Akron Public Schools Student Wins Top Sojourner Truth Award

This year’s Sojourner Truth Legacy Scholarship was awarded to a Firestone CLC senior who is no stranger to leadership and service.

Brianna Ellerson-Dyer loves history and art. She is a four-year honor roll student, a mentor, plays softball, a cheerleader, and she works hard for her money. 

She has a full plate and balances them well, exceeding expectations.

Brianna’s academic excellence is reflected through her Advanced Placement classes and College Credit Plus courses. She is a member of the National Art Honor Society, which recognizes students showing outstanding ability in art. She is a pitcher on the school’s softball team and the captain of the cheerleading squad.

Beyond the classroom and sports, Brianna has shown a strong commitment to community service. She works with several local service projects that support youth and community engagement.

The Sojourner Truth Legacy Education Fund Board and Akron Press Club presented Brianna with the scholarship in the amount of $5,000.

“I was impressed with Brianna’s tenacity, a four-year honor roll student, rigorous coursework through honors classes, who has excelled academically while remaining deeply engaged in her school and community volunteer projects,” said Towanda Mullins, who chairs the Sojourner Truth Education Board. “The Board is committed to advancing programs, resources and community events that illuminate Truth’s legacy by providing annual scholarships to outstanding high school and college students throughout Summit County to inspire future leaders.” 

Brianna explained what Sojourner Truth’s legacy means to her.

“I admire how she was a voice for Blacks and Women speaking on issues that impacted both communities, speaking for those who might not feel comfortable or feel like they aren’t being heard,” she said.

The Board also awarded two additional scholarships: $1,000 to Olivia Tidmore of Nordonia Hills and $1,000 to D’Essence Jackson, a junior at North Carolina A & T University and 2023 Buchtel CLC graduate.

The Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza was unveiled in May of 2024 adjacent to the historic site where Sojourner Truth delivered her powerful speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” on May 29, 1851 at the Women’s Rights Convention in Akron at 37 North High Street. The plaza now stands as a lasting tribute to Truth’s fight for equality and justice. 

“It is important to the Board that the next generation recognizes that the lifework of Sojourner Truth can be aligned with their own vision to lead meaningful and positive change in the communities where they reside,” said Mullins.

Brianna’s AP African American Studies teacher, Erin Saal, said Brianna is committed and will make a difference.

“Brianna is unmatched in natural curiosity regarding AP African American Studies,” Saal said. “She has, from the start of the school year consistently worked towards excellence with dedication and comported herself with both grace and dignity. 

“Briana is an utter force and I have no doubt she will not just seek to improve herself but, more importantly, the wider world. What a gift to us all.” 

Brianna will continue her educational journey at the University of Cincinnati where she plans to major in Communication Design. She will also pursue her passion in sports by joining Cincinnati’s Club Softball Team.

Brianna envisions herself working as a designer. She wants to contribute to community-centered projects while serving as a voice for the African American community. She hopes to apply what she learns and use design as a tool for connection, helping Akron grow, strengthening community pride, and setting a positive example for the African American community. 

“My goal is to use creativity not just to make things look good, but to make a real difference in the lives of the people around me,” Brianna said.”

To learn more about the Sojourner Truth Legacy visit https://www.truthlegacyakron.org