FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kennedy Davis Awarded Scholarship from New Orleans Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women
Dillard University Senior Honored for Academic and Artistic Achievements in Film
New Orleans, LA — The New Orleans Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women has awarded Dillard University senior Kennedy Davis a prestigious scholarship, recognizing her academic achievements, dedication to film, and commitment to community empowerment. Davis, who is from Houston, is majoring in film with a minor in Mass Communications and anticipates graduating in 2025. She will be formally honored for her accomplishments at the Coalition’s annual gala on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 7 p.m., an event celebrating outstanding scholarship recipients and community leaders.
"Empowering My Future and Supporting My Studies"
For Davis, this scholarship provides both financial relief and an opportunity to pursue her career aspirations with renewed focus. “Receiving this scholarship impacts my educational and career goals immensely, as it helps cover the costs of my education,” says Davis. “It not only alleviates my financial stress but empowers me to fully engage in my studies and develop the skills necessary to succeed in my chosen field.”
Academic and Creative Achievements
Davis’s academic journey has been marked by notable accomplishments, including winning the Best Short Film award at Dillard University’s annual student awards ceremony. Currently, she is completing her latest project, King Cake, a comedy set on Fat Tuesday, which will be screened in the campus movie theater. In addition to her studies, Davis serves as Vice President of DU Pride, an organization fostering inclusivity on campus.
Paving the Path Forward
After graduating, Davis plans to attend graduate film school to further her expertise in directing and screenwriting. Her long-term vision includes sharing her knowledge with the next generation through film workshops at her former high school in Brookshire, Texas. “I plan to teach kids about photography, videography, animation, and documentary filmmaking,” she says. “Hopefully, I will be able to establish a scholarship fund myself one day.”
Guidance and Gratitude
Although she doesn’t have specific role models, Davis draws inspiration from the accomplishments of those around her. Her family and friends have been pillars of support, celebrating each of her achievements and encouraging her through challenges. “They show love, and I appreciate them for that,” Davis said.
Davis advises other students to build relationships and seize opportunities: “Networks are everything. Build relationships with professors and peers, as they can open doors to career-changing opportunities.” She also encourages resilience, reminding others, “Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on improving yourself 1% every day.”
Embodiment of the Coalition’s Mission
Davis sees this award as perfectly aligned with the Coalition of 100 Black Women’s mission of empowerment. “I plan to embody those values by giving back to young Black women like myself,” she said. “Being selected by the Coalition means the world to me. I am just grateful that I was picked.”
About the Coalition of 100 Black Women, New Orleans Chapter
The Coalition of 100 Black Women is dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black women and girls through leadership development, public policy advocacy, and community service. The New Orleans Chapter is committed to creating opportunities for academic and career advancement for the next generation of Black women leaders.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRCSPCA Calls for Urgent Community Support to Alleviate Dog Overcrowding Crisis
Critical Need for Adoptions and Fostering of Adult Dogs to Prevent Euthanasia Due to Lack of Kennel Space
Picayune, MS – September 2024 – The Pearl River County SPCA (PRCSPCA) is issuing an urgent call for help as overcrowding has reached crisis levels. Adult dogs are remaining in shelter care far longer than usual, with some waiting more than 200 days for adoption, creating severe strains on available kennel space. The shelter, which aims to find homes for animals within 7-21 days to allow for necessary medical treatments such as vaccinations and sterilization, is now facing an average stay of 52 days for adult dogs.
"This significant increase in the length of stay has created a bottleneck, leading to a crisis in our ability to provide appropriate kennel accommodations," said Beth Treadway, Director of PRCSPCA. "As a result, we've had to suspend the surrender of personally owned pets and require appointments for stray dogs. This is the only way to prevent euthanasia due to a lack of kennel space."
In an effort to address this crisis, PRCSPCA is calling on the community to help increase adoptions, specifically of large and adult dogs, by at least 10 dogs per week. Each adoption will help relieve the current overcrowding situation and create space for new animals in need of care. Additionally, the shelter is urgently seeking foster families, volunteers, and donations to help support their lifesaving work.
“When families choose to adopt or foster a large dog, they provide much-needed relief on our shelter’s capacity,” added Judy Wheaton, Assistant Director of PRCSPCA. “Fostering not only gives a pet a low-stress environment where their true personality can shine, helping them get adopted faster, but it also frees up shelter space for other pets in need. Fostering truly saves multiple lives.”
The shelter emphasizes the vital role the community plays in resolving this crisis and has launched an awareness campaign under the theme “Make Room for Love: Adopt, Foster, or Volunteer” to inspire individuals to get involved.
In addition to adoptions and fostering, PRCSPCA is seeking volunteers to assist with tasks like transporting animals and providing daily care at the shelter. Donations are also crucial to ensure continued care for the animals during this challenging time.
PRCSPCA will be holding special adoption events throughout the month and encourages anyone interested in fostering, adopting, or volunteering to contact the shelter directly. By working together, the community can help PRCSPCA overcome this crisis and continue its mission of finding loving homes for all pets.
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.prcspca.org or contact PRCSPCA at 601-798-8000.
About PRCSPCA: The Pearl River County SPCA is a non-profit organization committed to the humane treatment of animals and to finding forever homes for every pet in its care. The shelter provides adoption, fostering, and rescue services for animals in need throughout Pearl River County.