The Family Foundation 4 Learning Board of Directors has chosen to honor the memory of one of the founding fathers of the organization that founded this organization by awarding the first Bonus Award in the name of Oscar William Bidgood. The 2022 applicant with the highest evaluation score will receive an additional $500 in addition to their initial payout.
We are honoring two persons of note with fully underwritten scholarships.
The James Leon Sturdivant Scholarship is sponsored by the surviving siblings of James Leon Sturdivant, Joseph, Almeta Stokes, Nathaniel, and Clarence.
The Anthony Wayne Lynch Scholarship is sponsored by AJ Lefear, Owner Tripl RV Park Resort, Brazoria, Texas.
"The Oscar William Bidgood Bonus Award"
Oscar William Bidgood
January 19, 1938 - April 28, 2022
Oscar William Bidgood was a founding father of the organization that created this foundation. The BDSNM Genealogical and Historical Society, a 501c(3) IRS certified nonprofit. Oscar was a leader in his family, church, schools, and community. He was an educator in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina for 40
years who served in such positions as teacher, assistant principal, Principal, HR director and recruiter. A legacy of excellence long to be remembered.
When a person touches your heart, they live forever in your soul and Oscar's mother had a huge impact on his education and career decisions. Edna Bidgood was a teacher and in Oscar's heart, he knew that someday he wanted to follow in her footsteps as an educator.
Upon graduation from Plato Price Senior High School, Oscar attended Johnson C. Smith University, where he received his bachelor's degree in English. He later attended the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, where he completed his master's degree. Oscar was determined to be a life-long learner, and further studies took him to several educational institutions, including taking graduate courses at Duke University in Durham, NC; Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC; and North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. While in college, Oscar pledged to be a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Q's) and he still proudly remembers his active fraternity days.
In 1957, Oscar married the beautiful, loving, and devoted Betty Jo McClain, and to them five children were born, Derrick, Darrell, Denise, Daniel and Deana. The importance of family continued in the household of Oscar and Betty, where they provided love, support, and a framework of values. As the years continued and the children grew up, they blessed
Oscar and Betty Jo with twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Oscar and Betty's successful marriage is built on their love of God, love of family, love of friends, love of community, and love of laughter. By their example, others have been taught, inspired, and blessed.
Oscar was honored as a Legacy Honoree by the 2018 BDSNM Genealogical and Historical Society Family Reunion.
When Oscar was interviewed about his legacy and asked about what he wanted to pass on from what he learned in life that would help younger generations and how did his parents influence who he is today. Oscar said "it is important to continue to strive to do your best, although you may not reach 100%, press on and continue to strive to do your best anyway and always." This life learning sentiment reflects what Oscar learned from his parents. Oscar's father was a successful, hardworking entrepreneur, who had a wood yard and sold vegetables and fruits and his mother was a dedicated teacher. Oscar recently departed this life on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at his residence.
James Leon Sturdivant Family Scholarship
James Leon Sturdivant
March 8, 1936 - September 21, 2022
James Leon Sturdivant was a founding board member of The BDSNM Family Foundation 4 Learning. Were James not committed to other international humanitarian organizations, he would have accepted a leadership role of greater responsibility in this organization. Born March 8, 1936, the fifth child of Leland and Annie Mae (Horne) Sturdivant in Northwest Washington, D. C. James was strongly influenced by the character of his father, Leland Sturdivant. The character of caring for both immediate and extended family alike was an attribute continued by James from his father. As a result of his father's example, James was a highly respected and well-educated man of wisdom and world travels. He touched the lives of many all over the world. James received his education in the public schools of the District of Columbia from grammar school to The University of the District of Columbia. However, James was many things to many people at various times of his life. His story however cannot be told without input from his surviving siblings.
In the words of his "buddy", Joseph "Joe" Sturdivant:
"James was the sixth child born to Lee and Annie Mae Sturdivant. After we moved to Emerald Street in 1944, he and I became buddies. I received a newspaper route, and he was my helper. We delivered papers in the morning and at the end of the week collected the money from our customers. We usually spent Saturday in the street all day. One night we were collecting our money, when a man robbed us at gunpoint. This was an event we never forgot. After I paid the manager, I should have had my earnings. But we spent our money on sodas, ice cream, and other goodies. Our mother could not understand why we had no money left for us. The Route Manager had no answer for her, so he gave her twenty dollars. James and I enjoyed many hours together. I will never forget the first time I heard him sing. He had a beautiful baritone voice. I also taught him how to drive a car. James graduated from Spingarn High School. In his class was the Hall of Fame basketball player Elgin Baylor. The Baylor family were our neighbors in Southeast, Washington DC”
Through his activity as a member and officer of the Baha'i faith, James found a way to be a world traveler while holding positions in several agencies of the United States Government. He traveled to Palermo, Italy, Akka, Germany, Greece, and England then after meeting his wife Firoozeh of fifty years they moved to Goroka, Papua New Guinea where he was employed as a coffee broker and bought and sold coffee crops. James and Firoozeh then left Papua New Guinea and took a 3 1/2 month's journey. They visited Singapore, Thailand, India, Israel, Iran, Greece, and England. In Iran, James met Firoozeh's family for the first time.
