Wayne Action for Racial Equality is pleased to announce the 2026 Timothy Barber Scholarship Awards. The higher education scholarships are given annually to graduating Wayne County high school seniors who identify as Black or African American and who recognize that racism is a detriment to human development and are using their talents to ensure the equal rights of all to achieve their potential. The Scholarship Award Winners for 2026 are:

Aisha Saint Fleur, a graduate of Williamson High School has been awarded a $1,500 Timothy Barber Memorial Scholarship for 2026. She will be attending SUNY Geneseo Honors College in the fall of 2026. She plans on majoring in Early Childhood Education.

During Aisha’s high school years, she was a highly involved student and participated in Model UN, Future Business Leaders of America and Youth Voice. Additionally, she volunteers in school and community events. She has been honored with a Courageous Advocacy Award. In Aisha’s words, “I plan to continue working hard beyond high school or college. Doing so is to achieve a life I can be proud of; inspiring others to understand just how meaningful it is to be united and prosper with the help of those around you.”

Gavin Drain, Palmyra-Macedon High School has been awarded a $1,500 Timothy Barber Memorial Scholarship for 2026. Gavin will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology and will major in Cyber Security. 

Gavin is a Varsity tennis and swimming athlete, accomplished coder and will have an internship this summer in computer networking. Gavin received a St. Bonaventure Award and Level Up awards in English. In Gavin’s words: “I believe the path to racial unity begins with the radical act of empathy and the willingness to collaborate across lines of difference. To lead a dignified life, one must first be seen and heard….my first step in working with others is to create "brave spaces" where personal narratives like mine can be shared without fear of judgment.”

Ngalula Mulowayi, a graduate of Marion Junior Senior High School has been awarded a $1,000 Timothy Barber Memorial Scholarship for 2026.  Ngalula will be studying Occupational Therapy and Science at the University of Buffalo. 

“Shasha” is part of the Marion High School’s Knights Round Table, which is a student leadership committee. She was a three sport Varsity athlete, volunteer at the Marion elementary school, and is the recipient of the Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas Award. In Ngalula’s words, “I try to live in a way that reflects dignity for everyone. That means treating people with respect, being aware of my own biases, and choosing kindness even when it is not the easiest option. Racial unity is not achieved through one grand gesture; it is built through consistent, everyday choices that show others they matter.”