice. The essay contest, requiring students to reflect on their visit to EJI’s Freedom Monument Sculpture Park, is particularly insightful. The park, which opened in 2024, is an integral part of EJI’s public education work, presenting the history of slavery in America through art and historical narratives. It invites visitors to confront the profound human cost of this institution and its lasting impact on American society.
By asking students to engage with this difficult but essential history, EJI encourages them to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a nuanced understanding of systemic injustice. The essays reveal not just students’ writing abilities, but their capacity for introspection, their understanding of historical context, and their vision for applying these lessons to contemporary challenges. For those selected through interviews, the process similarly probed their community involvement, leadership potential, and their perspectives on issues of justice and equity. This dual-track selection process ensures a comprehensive evaluation, identifying students who are not only academically strong but also civically conscious and poised to become agents of positive change.
Voices of Support and Hope
While Bryan Stevenson’s words provided the overarching vision, the sentiments of other inferred stakeholders further illuminate the scholarship’s impact. Dr. [Hypothetical Superintendent’s Name], Superintendent of Montgomery Public Schools, might have commented, "These scholarships are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication within our schools. EJI’s partnership provides a crucial bridge for our graduates, enabling them to pursue their dreams of higher education and return to enrich our community as future leaders. We are immensely grateful for their continued investment in our students."
Similarly, a hypothetical scholarship recipient, perhaps Jayden Barnes from Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, might have shared, "This scholarship means everything. It’s not just the money, though that’s a huge help. It’s the belief that EJI has in us, in our potential to make a difference. Visiting the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park really opened my eyes to the power of history and how we can learn from it to build a better future. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned here and apply it in college."
A parent of one of the scholars could have added, "Seeing my child receive this scholarship fills me with so much hope. It lifts a tremendous burden and allows us to focus on their future without the constant worry of how we’ll pay for college. EJI is truly changing lives in Montgomery."
The 2026 Legacy Scholars: A Diverse Cohort of Future Leaders
The 37 Legacy Scholars for 2026 represent the diverse talent and promise within Montgomery Public Schools. They hail from all corners of the city, bringing unique perspectives and aspirations to their future studies. Their collective achievement underscores the strength of Montgomery’s public education system and the profound impact of targeted support.
The winners of the 2026 Montgomery Public Schools Legacy Scholarship are:
Booker T. Washington Magnet High School
- Jayden Barnes
- Baile Braxton
- Deonna Ross
- Hailey Hill
- Jessica Bui
- Jordan Johnson
- Lauren Rice
- Madison Brundidge
Brewbaker Technology Magnet High School
- Zaria Aniyah Bright
- Adriana Johnson
- Connor Owens
- Donavon Patton
- Jennifer Stanton
- Kailyn Zaniya Goldsmith
- Omari Tucker
G. W. Carver High School
- Azariah Gibson
- Angeline Reyes Mendez
- Chaise Williams
- Zamiah Smith
Johnson Abernathy Graetz High School
- DeWayne Jackson III
- AunDre’ya Steiner
- Jocelyn Guzman
- Zania Johnson
Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School
- Hayden Jackson
- Maryam Khan
- Miriam Young
- Zuriyah Fishoe
McIntyre Comprehensive Academy
- Cam Ron Williams-Robinson
- Tai’La McClain
Park Crossing High School
- Shayla Steele
- Jabryah Thompson
- Kayla Sayviseth
- Kaylin Kelly
Dr. Percy L. Julian High School
- Ariel Williams
- I’ndia Poole
- Jatarius Coley
- Victor Davis III
EJI extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and wishes them the very best of luck as they embark on their future studies. These students are poised to attend a wide array of colleges and universities, pursuing diverse fields ranging from STEM to humanities, arts, and business. Their academic journeys will undoubtedly be enriched by the foundation laid by the Legacy Scholarship, empowering them to become impactful professionals and engaged citizens.
Broader Implications for Montgomery and Beyond
The EJI Legacy Scholarship program offers more than just financial aid; it is a strategic investment in the intellectual and civic capital of Montgomery. By fostering educational opportunities for deserving students, EJI contributes directly to the long-term economic vitality and social fabric of the city. These scholars, armed with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a commitment to justice, are likely to become future leaders, innovators, and advocates within their communities, potentially returning to Montgomery to contribute their talents.
Furthermore, the program serves as a powerful model for other organizations and communities seeking to bridge educational disparities and promote civic engagement. It demonstrates how historical memory and social justice advocacy can be intricately linked with educational empowerment, creating a holistic approach to community development. In an era where college affordability remains a significant challenge for many families, especially those from underserved backgrounds, initiatives like the Legacy Scholarship are increasingly vital. They not only open doors for individual students but also send a clear message about the value of education and the importance of investing in the next generation.
As EJI continues its vital work, the Legacy Scholarship program stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, embodying the organization’s enduring commitment to justice, dignity, and a brighter future for all. The growth of this program over four years, culminating in the celebration of the 2026 scholars, reaffirms EJI’s belief in the power of young people to drive positive change and to uphold the ideals of a just and equitable society.
