Month: June 2024

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Visitors,

We are thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural blog post of the Clifford H. McKinney, Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund. This blog is more than just words on a screen; it’s a space where we come together to share stories, ideas, and inspiration. It’s a reflection of our commitment to education, service, and the enduring legacy of a remarkable individual. This site was created by the children and grandchildren of Reverend Clifford H. McKinney Sr.

The Power of Education: 

At the heart of our mission is the profound belief in the transformative power of education. We believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about opening doors, expanding horizons, and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. Clifford H. McKinney, Sr.’s own journey at Alabama State University is a testament to this belief. His time at ASU shaped him into the visionary leader and compassionate servant he became.

Celebrating a Legacy: 

Clifford H. McKinney, Sr. was not only a proud alumnus of Alabama State University but a living embodiment of our core values – education, service, and spiritual leadership. Through this scholarship fund, we aim to celebrate and continue his legacy by supporting students who, like him, are committed to making a positive impact on the world attending Alabama State University.

Building Community

Our blog is a place to build a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for education, service, and the development of future leaders. We will share stories of scholarship recipients, showcase the impact of our work, and discuss the importance of holistic education that nurtures both the mind and the heart.

Get Inspired

We hope this blog inspires you. Whether you are a student aspiring to be a McKinney scholar, a donor generously supporting our cause, or simply someone who believes in the power of education and service, there’s something here for you. We invite you to engage with our posts, leave comments, and share your thoughts. Let’s learn from each other and grow together.

Stay Informed:

Be sure to subscribe to our blog to stay updated on our latest posts and news. We promise to bring you thought-provoking content that sparks conversations, fosters personal growth, and keeps you connected to our mission.

As we embark on this blogging journey, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of the Clifford H. McKinney, Sr. Legacy Scholarship Fund. Your support, whether through your time, resources, or kind words, fuels our mission and propels us forward.

Thank you for being a part of our community. Together, we can empower the future, transform lives, and make a lasting impact on the world.

With warm regards,

The McKinney and Jackson Family

Education is a powerful force for personal growth and societal progress. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have played a crucial role in providing quality education to Black students, often against the backdrop of systemic inequalities. Yet, many aspiring students, particularly those attending HBCUs, face financial barriers that scholarship funds can help overcome. In this blog, we’ll explore the compelling reasons why giving to an HBCU scholarship fund is a strategic investment in a brighter future, while also highlighting the unique contributions of HBCUs.f

#1 : Advancing Educational Equity

HBCUs have a rich history of promoting educational equity by providing opportunities for Black students who have historically faced discrimination and limited access to higher education. Supporting scholarship funds at HBCUs ensures that these institutions can continue their mission of advancing social justice and equal access to education.

#2 : Nurturing Talent and Leadership

HBCUs have been instrumental in nurturing the talents and leadership skills of Black students. By contributing to scholarship funds at HBCUs, you empower future leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will contribute to their communities and society at large.

#3 : Preserving Cultural Heritage

HBCUs have played a significant role in preserving African American cultural heritage and fostering a sense of pride in students’ identities. Your support for scholarship funds at HBCUs helps ensure the continuity of this vital cultural and historical legacy.

#4: Strengthening Communities

Graduates of HBCUs often return to their communities as educated and empowered individuals. They become advocates for social justice, entrepreneurs, educators, and healthcare professionals, strengthening and uplifting their communities in the process. Your contributions to scholarship funds at HBCUs extend beyond the classroom, making a tangible impact on the communities they serve.

#5: Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities

HBCUs serve a diverse student body, including many first-generation college students and those from lower-income backgrounds. Scholarships at HBCUs help alleviate financial burdens, making higher education more accessible and addressing socioeconomic disparities that persist in underserved communities.

#6: Personal Fulfillment

Contributing to an HBCU scholarship fund can be personally fulfilling, as it allows you to play a direct role in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for deserving students. Your generosity has the potential to change lives, and witnessing the positive impact of your support can bring a profound sense of satisfaction and purpose.

Giving to an HBCU scholarship fund is not only an act of generosity but also a strategic investment in educational equity, talent development, and community empowerment. HBCUs have a unique history and mission that deserve our support, and by contributing to their scholarship funds, you are helping to pave the way for a brighter future for Black students and their communities. Your generosity can create a ripple effect of positive change, empowering individuals and advancing the broader goals of social justice and equality. So, consider directing your charitable giving towards an HBCU scholarship fund and be a part of this transformative journey.

As I sit here reflecting on the life of my father, Clifford H. McKinney Sr., I’m filled with a mix of emotions – immense pride, deep love, and an unfillable void left by his absence. My Daddy was not just a father but a remarkable man, a beacon of joy, strength and love in the lives of all who knew him.

The Foundation of Love

Daddy was adored by his father, mother and brothers and sister as the youngest in the family. His mother fondly called him “Thomas Jefferson” for his intelligence and charm.  This nickname always brings a smile to my face, as it speaks to the special bond he had with his family and their hopes for his future. This nurturing environment shaped him into the loving, caring man we all adored. His upbringing was a testament to the power of familial love, something he passed on to us.

A Source of Unwavering Support

His encouragement was the wind beneath my wings. From my early days to my journey through college, his words were my guiding light. Dad had a talent for writing the most heartfelt, inspiring letters. They were more than just words; they were his presence, his support, his belief in me. I recently found a letter that he wrote to my daughter Kailyn, in that very distinctive and unmistakable handwriting, that encouraged her and let her know that at all times he and grandma loved her and she was amazing!!!

