Legends of the Crown, a program Anheuser-Busch created in partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), is an investment in the development of the next generation of leaders at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Each student received a $5,000 scholarship.
Julio Suárez, senior director of community affairs for Anheuser-Busch, referred to it as a “scholarship-plus” program.
“We are providing the needed financial assistance,” he said, “and also coupling that with a great experience by coming here and exposing them to some great individuals.”
On July 24, students heard from Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, who became America’s first African-American female combat pilot in 2002. Her keynote address was called “Zero to Breakthrough: How a Breakthrough Mentality Creates Breakthrough Results.” Armour went from beat cop to combat pilot in three years. Within a year she found herself flying over the deserts of Iraq supporting the men and women on the ground.
“Wait a minute, you’re black and a woman? Did you have any obstacles?” she said about the questions she’s been asked. “In my journey, I acknowledge the obstacles but don’t give them more power.”
