Era L. and Frances L. Walker Scholarship
Supporting African American men who treat others with compassion.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicant must:
- Be male.
- Be African American.
- Be a graduating senior from a Rockford Public School District #205 high school.
- Demonstrate a history of community service and volunteerism.
Specifications
Academic performance will be given moderate consideration in the selection process.
Written Prompt
Each CFNIL scholarship is created with a specific purpose in mind. As you complete the application, the system automatically matches you with every scholarship for which you are eligible and will present you with a specific written prompt for each. You're encouraged to craft a unique response to each prompt to show the reviewers why you're the best candidate for that scholarship.
Scholarship Background and Intent
Era Walker Biography
11/2/1928 – 12/15/2009
Era Louis Walker Jr. was born in Inverness, Mississippi on November 29, 1928 to Era Sr. and Isola Walker. He was the second of 14 children. In 1948, Era married Frances Cain and they lived happily together for 61 years. They had 4 children.
Era was a member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Rockford since 1943. His service included the Board of Trustees for 17 years, church van driver, founding member of the Usher Board, class leader and a member of the building committee. He spent 5 years volunteering for Collins and Stone Funeral Home, giving freely of his time and talents while assisting others by comforting loved ones during their darkest hours.
Era was a loyal 37 year employee of National Lock. He was employed by the City of Rockford Headstart program, driving a bus and transporting children to and from the program.
Era was a loving and caring son, father, grandfather and friend who was cherished by everyone whose lives he touched.
Francis Walker Biography
6/9/1929 - 5/10/2014
Born in Athens, Alabama to James and Sallie Mae Cain. Member of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church since 1949, employed by Illinois Bell telephone for 15 years. She married Era Walker in 1948; they had four children.
Frances was a tireless advocate for youth and well-known for her community work. She served as secretary and president of the O.F. Barbour School PTA, advisory board member for Washington Community Middle School, and was the founding board member of the Hunger Coalition.
Would you like to support the Era L. and Frances L. Walker Scholarship? You can make a donation directly to this fund, to help grow its impact and ability to provide educational resources for students in our community — forever!
