In honor of the legacy of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, dedicated Spelman College student and social change advocate Blair Moore was awarded the first Secoriea Turner Social Justice Scholarship. Moore is set to graduate in 2027 with a major in English and a minor in dance choreography. He was chosen for his commitment to promoting social justice in his community.
Remembering Secoriea Turner
That’s what scholarship is Named after Secoriea TurnerHe 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 to Spelman College and the supporting organizations that made this scholarship possible. “This scholarship keeps Secoriea’s legacy alive, inspiring young leaders like Blair Moore to fight for social justice and equality,” she said in an interview with 11Alive.
This scholarship was created as a collaborative effort involving Turner’s family, their legal representatives, and the Black Women’s Lab and the Black Men’s Lab. Together, they raised significant funds to support the initiative, which aims to elevate students who embody the spirit of social justice.
First Scholarship Recipient
Moore exemplifies the intent of scholarship through his active involvement at Spelman. As a participant in the Social Justice Fellows Program and a member of the NAACP Social Committee, she has continuously engaged in community service, strengthening her commitment to advocating for marginalized voices. Dr. Cynthia Spence is associate professor of sociology and director of the Social Justice Fellows Program. She emphasized Moore’s potential, saying, “The first Secoriea Turner Scholar, Blair Moore 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 and allow her to pursue her degree while increasing her advocacy efforts. With plans to pursue a degree in business administration after Spelman, Moore envisions creating a business based on principles of social justice.
Reflecting on the significance of the scholarship, Moore said, “I’m here Spelman I knew this was the beginning of my journey to change the world. I am so happy to be able to remember Secoriea Turner through this scholarship. This scholarship is more than an award—it is a call to action to elevate and commemorate Secoriea’s name and life.”
