In a powerful tribute to the legacy of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, Spelman College has awarded its inaugural Secoriea Turner Social Justice Scholarship to Blair Moore, a dedicated student and advocate for social change. Moore, who is set to graduate in 2027 with a major in English and a minor in dance choreography. She was selected for her commitment to promoting social justice within her community.
Remembering Secoriea Turner
The scholarship is named after Secoriea Turner, who was tragically shot and killed during protests in 2020. It aims to empower students who are passionate about making a difference. Charmaine Turner, Secoriea’s mother, expressed her gratitude towards Spelman College and the supporting organizations that made this scholarship possible. “This scholarship ensures that Secoriea’s legacy lives on, inspiring young leaders like Blair Moore to fight for social justice and equity,” she stated in an interview with 11Alive.
This scholarship was established as a collaborative effort involving Turner’s family, their legal representatives, and the Black Woman’s Lab and Black Man’s Lab. Together, they raised significant funds to support the initiative, which aims to uplift students who embody the spirit of social justice.
The Inaugural Scholarship Recipient
Moore exemplifies the scholarship’s intent through her active involvement at Spelman. As a participant in the Social Justice Fellows Program and member of the NAACP Social Committee, she has consistently engaged in community service, reinforcing her commitment to advocating for marginalized voices. Dr. Cynthia Spence is an associate sociology professor and director of the Social Justice Fellows Program. She emphasized Moore’s potential, stating, “Blair Moore, the inaugural Secoriea Turner Scholar, sees herself as a Black girl seeking justice for all Black girls – young and old.”
Moore says the $10,000 scholarship will significantly impact her educational journey, enabling her to pursue her degree while enhancing her advocacy efforts. With plans to further her education in business administration post-Spelman, Moore envisions creating a business centered on social justice principles.
Reflecting on the significance of the scholarship, Moore shared, “I came to Spelman knowing that this was the beginning of my journey to changing the world. I am so blessed to be commemorating Secoriea Turner through this scholarship. This scholarship is far more than an award—it is a call to action to uplift and remember Secoriea’s name and life.”