It began as a dream between friends and former classmates during several conversations at the 2007 Black & White Ball. The dream: To give back to the community that raised them…never forgetting their roots; to be role models to the youth of the community; to encourage and help young African Americans in Columbia in their pursuit of higher education; and finally to leave a legacy of responsible, accountable, and productive citizens who lift up their community.  Nearly two years later, that initial conversation has blossomed into the Columbia African American (CAAA) Scholarship Fund.

The CAAA Memorial Scholarship Fund will be presented in honor of former Columbia African American high school students who are now deceased.  This year we will award $500 scholarships to three (3) talented young African Americans students currently enrolled in Columbia (Mo.)  Public Schools and graduating in the Class of 2010, to assist in their pursuit of higher education.  The scholarship is open to any 2010 high school graduate with post-graduation plans to pursue an education at an accredited higher learning institution approved by The Higher Learning Commission in the Fall of 2010.

     While it takes a village to raise a child, so too, does it take a village or an entire community to pull off a project of this magnitude.  While the entire community of Columbia – proper and extended – has played key roles in bringing this dream to reality, this effort has been spearheaded by the tireless work of five individuals: Melvin Clayborne (Hickman, Class of 1980) Anthony Van Buren (Hickman, Class of 1979) and Keener Tippin (Hickman, Class of 1979), Vanessa Brown Haywood (Hickman, Class of 1979) and Wesley Buckner (Rock Bridge, Class of 1979).

Who We Are

MELVIN  A. CLAYBORNE

Melvin A. Clayborne is a graduate of David H Hickman High School Class of 1980.  Upon graduating from Hickman, Mr. Clayborne enlisted in the United States Army.  

Mr. Clayborne served in the United States Army for twenty three years before retiring in Black River, NY, with his wife Carla and two children, Antonio and Jasmine.  He is currently employed with the Department of the Army in Human Resources.

Mr. Clayborne is actively involved in community service.  He volunteers at the 12:30 Gospel Service Fort Drum and several project related to President Barack Obama’s call to change America.

Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.)  Anthony D. VanBuren, Sr

Chief VanBuren was born and raised in Columbia, Mo., and graduated from David H. Hickman High School in 1979.   He served his country with honor and dedication for over 26 years as a member of the USAF. 

He is married to the former Debra Estes and the proud father of two children.   Anthony Jr., and ShaVon. 

KEENER A. TIPPIN II

Keener A. Tippin II is a 1979 graduate of David H. Hickman High School.

After 10 years in the media relations office at Kansas State University and an adviser to the Black Student Union, Tippin recently returned to his hometown of Columbia. He currently serves as the communications coordinator for the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Previously Tippin worked at the Manhattan Mercury, Topeka Capital-Journal and Columbia Daily Tribune.

A graduate of Lincoln University, Tippin served as a public affairs specialist in the U.S. Air Force, 1985-91.

Tippin is married to the former Sheila Collins and the proud father of seven children.