Investing in the Next Generation: Celebrating Our 2026 Sankofa Scholarship Recipients
From left to right: Zenzele Asante, Myles Sigers and Isaiah Choma,
At the 4th Annual Circle of Community Gala, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills (BEFH) proudly awarded the 2026 Sankofa Scholarship in partnership with the Black Student Union (BSU) at Kansas State University.
Sankofa means “to go back and get.” It reminds us that we must honor what came before us as we build what comes next.
This scholarship is not simply financial support.
It is affirmation.
It is protection against burnout.
It is an investment in brilliance navigating systems not built with them in mind.
This year’s recipients are not only scholars — they are leaders, builders, and future architects of generational change.
Zenzele Asante
Master’s Student, Food Science
As a Black woman pursuing a Master’s in Food Science at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI), Zenzele’s journey has required intellectual rigor and emotional resilience.
In advanced STEM research spaces where underrepresentation is a daily reality, The K-State Black Student Union has been her anchor.
“The Black Student Union has served as both a social and emotional refuge — safeguarding my mental health and preventing the burnout often experienced by students navigating PWIs.”
Beyond belonging, BSU strengthened her leadership. Through strategic planning, administrative advocacy, and mentorship, she transformed equity work into tangible professional skill-building.
Her academic path has not been linear. After transferring from community college, she discovered her credits did not align with a traditional pre-veterinary track — potentially forcing her to restart as a freshman. Instead of retreating, she pivoted into Agricultural Technology and Management, an engineering-focused curriculum with a minor in animal and human health.
Placed into senior-level courses her first semester due to advising missteps, she responded with self-study, mentorship through MANRRS, BSU, and NSBE, and relentless determination.
Today, her Master’s research focuses on developing plant-based fat replacers in food systems — demonstrating both scientific innovation and adaptability.
Her long-term vision?
To establish her own farm and independent veterinary practice that hosts internships for students from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds — especially those without early access to agricultural spaces.
This scholarship does more than reduce tuition.
It removes financial barriers so she can focus on her thesis, research, and building pathways for future agricultural leaders.
By investing in Zenzele, we invest in:
A future Black veterinarian
A STEM leader expanding access
An entrepreneur committed to sourcing from Black-owned vendors
A scientist dedicated to helping Black food businesses navigate regulation and innovation
Her success is communal.
Isaiah Choma
Senior, Biomedical Engineering
Isaiah’s journey through Kansas State University has been shaped by leadership, advocacy, and community-building.
Through BSU and the Big XII Conference on Black Student Government, he connected with peers and seasoned Black professionals who reshaped his understanding of possibility.
“They taught me the importance of fighting for my goals and the things I believed in, changing my outlook on my experience at a PWI.”
As a leader, Isaiah organized structured study sessions addressing academic persistence in the face of a 58% dropout rate. He learned how to present complex information in accessible ways — building skills in communication, leadership, and strategic thinking.
During his time as a Resident Assistant, he often had to choose between work shifts, office hours, and BSU engagement. Rather than accept the conflict, he advocated for change — asking his professor to add additional office hours to support students with schedule conflicts. That Sunday evening session continues to this day.
That is leadership.
Isaiah understands that economic empowerment is survival. He speaks candidly about the history of Black economic strength — from Tulsa to Rosewood — and the vulnerability that has followed collective success.
For him, supporting Black-owned businesses is intentional resistance and economic strategy.
Isaiah represents what happens when technical brilliance meets social consciousness.
Myles Sigers
Senior, Finance
For Myles, BSU was more than an organization — it was identity affirmation.
Having grown up in predominantly white schools, he often wrestled with connection and imposter syndrome. BSU became the space where he no longer had to search for belonging.
“It’s always felt like a fresh breath of air.”
From serving as a Big XII delegate to becoming Vice President of BSU during a politically aggressive climate targeting DEI initiatives, Myles helped lead and represent Black students during a pivotal time.
As a first-generation college student balancing rent, academic performance requirements, and scholarship retention, financial pressure has been constant. Maintaining a 3.0 GPA while working and managing expenses requires discipline and resilience.
This scholarship reduces financial stress so he can continue focusing on coursework and professional development — without the constant weight of instability.
As a Finance major and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Myles believes supporting Black-owned businesses is foundational to closing the racial wealth gap.
Looking forward, he envisions combining his professional finance career with mentorship, strategic partnerships, and advocacy to help Black entrepreneurs scale sustainably.
Myles understands capital — but more importantly, he understands community.
The Power of Sankofa
During the Gala, a live Sankofa-inspired painting unfolded before guests — a visual reminder that legacy is living.
The artwork was auctioned to support future scholarships, reinforcing that education is not individual achievement — it is collective investment.
These scholars are navigating:
Underrepresentation in STEM
Financial strain
Academic rigor
Leadership during political tension
Systemic barriers
And they are building futures that will create opportunity for others.
When we fund scholarships, we are not giving charity.
We are investing in:
Doctors.
Veterinarians.
Scientists.
Financial leaders.
Entrepreneurs.
Community architects.
This is Sankofa in motion.
And at BEFH, the next generation is not waiting for permission.
They are already rising.
Learn more and contribute to the Sankofa Scholarship fund here.