In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Mervyn L. and Stephanie Tubbs Jones Memorial Scholarship Classic, we had the opportunity to speak with some of the dedicated members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses. These individuals shared their reflections on the event, its significant impact, and the meaningful commemorative name given in honor of CBC Spouse Mervyn L. Jones and his wife, Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
For more than 25 years, the CBC Spouses has worked with donors and sponsors to establish educational and training opportunities for high school and college students. The CBC Spouses laid the groundwork for the establishment of the CBCF’s internship and fellowship programs and in 1988, the Spouses established its first education scholarship program. Since then, they have awarded more than $11 million in scholarships to deserving students.
Q: Why did you become involved in the Scholarship Classic?
Dianne Cleaver, Spouse of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, 05-Missouri
“I felt it was my responsibility to contribute to the efforts of the CBC Spouses and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to raise scholarship dollars for our young people. Supporting education is an investment in our future generations and a way to empower them to achieve their dreams.”
Rev. William Coleman, Spouse of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, 12-New Jersey
“Our role is to provide a lift, an incentive for our minority students to reach higher heights and become leaders of tomorrow. Education is the pathway to growth and sustainable upward mobility. By supporting the Scholarship Classic, we help create opportunities for these students to succeed.”
Q: Why is it important to continue developing and cultivating relationships for this event?
Mereda Davis-Johnson, Spouse of Hank Johnson, 04-Georgia
“It is very important and crucial that we continue our fundraising efforts to ensure maximum results and to show our sponsors and contributors that we are committed and truly appreciate their dedication and participation in our event each year. Cultivating relationships allows us to strengthen our support network and have a greater impact on the educational opportunities we provide.”
Rev. William Coleman, Spouse of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, 12-New Jersey
“As a spouse, I look forward to participating in the Scholarship Classic. It is the biggest event of the year supported by us (CBC Spouses) to raise funds to support the foundation’s efforts to provide educational opportunities for our minority students. By fostering relationships, we can encourage collaboration and create a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals.”
Q: What is the impact of this yearly event?
Mereda Davis-Johnson, Spouse of Hank Johnson, 04-Georgia
“The impact is enormous, as demonstrated by the testimonials and participation we receive from recipients. It is also very impressive to be able to include on your resume that you were a scholarship recipient of the CBC Spouses and Foundation. The Scholarship Classic opens doors, breaks down financial barriers, and empowers students to pursue their dreams with a quality education.”
Rev. William Coleman, Spouse of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, 12-New Jersey
“It is the biggest event of the year supported by us to raise funds to support the foundation’s efforts to provide educational opportunities for our minority students. The yearly event serves as a catalyst for change, allowing us to transform lives and contribute to a more equitable society. Through this event, we can foster educational advancement and provide a brighter future for generations to come.”
Q: What memories come to mind when you remember Rep. Tubbs Jones and her husband Mervyn?
Dianne Cleaver, Spouse of Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, 05-Missouri
“I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie Tubbs Jones prior to her election to Congress. She was a dynamic, committed, and charismatic person. Her dedication to public service and passion for creating educational opportunities for minority students left a lasting impact on me.”
Mereda Davis-Johnson, Spouse of Hank Johnson, 04-Georgia
“I met Stephanie and worked with her as a spouse and chair of the Classic for a couple of years. She was a champion for education and the Scholarship Classic. She worked tirelessly and devoted herself each year to making it better. I will always remember her as the kind-hearted person.”
Simone-Marie L. Meeks, Spouse of Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, 05-NY
“It is difficult to put all my thoughts of Mervyn L. Jones and Stephanie Tubbs Jones into one small recollection because they were each bigger than life to me. I still recall the Tuesday after a CBC/ALC weekend being informed that my friend Mervyn was found. I recall the disbelief because we’d just spent so much time together during the Weekend because it was Mervyn that helped me through the challenge of being a Congressional Spouse.
Unlike many spouses, Mervyn possessed the ability to detail my husband’s point of view. And he helped me to see expressed love when I often couldn’t see it. Additionally, when we visited the Congressional Club his presence brought me comfort, after all both he and the Congresswoman were special people. Each of them was special to me because each represented something different.
Mervyn was my partner in crime, and an extremely devoted spouse to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. However, what was best was the devotion each had to supporting the next generation. It is the reason that when asked what we should do to honor both, there was no quarreling over naming the Golf and Tennis Classic for Mervyn L. and Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Each had a playful and seriously committed spirit. Each of them knew their place in the world held great purpose. And each knew how important they were to help to construct a better world.
The fact that the Mervyn L. and Stephanie Tubbs Jones Memorial Golf and Tennis Classic has become the signature fundraising event to raise much needed resources for students of the districts of the CBC Members is a fitting tribute to two lives that made a serious difference in the world. And all these years later, I am grateful to have known each of them, and proud to have been a part of this legacy story.”