Maury County students heading to Tennessee State University (TSU) this fall have an exciting chance to apply for a new scholarship. This opportunity comes from the African American Heritage Society of Maury County and an anonymous donor. It honors two influential educators, Edmund and John H. Kelly, who made significant contributions to Black history in the 1800s.
Named the Edmund and John H. Kelly Scholarship, this award can provide up to $10,000 for the 2025-26 academic year. Students interested in this scholarship must write a brief essay connecting their own experiences growing up in Maury County to the lives and values of the Kelly brothers. More details are available on the TSU scholarship page.
JoAnn McClellan, president of the African American Heritage Society of Maury County, emphasized the importance of the Kellys in creating a better community. She stated, “Edmund and John H. Kelly were selected because they consistently fought to improve Maury County.”
The Kelly brothers had impactful careers marked by dedication to education and civil rights. Edmund Kelly was one of Tennessee’s first Black ministers. He founded the Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church and advocated for African Americans to participate in the Civil War. In a letter to his community, he encouraged volunteers, stating the importance of fighting for one’s freedom.
John H. Kelly, known for starting the first public school for Black children in Maury County, made a significant difference in education. He began teaching and soon realized there was a pressing need for Black educators. In 1886, he opened the College Hill School and later founded the Maury County Colored Teachers’ Institute to train new teachers.
Back in the 1920s, Kelly also addressed the healthcare needs of African Americans when hospitals were largely inaccessible to them. He helped establish the Maury County Colored Hospital in 1923, which served the community until it closed in 1954.
The impact of the Kelly brothers lives on today. Their commitment to education and community service continues to inspire new generations. This scholarship is a great way to honor their legacy and support future leaders from Maury County.
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