James Preston Poindexter Scholarship Fund

Sanctuary Columbus Church seeks to reduce the opportunity gap that exists in Columbus by providing a college scholarship award to Linden-McKinley graduates intending to attend an Historical Black College or University (HBCU). The scholarship is named after James Preston Poindexter (October 26, 1819 – February 7, 1907), an abolitionist, civil rights activist, politician, and Baptist minister from Columbus, Ohio. He was a part of abolitionist and Underground Railroad societies and became the pastor of the historic Second Baptist Church in 1862. From the pulpit, he preached against slavery and for African-American rights. After the American Civil War, he was involved in political activities in Columbus, serving on the City Council, the city Board of Education, the state Forestry Bureau, and as trustee of the Institute for the Blind and of Wilberforce University. This scholarship honors his commitment to the future education of Black children. The award provides $20,000 payable over four years at $5,000 per year for students enrolled in HBCUs, with the goal of expanding to other Columbus City Schools high schools through local partnerships.