Scholarship created to honor first African-American woman on New Kent County’s School Board

A New Kent woman who was adamant about providing equal opportunities for education is now the namesake of a scholarship through Virginia Commonwealth’s University (VCU) School of Business.

Oraphine Watkins Crump was deemed a trailblazer in her pursuit of education for all students. She served as a branch manager of Consolidated Bank and Trust for 25 years. Probably of more notoriety, she was the first African-American woman to serve on New Kent County’s School Board. When Crump retired, her goal was to enhance education and create a scholarship prior to her passing at the age of 96 in June 2020.

“When we were looking to name the scholarship and we heard Mrs. Crump’s story, the conversation stopped there,” said Rodney Taylor, a VCU alum who played an essential role in helping to create the scholarship.

The scholarship is targeted to young people who will be first generation college students. Taylor commented that these students need the most support and that 30 percent of VCU students are first generation college students.

To date, the scholarship fund has raised $3,000 in donations, but they are looking for any support they can receive.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s five dollars or ten dollars, every little bit helps,” chimed in Linda Hines.

Every $5,000 raised provides one scholarship to a student planning to attend VCU. The group is hopeful that they will be available to award their first scholarship this fund.

For more information or to make a donation, visit https://www.support.vcu.edu/give/business.