Esther Short — Incoming college freshmen who are aspiring writers of color are eligible for a $1,500 scholarship from the NW Injury Law Center’s Vancouver office.
The scholarship is named for Portland-born author Mitchell S. Jackson, best known for his novel, “The Residue Years.”
“When I was a senior at Jefferson High (School in Portland), I won a $1,000 academic scholarship from Rotary. It made me so proud,” Jackson said in a release from the center. “Writing has helped me transform my life, and I want another young person to have that experience, too.”
As part of the application, entrants must write a two- to three-page essay on the prompt: “In his essay ‘If Black English Isn’t a Language, Then Tell Me What Is,’ author James Baldwin argues language ‘is the most vivid and crucial key to identity,’ ” and answer this question: How has language helped to shape your identity? Applications are due by Sept. 1. Finalists’ essays will be read and judged by Jackson. For more details and application information, visit www.nwinjurylawcenter.com/mitchell-s-jackson-scholarship.
