The Jekonni Barber Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the Barber and Minter families to honor the memory of Jekonni Barber, who passed away August 26, 2001 as a result of a fatal automobile accident at the tender age of 18. The fund is intended to serve as an enduring testament to Jekonni’s vitality, spirit, talents and love for the musical and performance arts. Jekonni was a member of the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta and performed with the company in the US, Europe and South Africa. He had an incredible passion and talent for acting, dancing and singing. When he passed, Jekonni was just two weeks away from beginning his college education at Columbia College in Chicago, majoring in music composition.
To date, the fund has awarded more than 40 scholarships in six rounds totaling nearly $30,000. This would not be possible without the support of the directed contributions of hundreds of donors. Many of the Ensemble’s regular funders prevent us from funding the scholarships out of the general fund of the company. As a result, only contributions directed specifically towards the scholarship fund can be awarded.
Scholarships are available to students from Atlanta area schools who have been admitted to a college or university with an intended major in music, theatre or dance. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in music or the performing arts, have a need for financial aid and have a cumulative high school grade point average of at least a B- or 2.75.
Contributions can be mailed to:
Jekonni Barber Scholarship Fund
c/o Youth Ensemble of Atlanta
9 Gammon Avenue
Atlanta , Georgia 30315
Or donate online at Network for Good and mention “Jekonni” in the Designation field.
