“Shirley Chisholm was my mentor and friend. As the first African American elected to the U.S. Congress and the first woman to seriously run for president of the United States, Congresswoman Chisholm was a catalyst for change who inspired an entire generation to engage in progressive, coalition politics. East Bay College Fund will continue that legacy locally by establishing a scholarship in her name. The four-year, $16,000 SHIRLEY CHISHOLM SCHOLARSHIP will benefit a local youth who has an interest in public service and will pair the youth with an adult mentor.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee, February 2005
Congresswoman Barbara Lee thus publicly announced the creation of an East Bay College Fund “Great Expectations Scholarship” honoring Shirley Chisholm, at a memorial tribute and screening of Chisholm’s life earlier this year. Significant contributions to the Shirley Chisholm Scholarship were made by East Bay College Fund, Clorox Company Foundation, Port of Oakland, Wells Fargo Bank, and the A. Philip Randolph Institute. Many East Bay individuals donated smaller amounts. The hope is that these same and new donors will continue to support annually this Great Expectations scholarship in honor of Ms. Chisholm.

The young woman selected by a diverse panel of community members to receive this award is Lakeisha Richardson. Lakeisha was described by the selection panel as “Barbara Lee incarnate!” Lakeisha graduates from Oakland Technical High School in June, and will attend Smith College on the East Coast. She plans to enter politics. Even before her consideration for this award, she had asked Congresswoman Lee for an internship in the Congresswoman’s Washington office. Lakeisha founded and serves as president of her high school’s Black Student Union. She is point guard on their successful varsity basketball team, and plays varsity softball as well. She also was a tutor and mentor at a local education academy for 5th graders, and worked in the 2004 presidential campaign to get out the vote.