In the words of Sister Almeta:
"I am Almeta, one of James' sisters. I was the timid middle child born between two strong brothers, Joseph, one year older than I and James who was one year younger. This birth order provided a protective shield as I grew up in a rough neighborhood. The Sturdivant children grew up and went their separate ways. Over time they lived miles apart but continued to connect. I saw in James notable character traits: his thirst for knowledge and education and his quest for entrepreneurship. Regarding his pursuit for learning, he attained a degree in higher education while married, parenting, and engaged in fulltime employment. He was an accomplished accountant and worked in that field until his retirement from the United States Government workforce. James distinguished himself in business. He ventured into export and import and was remarkably successful. He was our model and trend setter. He leaves a wonderful legacy."
Chairman/SEO – Stephen W. Sturdivant, President – Michael Hackley, Chief Executive Officer - Clarence Sturdivant, Secretary - Maria Dorsey, Treasurer - Eric Dargan
In reflection from his younger brother Nathaniel:
"James Leon was named for our maternal and paternal grandfathers, Reverend James Horne and Leon Sturdivant. He is the sixth child among 10 to Annie Mae and Lee Sturdivant. The third male child of five boys. Finding himself in the center of this family, Jim charted his course quietly living peaceably among nine siblings. As a child he spoke little, preferring to yield to the experience and maturity of his brother joe...., most of the time. When he did speak, it was after patient observation and study, before reaching a conclusion.
Even as a young man he quietly observed life in its totality while seeking his place and purpose within a master plan. Although we were young and in our formative years, I knew without a doubt that it was he and Joe that controlled portions of my life. As youngsters with command of their limited environment, they ruled with authority. As years passed, Jim matured and his perspective on life shifted as he took on a role of personal mentor for me. He introduced me to many things that were new for me. He would often talk with me and take me with him to some of his favorite places. Over the years, I developed a confidence in Jim as he was what I can now describe as "steady." This is the description used by his peers of our father Lee.
Steady may be described as dependable, responsible, with character and integrity. Jim's word was gospel. He never told an untruth. I depended on him as he demonstrated by action that he was a "steady" person truly of integrity and character. Watching Jim mature was such a pleasure. He was light years ahead of my imagination. I did not know how, but at a youthful age, he managed to purchase his first automobile, a grey Chevrolet. As this young gentleman, he was an obvious astute businessperson with profound sense of accountability in all areas of life. Dressing with class and style, was his "mo," reflecting a bit of who he was. He was certainly intelligent, highly educated, a man of wisdom, and blessed with mental and Spiritual acuity. He has certainly infused within me, a life pattern, if adhered to, will bring success in many areas of life. Thanks Jim, I love you brother."
Upon returning to the United States, James settled into American life and went back to work for the Federal Government. James' and Firoozeh's two children, Neysan, in 1976, and Nooshin, in 1980, were born. He continued his federal career with the U. S. Department of Education. There James began making his mark on education. James was responsible for administration of Title III Program Administration. Title III Part A Programs - Strengthening Institutions. The program helps eligible IHEs to become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.
James conducted audits of colleges and universities requesting funding support to review their administrative operations and advised them of necessary changes to qualify for funding. His last position was with a US DOE contractor, American Institute for Research.
About this time, he was approached by family members for help in forming a family foundation for the purpose of providing financial assistance to resource challenged high school seniors as the family's way of "giving back" to the community.
From youngest sibling Clarence:
You were already 8 years old when I was born! It took me a while to realize just how great you were! When I realized your value, I had to get in line since everybody else already knew. I so admired you in your cadet officers uniform attending the new Spingarn High School. My objective was to have you manage my wealth when I became rich! You got busy with other more prominent issues. But then I am still not rich! James you supported a new idea the family had to form a foundation to give resources to deserving high school graduates who are resource challenged. You did so by accepting a position on the board of directors. You gave meaningful and insightful input to the issues under discussion. In June 2020, you received “Director Emeritus” status from the board of directors. You are the only director to ever receive that honor! We cannot fill your shoes, but you left huge footprints for us to follow.
Thank you, James. "Poindexter"!
On May 16, 2007, the California Secretary of State, Debra Bowen signed the BDSNM Family Foundation into existence. A 501c(3) Internal Revenue certified charity represented in most states across the country. As a member of the first board of directors of this organization James immediately began identifying funding for this organization. One of the first organizations to support scholarship funding was the company James worked for at the time The American Institute for Research, a DOE sub-contractor. His position with AIR was the last government position he held. A man of distinction James Leon Sturdivant left a legacy worth following.
"The Anthony Wayne Lynch Family Scholarship”
Comments