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Rachel Jeantel is the 19-year-old girl who gave one of the most chilling testimonies at the George Zimmerman trial, as she was the last person to get to speak to Trayvon Martin before his untimely death. Jeantel was on the phone with Martin when he noticed that he was being followed. Radio personality, Tom Joyner recently offered Jeantel a scholarship through the Tom Joyner Foundation, Inc. to attend an HBCU of her choice. Joyner says, “It bothered me that Trayvon’s gone and here she is. She’s got a future and what is her future going to be? And so whatever her future’s going to be, I want to help her.” On an appearance on HLN’s “Nancy Grace” and Rachel accepted his generous offer.

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When Rachel was asked if she was going to take Tom up on his offer, she responded, “I’m blessed and I just want to thank him and the followers.” Tom Joyner was then brought on the show so that Rachel could express her gratitude to his face. “Hi Mr. Tom Joyner!” She laughs. She was then asked what she wants to do with her future and Rachel said she wants “to show everyone, my supporters, that I have a past, but I will deal it. I’m stronger. I’m blessed and God bless you.”

“I realized a hug wasn’t enough,” Joyner said in an open letter. He continued, “All the young people in this country who, through no fault of their own, find yourself living in underserved communities and not yet figuring out your way in this world.”

“At an HBCU, you’re not just a number, you’re family. You can stand a better chance at succeeding in life, with a degree,” Tom says. Cheers to Rachel experiencing what it’s like to be a part of a family that’s focused on her education. It’s only from here for Rachel! And we’re excited for her.

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