Cecil and his wife founded The Athena Educational Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that awards two scholarships a year to Philadelphia H.S. for Girls or Central High School of Philadelphia seniors who have been accepted by and will pursue higher education at Hampton University (VA) or another historically black college or university (HBCU).
The Lillian T. Johnson Memorial Scholarship, named after Cecil's grandmother, is awarded to a high school senior who has been accepted by and will pursue higher education at Hampton University.
The Harris Johnson Memorial Scholarship, named after our grandparents' family names are awarded to a senior who has been accepted by and will pursue higher education at a historically black college or university (HBCU).
Selected students have the ability to receive the scholarship in subsequent years upon meeting certain eligibility requirements.
Giving back has been a part of Cecil's life since he can remember, and he and his wife continues that trend not only through their foundation, but also through education scholarships in Cecil's parent's name endowed at their church and through proceeds of the book, What To Pack?
“I’ve been fascinated and moved by giving for years, but it really started when I was a kid, one Labor Day while watching TV.
My parents tell the story of when I was ten and watching Jerry Lewis host his annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon. I said to my mom, “I want to give to those kids, I want to help them.” She was a little taken off guard and then asked, “Are you sure?” She later told me she thought I really didn’t know what I was committing to because even at ten she said I was “pretty tight with my pennies.” She figured I was caught up in the emotional pull of the program.
She was surprised and proud when I proclaimed I had allowance money saved and wanted to give. She said, “Okay, if that’s what you want to do, then you call the toll-free number and make a pledge.” I did call, made the pledge, and took $10 out of my piggy bank (literally) to give to my mom to write a check. All I know is that I felt good doing it.
Wanting to make situations better for others, I continued to give to different organizations over the years. Then one day, my wife suggested that we start an education foundation.”
