Semester in Detroit is proud to announce the 4th annual recipient of the General Gordon Baker Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Jaylah Davis! Jaylah is a senior majoring in political science who hails from Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Among other activities, Jaylah has been involved with the Roosevelt Institute, the Honey's Home Foundation, and as a volunteer for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC). Jaylah is interning this fall with the Detroit Justice Center, and she looks forward to applying what she learns and contributes toward establishing her own non-profit community organization in her hometown.

The Semester in Detroit Program and the General Baker Scholarship Committee would like to congratulate Jaylah Davis on being awarded this year’s scholarship recipient. SiD continues to hold proudly our friendships and on-going collaborations with the General Baker Family, including but not limited to: Marian Kramer, Kadesha Baker, Valerie Baker, Carolyn Baker, Crystal Bernard, Charles Ferrell, and the newest member of our Scholarship Committee, Elayne Elliott, one of General Baker’s grand-daughters.

Without a doubt, we know that “Gen” would have been honored to read this final paragraph from Jaylah’s application essay, which clearly captures his internationalist orientation and spirit:

While encompassing the fundamental principles of the Black Lives Matter movement, groups have gathered around the world to march in solidarity with Black Americans. The recent protests have inspired people across the globe to advocate on behalf of black and brown people for issues that are specific to their home countries. Promoting better health care while discussing the black maternal mortality rates, discussing the lack of representation for black constituents in government positions, and critiquing the use of force against black civilians. That is where General Baker’s legacy thrives. Continuing the domestic fight against generational barriers that have left us disenfranchised, while inspiring our brothers and sisters to continue their own fights abroad. Shouting our demands for equity loud enough to be heard across the ocean and not letting a single country in this world rest comfortably while the blood of black and brown people rests on their hands. General Baker spoke out to encourage us to continue this fight for freedom and that is exactly what the Black Lives Matter movement has done and will continue to do until we are all free.