Winners of scholarship contest express their love of freedom
News release from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs
Two students from Rufus King International School and Milwaukee High School of the Arts have netted scholarships as winners of the 6th annual Freedom Scholarship Essay Contest, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs announced today.
Selected from entries sent to the Alderwoman’s office, the winners are Helen Fetaw, a Rufus King student bound for the University of Pennsylvania, and Mahogany Hughes-Hinton, an MHSA student moving on to Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Alderwoman Coggs said both of the winning essays captured the essence of the scholarship contest, which asks students to put into words what the concept of “freedom” means to them and how they can combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today. “The struggle for freedom and parity is just as difficult and important today as it ever was,” Ald. Coggs said. “These young women make it clear that there is a new generation of young leaders who are emerging to carry the torch.”
Ms. Fetaw, in her essay, wrote: “We must not be discouraged by those who attempt to strip us down by saying that we are not good enough, that we do not have what it takes simply due to the pigment of our skin—as if our melanin and neurons were somehow entangled.”
In her essay, Ms. Hughes-Hinton wrote: “Recognizing the path that my ancestors forged reminds me to always fight for what is right and for what I have faith in, because the harder the fight the sweeter the victory.”
Each winner receives a $500 scholarship award. –
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Milele Coggs
Bronzeville Week 2026 to Include New Events, Returning Favorites
Jul 22nd, 2026 by Ald. Milele CoggsFull schedule includes a variety of family-friendly events highlighting arts, commerce, wellness, and more
In Person Job and Resource Event Happening Next Wednesday at Bronzeville Location
Jul 9th, 2026 by Ald. Milele CoggsIn Person Job and Resource Summer Kickoff event on Wednesday, July 15th will take place near MLK and North












