Our purpose is to provide educational assistance to African-American men who wish to pursue a vocational or technical career. Howard Scholarship was founded by Dr. Mario Ray & his wife Teresa Ray in honor of Teresa's late father, Charles E. The scholarships purpose is to provide educational assistance to African-American men who wish to pursue a vocational or technical career. Howard was kind, gen
erous, hard working, happy and full of life. He loved his family and told them every chance he could. He worked hard to afford opportunities for his family, providing an example of how a father took care of his family. He sacrificed much to make sure his family had what they needed, often more. Howard served in the U.S. Navy, and after attending TSU for a brief period of time, Mr. Howard determined that college was not the path for him. He returned to Millington, TN and started his successful flooring and carpet business. He was successful because of his incredible work ethic and his friendliness. Charles never knew a stranger. He had the type of personality and infectious smile that would disarm the most timid and by the end of their encounter, they would feel like they've known each other their entire lives. He employed others who were like himself and invested in them by teaching them life skills and gave them an alternative to a 4-year college degree. He worked and lived this extraordinary life, impacting so many others, all the way until his passing three days after his 75th birthday. This scholarship works to continue his amazing legacy by doing the same. With this scholarship, we hope to give young African-American men the opportunity to seek a career outside of a four-year University degree with the financial assistance they will need in order to be successful.
