The Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund
From 1995 to 2008, the Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund, founded by Mary Anne Adams and administered by ZAMI: Atlanta’s Premiere Organization for Lesbians of African Descent, based in Atlanta, Georgia, awarded over $200,000 in scholarships and expenses to out LGBTQ students of color globally. In 2013, the scholarship fund was re-launched by ZAMI NOBLA (National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging) to provide scholarship assistance solely to Black lesbians over the age of 50 living anywhere in the United States.
According to Mary Anne Adams, supporting older Black lesbians pursuing higher education is a collective responsibility; one that ZAMI NOBLA is proud to spearhead. In a society and economy where Black lesbians, particularly those living at the intersection of race, gender, age, and sexual orientation, continue to face systemic barriers, access to education can open doors to opportunity, stability, and empowerment. “I hope that the many LGBTQ students of all ages who benefited from the original Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund will now stand in support of their elders,” she said.
The Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to “Out” Black lesbians 50 years and older making significant contributions to their communities. ZAMI NOBLA wants to support and encourage their continuing education by providing scholarships to students enrolled in accredited technical, undergraduate, and graduate programs anywhere in the U.S. Each award is $3,000 or more.
To donate to The Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund or to fund a named award, email us @ zaminobla@zaminobla.org or call 404 510-1660.
ZAMI NOBLA Proudly Presents the 2026 Audre Lorde Scholarships:
Tracey Williams Sullivan Scholarship
Tracey Williams Sullivan, J.D., affectionately known as Trey, was a retired legal professional who specialized in commercial insurance technology risks. Raised and educated in a Chicago suburb, she spent much of her career and advocacy work living and working throughout the United States. During the final years of her life, Trey made her home in the Atlanta area, where she embraced traveling, learning new skills and hobbies as an aging visually impaired Black lesbian and advocating tirelessly for equality and accessibility.
Trey was deeply committed to supporting and mentoring other blind and visually impaired individuals, particularly in guide dog handling and education surrounding state and federal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her generosity, wisdom, and unwavering advocacy touched many lives. Trey passed away in October 2024 following a battle with a rare bile duct cancer.
Dr. Jillian Carter Ford Scholarship
A consummate and devoted teacher and scholar-writer who was always evolving, Dr. Jillian Carter Ford taught at the high school, college, and graduate level for over 25 years. Jillian was also an organizer who founded Stronger Together and # BlackTeachersMatter.
As a Black queer force of transformation and reinvention committed to liberation, many Black LGBTQIA folks considered Jillian a beloved and trusted “Xennial-elder.” For many, Jillian is now an “academic-organizer ancestor.” One of Jillian’s legacies is her remarkable gift and skill of being able to teach a lesson of healing and liberation using the stars, the rivers, the soil, the plants, the classroom, the podium, or the shade under a tree after a bike ride. Jillian passed away in 2025 at the age of 47.
Lula Christine Ducusin & Althea Searcy Scholarship
Lula Christine Ducusin, better known as Chris, was born in 1923 and raised in Pennsylvania. Althea Searcy was born in 1924 and raised in Barbados before immigrating to the United States. The two met while working at the Social Security Administration in New York City and later made their home together in Washington, D.C.
After retiring as professional government workers, Althea and Chris migrated to Atlanta. In addition to her federal career, Chris also worked in real estate throughout the metro Atlanta area. Coupled for fifty years, Althea and Chris became the heart of a multigenerational Black family and beloved members of the Black lesbian community.
Known for their warmth, wisdom, and generosity, they hosted dinners, attended social gatherings, and served as storytellers, cultural keepers, and trusted elders for Black lesbians seeking guidance on relationships, health and wellness, and conscious aging. Their home became a space of sisterhood, mentorship, laughter, and community care. Chris died in 2018 at the age of 95, and Althea died in 2020 at the age of 95, leaving behind a profound legacy of Black lesbian love, resilience, partnership, and multigenerational community building.
Purpose of Awards
The Audre Lorde Scholarship Awards are designed to recognize Out* Black lesbians making significant contributions to their communities. ZAMI NOBLA wants to support and encourage older lesbians enrolled in accredited technical, undergraduate, and graduate programs. “Out* is defined as an acknowledgment of lesbian identity to self, and to family, friends, and community.
Eligibility
An out Black lesbian who is 50 years old or older attending any technical, undergraduate, or graduate school located in the United States
Registered at a post-secondary educational institution, or technical school, for full or part-time attendance as defined by the institution
Cumulative college/or technical school grade point average of 2.8 or higher
Please do not submit an application if you do not meet the eligibility requirements as your application will not be reviewed. No exceptions to the eligibility requirements are considered. The Fund does not offer scholarships for weekend programs, summer sessions, research, special projects, or for study out of the country.
Requirements
Submit official/unofficial up- to- date academic transcript (s) supporting the GPA entered on your application. You may send transcripts only from your most recent school(s), provided two semesters of study are included.
Acceptance letter for entering or transferring students.
Completion of two of the five required essay questions outlined in the application.
Do not combine answers. Each essay answer must be at least a page in length, double-spaced.
Three letters of recommendation ~ one must be from a teacher/professor, one must be from a supervisor/mentor, and one from an activist/organizer in the LGBTQ community. Letters from partners are not accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!
A recent photograph suitable for publication, i.e., a cap and gown picture, or other professional quality headshot photograph. We prefer to receive photographs by email.
Application will not be accepted if a clean headshot is not enclosed. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
The Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund Application
zaminobla@zaminobla.org
The deadline for this application is July 15, 2026 (Scholarship Celebration & Community Awards will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Atlanta, GA)
*Please note: You can attach any additional examples of your work or a video tape/DVD introducing yourself if you feel this will make your application stronger. This is not in lieu of the application or written essays. ZAMI NOBLA will not return any items.
The deadline for this application is July 15, 2026. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Application Deadline
If you are unable to complete this application online, please email zaminobla@zaminobla.org. We cannot and do not mail applications. All application materials must be postmarked by July 15, 2026, and emailed to zaminobla@zaminobla.org
We prefer that all application materials be mailed as one package. If the references or transcript(s) are mailed under separate cover, the student is responsible for making sure that we receive them on or before the deadline.
Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. (NO EXCEPTIONS). Awards are for the current academic year only, and by law, the checks are made out to the recipient and the academic institution. Please send proof of official registration to ZAMI NOBLA at the beginning of the school year.
A scholarship committee reviews applications. Finalists may be invited to participate in a telephone interview. Checks not processed with the academic institution within 90 days of receipt will be rendered null and void by the Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund. Early applications are encouraged. Recipients may reapply each year. Awardees will be notified on or before August 1, 2026.
