In the late ’70s, the recently deceased Norman Harrison created the African-American Heritage Academy for youth ages 13-18 while serving as an events coordinator for Camp Washington Carver in West Virginia. This summer academy has been in partnership with the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for over 25 years. This year, the chapter sponsored Jabberwock 2015 talent winner, Kai Washington-Brown, to attend the camp. Kai is also the 2015 ACT-SO gold medal winner & the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt winner. Her sister Kameron, local vocalist, also attended via the support of her parents.
Roanoke residents, K Laurice Hampton and her brother, Joseph Bundy, have been affiliated with the Academy as instructors since its inception. As a result of that connection, a coveted relationship was formed when the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter began awarding scholarships to the camp. Since then, over 30 scholarships to students from the Roanoke Valley were awarded annually to attend the Arts Academy. Academy Attendees, Marlee Coles and Krystal Ramsey enthusiastically returned to serve as counselors in later years.
In 2010, the sorority’s Arts & letters Commission established the Frances Ragsdale Award for Artistic Excellence in support of the Arts Academy. This prestigious plaque and scholarship to the Academy is presented to the winner of the talent competition of the Sorority’s annual Jabberwock. This is an opportunity for a week of intense study in the creative and performing arts and African/American culture and history.
Among the many students who will have memories of this unique Academy are: twins Ayanna and Kaila Thompson, Michael Chappell, Nichole Gray, Beja Ward, Aaliyah Gray, Dajaneke Ford, Bennett Gammon and Kurae Hale. The Academy effect has positively impacted their lives and enhanced their futures.
The Roanoke Alumnae Chapter was truly saddened by the passing of the founder/director only days prior to this year’s camp opening.
