The Twin Cities community is turning pain into power with its support of the Donise White Scholarship Fund. White, who passed away November 8 after a brief battle with stomach cancer, was known for her commitment to community and youth. She not only believed in Black excellence, she exemplified it.
Her husband Houston White, owner of HWMR barbershop and lifestyle brand Black Excellence, created the scholarship to honor her legacy.
“Through this fund, young people in her community and surrounding communities will have the opportunity to receive funds towards the college of [their] choice,” said Houston. “Your offering no matter what amount will be a part of celebrating Donise and sharing in the longevity of her legacy for years to come.”
In less than two weeks, Houston has already raised more than $10,000. He announced Aniki Allen, owner of Ice Cream Bow Ties, as the first scholarship recipient. [see “Aniki’s Ice Cream Bow Ties” in MSR’s Nov. 15 issue]
“I thank each and every one of you for your generosity and support for a cause my wife deeply believed in,” shared Houston via the GoFundMe. “Donise loved to see young folks dream big and have the means to fund their ideas.”
For more info or to donate funds, visit gofundme.com/the-donise-white-scholarship-fund.
Stephenetta Harmon is a Black beauty editor, curator, and digital media and communications expert who builds platforms to celebrate the power, impact, and business of Black beauty. She is the former EIC for Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (2018-19) and current host of MSR Forefront, a digital roundtable series. She is the founder of Sadiaa Black Beauty Guide, the premier directory dedicated to Black-owned hair and beauty businesses. Find her at stephenetta.com.