A Grandfather’s Love – The Joy in His Heart

Dad’s love was all-encompassing, but his grandchildren held a special place in his heart. Christopher, Jianna, Kailyn, Matthew, and Keane II brought him immense joy. He cherished every moment with them, celebrating each milestone with joy and pride and never missing out on any opportunity to celebrate with them. 

A Man of Faith and Laughter

His faith was as deep as his laughter was contagious. He earned a Master’s of Divinity, a journey that not only deepened his faith but also enriched our lives with his wisdom. His favorite quote was, “Don’t worry about anything. Pray about everything. Ask God for what you need.”

The Simple Pleasures

Dad had a penchant for simple joys. He loved old movies and if there were black and white that would be even better.

Sometimes when my brother and I were small he would turn our home into a haunted house and pretend to be a ghost.  I can still hear his laughter echoing through the house as we pretended to be scared as he searched for us.

His love for Elton John’s music was infectious.  We had to listen to every album for hours with the windows down and the music cranked up on our trips to return home to Alabama.  Let’s not forget our stops at Krystal’s for 3 cheese Krystals with extra pickles and chicken gizzards from the gas station with a hot sauce pump. 

He always took us to the opening weekend of the Star Wars and Superman movies where he promptly fell asleep snoring loudly and he woke up at the end like he had seen the whole movie.

Those are just some of the memories I hold dear.

Dad’s personality was larger than life – it filled any room. With him gone now everything seems oddly quiet. He was always there for us cheering the loudest at school events and celebrating our achievements with unwavering enthusiasm. He can be heard yelling “Encore, Encore” while being the only parent standing and clapping loudly at my band performances. The kids would say, “Whose Dad is that?” I would simply answer “Mine.”

Although he liked some things simple, shopping was not one of them.  Dad LOVED shopping for himself, us,  and most of all his grandkids.  Before wearing labels was popular my Dad already had it.  Before any trend became popular my Dad had already sported it. Before going to college at Alabama State each year, he took me and Cliff  on a shopping spree from Miami, to Orlando, Atlanta, and Birmingham.

Sometimes Daddy’s confidence could be seen as arrogance but he was REALLY, REALLY confident in himself and his abilities.  He always told us, “Walk into a room like you own it.”  I have carried that with me throughout my career and if that is arrogance then, Like Father, Like Daughter.

Culinary Delights

He loved to cook, and his collard greens and pasta salad were the highlights of our family gatherings. His favorite restaurant was The Cheesecake Factory and every time we went out as a family, we ended up there as he NEVER let us pay.  In his eyes, it was blasphemous if we ever offered. On Holidays he enjoyed cooking for the whole family.  He made sure that everyone got the dish that they loved most from him.

Dad’s Enduring Love for Mom: A Tale of Contrasts

Among the many facets of my father, Clifford H. McKinney Sr., his love for my mother, Juanita, stands out as a defining element of his life. Their story began on the campus of Alabama State University, where their first meeting was less about immediate attraction and more about a gradual appreciation. Mom initially thought Daddy thought  “too high” of himself, despite acknowledging his sharp dressing sense. But as they got to know each other, something beautiful blossomed between them.

They were a study in contrasts. Dad, with his loud and flamboyant personality, was the polar opposite of Mom’s quiet confidence. This difference, rather than being a hurdle, became the foundation of their deep connection. Dad, known for his strong opinions and assertiveness, found he couldn’t exert the same control over Momma. She had her own mind, her own way of doing things, and it was this independence and strength that he admired most in her.

Even through his health challenges, surgeries, and times of sickness, Dad’s primary concern remained for my mother. His love for her was unwavering. One of the last things he said to me was, “Take care of your mother.” It was a request that encapsulated his deep love and concern for her, and my brother and I always responded with a heartfelt, “I will.”

Their love story, marked by contrast, mutual respect, and deep affection, is a testament to the complex but beautiful nature of love. It was a love that not only endured the tests of time but also grew stronger through the challenges they faced together. Dad’s love for Mom was a significant part of who he was, and it continues to inspire me to understand the depth and resilience of true love.

A Farewell True to His Spirit and His Lasting Influence

In his final moments, as my father was slipping away, I found the strength to whisper a promise to him, a promise that encapsulated his life’s devotion. “I will take care of the family it’s ok.  You can go now.  You Mom, Dad, and Brothers are waiting,” I assured him, giving voice to a commitment that I knew mattered most to him. At that moment, there was a profound understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the mantle my brother and I would take on.

Dad left this world in the same manner he lived his life – on his own terms. This was quintessentially him; a man who charted his own path, who lived with a vibrant determination and a fierce independence. His departure, though deeply saddening, was a reflection of his strong-willed nature. He had always been the master of his destiny, never one to shy away from making tough decisions or standing firm in his beliefs.

That was my Daddy – a man who embraced life with a rare zeal, who loved deeply, and who shaped his journey with a bold, unapologetic spirit. His final act was a testament to the life he led, one marked by personal strength, love for his family, and an unwavering desire to do things his way. As we continue to navigate life without his physical presence, the memory of his indomitable spirit remains a guiding light, inspiring us to live with the same courage and conviction that he embodied every day.

Though I miss him every day, I find solace in the thought that he’s watching over us. I Love you, Daddy.

Always your little girl,

Kelsey