Sojourner Truth Social Justice Awards

Six outstanding graduating high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire public schools will be awarded Sojourner Truth Social Justice Awards at the 20th annual celebration of Sojourner Truth on Saturday May 30, 2026 at the Memorial Statue in Florence, corner of Park and Pine Streets (across street from Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity). 

Program will include

• Keynote speaker, Terry O' Toole, Past Committee Chair (2012- 2016)
• Music by The Amherst Gospel Choir and Ujima Singers
• Awards ceremony with brief comments from each scholarship recipient
• Remembrances and Acknowledgements of Community Supporters
• A Reception to follow at Bombyx Center

2026 Scholarship Recipients

Kai Imperial- Jewett, Northampton High School (Hampshire)

Avery Coburn, Minnechaug Regional High School (Hampden)

Janaki Ewoton, Amherst Regional High School (Hampshire)

Melanie Farrell, Discovery Polytechnical Early College High School(Hampshire)

Zoe Santiago, Northampton High School (Hampshire)

Kendal Mangum, Northampton High School (Hampshire)

The Sojourner Truth Social Justice Award honors seniors who have completed social justice work projects that align with the vision that Sojourner Truth believed in during her time living in Florence, MA, (1843-1857).   Sixty Eight high school seniors have received the Social Justice Award since 2006. The awards program was extended to include Hampden County students in 2017.  [Embed link here to Past Recipients]  The application essay requirements include demonstration of leadership and initiative, relevance to Sojourner Truth history and writing skills. [Link to Application]