FOX50 Honored By Durham Housing Authority

The Durham Housing Authority honored FOX50 at the organization’s Annual Scholarship Program and Recognition Banquet on Saturday, June 8, 2002. FOX50 General Sales Manager Evelyn Booker accepted an award on behalf of the station for FOX50’s sponsorship of the READS scholarship program.

The Durham Housing Authority honored FOX50 for their contributions to the READS program.

The Housing Authority of the City of Durham and Learning Assistance, Inc., established the READS, short for the Ruffin/Edwards Academic Development Scholarship, program. REASD is an education-oriented nonprofit organization named in honor of Benjamin S. Ruffin and Daniel E. Edwards for their contributions to the Durham community.

The program provides post-secondary educational scholarship and stipends to eligible individuals residing in public housing. READS serves as a means of encouragement to public housing residents who have a desire to achieve but lack the economic resources to do so.

The READS program has provided more than $200,000 in scholarship funds to 120 public housing residents.

Sonya Williams, host of FOX 50’s Tarheel Talk, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Dick Gregory, activist, philosopher and entertainer who gained fame as a comedian for his satirical views on American racial attitudes, gave the keynote address.

Thanks to Sheila Chast for the information & photo for this CapCom story.