Eureka Forty-Seven Foundation, Inc.

Charles Fergerson, Sr. Scholarship

Who was Charles Fergerson, Sr.? He attended Horace Mann High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Upon graduation from high school, Charles headed to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Morris Brown College on a football scholarship. While attending Morris Brown, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Clara Scott. In 1950, he began a career at Lockhead Martin as a ground man, the only position available to Blacks at that time. Nonetheless, Charles worked his way up to the production line and eventually became the first black supervisor on the production floor. His team was responsible for building the C-141 Star lifter Aircraft. This plane was used for both passenger and cargo transport in many major conflicts including Hanoi and Vietnam. Charles played a major role in the integration of Lockhead Martin Georgia, where he continued his career for 35 years until he retired as supervisor of the C-130 program in 1987. 

Family was very important to Charles. He built strong traditions and instilled family values that extended well beyond his immediate family. Being a man of strong character and integrity, he instilled these qualities in his children, teaching them the value of a strong work ethic, which has served them well in their life achievements.

In Cobb, he served on the boards of Marietta Housing Authority, Cobb County Transit, American Red Cross, Board of Jury Commissioners, and the Cobb County Kennestone Hospital Authority. He was a member of the Cobb County Democratic Executive Committee and a member of the Marietta Citizen Advisory Committee. At the age of 61, he ran for a seat on the Marietta City Council, representing Ward 5. Charles was Worshipful Master of Eden Lodge #46 F&AM and a member of Atlanta Consistory #24, 32nd and 33rd Degree Mason. 

Charles was a faithful member of Zion Baptist Church where he served as Deacon Board Chair, Sunday School Teacher, and Project Manager for the building of the Education and Administration Building. He also served as Church Operations Manager until 1999. His role at Zion was always one of leading by example. He not only dedicated his time, talent and finances to the church but he also was one of the Zion 5, a group of five deacons who put their personal homes up as collateral to help secure the loan to build the New Sanctuary in 1977, which now serves as the Chapel.

The Eureka Forty-Seven Foundation, Inc. mission is to provide assistance to our surrounding community through programs and services such as Scholarships for the underprivileged students who aspire to attend college or who are already attending college.

Scholarship Details & Eligibility

Submit All Candidate Information by September 29, 2025

  1. College Student – 4 year College / University Transcript. Students need to show G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
  2. Requirements for candidates to receive a scholarship award of $1,000 from Eden Lodge #46 are as follows:
    • Must have actively served as a volunteer worker for two (2) or more years.
    • The ClergyPerson, Pastor, Minister, or Bishop of the church for which the candidate represents, must submit a recommendation letter on church letterhead.  
    • The Scholarship Committee must receive an Official Class Schedule from college or university the candidate is attending, by September 29, 2025. – if this varies at the university you are attending, state this is in your application cover letter.
    • The recipient must be actively involved in other activities (i.e. church Sunday school, choir, on campus, community service, arts, etc.). 
    • The candidate must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from non-family members (ex.  Teacher, employer, etc.)
    • Submit at least 500-word essay. Please answer the questions below.
      Essay Question 1: Mental Health & Identity
    • Many African American students face added pressures from racial discrimination, cultural stereotypes, and the lack of access to mental health resources that reflect their experiences. How do these factors affect the mental health and academic performance of African American youth? What role can schools, families, and communities play in creating more inclusive and supportive environments?

      Essay Question 2: Cost of Education, Equity & Opportunity
    • African American students are more likely to take on higher levels of student loan debt and may face barriers to scholarships, internships, and career advancement opportunities. How do financial challenges and systemic inequities affect the educational and career choices of African American students? What policies, programs, or community initiatives could help reduce these barriers and expand opportunities?

      Essay Question 3: Social Justice, Climate, & Student Activism
    • Young African Americans have often been at the forefront of social justice and activism, from the Civil Rights Movement to present-day advocacy around racial equity, climate justice, and economic opportunity. How do today’s African American students balance the urgency of activism with the demands of education and career goals? In your opinion, what approaches make activism by young people most effective in creating lasting change?
  3. Two(2) Scholarships will be awarded. Each will receive an award totaling $1,000.00
  4. The recipient must be registered attendee with the college or university.  
  5. A current University or College class schedule for semester in which the student is entering, must be submitted prior to receiving the scholarship award for the semester.
  6. The Scholarship Committee will review all required documents and distribute the awards as necessary.
  7. Submit Your Application by Mail/Email
    367 Montgomery St NE,
    Marietta, GA 30060, United States
    Email -> EdenSec46@gmail.com

Submit All Candidate Information

by

September 29, 2025

How to Apply

Complete the ONLINE Form Here

Contact

Office => (404) 386-4691
EdenSec46@gmail.com