Cobb NAACP accepting applications for Deane Bonner scholarship

Qualified students in Cobb County are encouraged to apply for the Cobb County NAACP Deane Thompson Bonner Empowerment Scholarship. 

“The scholarship honors the legacy of Deane Thompson Bonner’s leadership and commitment to social justice,” said NAACP Vice President Mattie Small. 

The scholarships are awarded each year to “graduating high school seniors who display signs of commitment to public service and community engagement.”  

The deadline to apply is Friday, March 24.

Eight individuals will be awarded $1,000 scholarships this year, but that number may go up or down depending on how much money is donated, said Small.

Deane Bonner is the Cobb NAACP’s President Emeritus. Bonner became president of the Cobb County NAACP in 1997 and served in the position for 20 years, creating numerous community-based programs and leading the way as the face of civil rights in Cobb County., Her daughter, Jeriene Bonner Grimes, now serves as president. 

Small said. “Bonner’s mission of giving a voice to the marginalized, and her emphasis on the importance of education, is embodied in this scholarship. Providing assistance to the next generation of leaders is a good way to honor her.” 

Bonner grew up attending segregated schools in Weirton, West Virginia but credits her teachers with inspiring her to be the best she could be. After leaving home, Bonner married Jesse Bonner, who was in the military. The family traveled around the world living on various military bases and in 1971, the military brought the family to Marietta. 

Soon after her arrival in Cobb, Bonner joined the Cobb County NAACP and became involved in numerous organizations. She continues to be a leader in her community and strong advocate for education.The scholarship application can be found on the Cobb NAACP website.