College of Leadership & Public Service announces 2024-25 Fred D. Gray Scholars

Kim Chaudoin  |  10/14/2024

The College of Leadership & Public Service (CLPS) recently announced that Janeyah Anderson, Jackson Francis, Shythaly Herrera and Rainey Hoffman have been selected as this year’s recipients of the Fred D. Gray Scholarship. All are law, justice and society majors in the Fred D. Gray Institute for Law, Justice and Society housed in the CLPS.

The Fred D. Gray Scholarship was founded to support students who have the passion, creativity, empathy and determination to become the next generation of civic leaders. Established in 2017, the Fred D. Gray scholarship honors and helps Lipscomb students pursue their education in the world of law. The scholarship honors the legacy of Fred D. Gray and is awarded to students who are working to become the next generation of Fred Grays.

Gray began his legal career at the age of 24 as a sole practitioner fresh out of law school. When Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus, Gray represented her and aided in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He also represented the Freedom Riders, filed the lawsuits that desegregated Alabama schools, and was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s first civil rights lawyer.

“Being named a Fred D. Gray Scholar is truly an honor,” said Janeyah Anderson, a senior from Hendersonville, Tennessee. “Dr. Gray’s legacy in fighting for justice during the Civil Rights Movement inspires me every day. His commitment to using the law as a tool for social change resonates deeply with my own aspirations. It’s a reminder to keep pushing for equity and fairness in all I do.”

This is the second year that Anderson, who is double majoring in law, justice & society and urban leadership and policy, has been selected as a Fred D. Gray Scholar. She chose to pursue LJS studies because she is “passionate about criminal justice reform, and this major allows me to explore the legal system from a broader societal perspective.”

“It also aligns with my goal of working in prosecution and policy-making to create change in the justice system,” she explained. “I plan to attend law school and work in civil or criminal prosecution. I dream of working in urban areas where I can advocate for more equitable legal practices and influence public policy.”

Anderson, who is serving her second term as Lipscomb’s Student Government Association president, said she is committed to using her leadership roles and academic journey to foster community and growth.

“Whether it's through my work with Student Government or my involvement in the mock trial team, I’m constantly seeking ways to empower others and create positive change,” said Anderson. “I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had to grow both as a student and as a future leader in law.”

Jackson Francis a junior from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, said he is honored to be named a Fred Gray Scholar.

“It feels amazing to be associated with the great legacy of Dr. Gray,” said Francis. “He helped the movement that opened the eyes of many people to advance the African-American race in gaining greater equality in this country.”

Francis said he chose to attend Lipscomb “because it’s a great school that is close to my family and glorifies God.”

“I’m so thankful of all the opportunities Lipscomb gives all of their students especially the students who need extra assistance,” he shared. “The (Office of) Accessibility has helped me a lot through my time here at Lipscomb. All of the teachers, faculty and my fellow classmates are all extremely kind.”

After completing his undergraduate degree at Lipscomb Francis plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law.

Senior Shythaly Herrera of Nashville is double majoring in law, justice & society and political science. Through this program, she said, “I’ve had experiences that have shaped how I view the field I want to pursue. I’ve been to the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments, visited the Department of Justice and spent time in local drug courts, which has given me  such a unique perspective.”

She said being named a Fred Gray Scholar is a “huge honor.”

“It pushes me to keep working hard, stay determined and give my best,” said Herrera, who wants to pursue a career as a defense attorney. “To be recognized in connection with someone who was the attorney for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, it’s surreal and such a motivator for me.”

“It’s truly amazing to reflect on the work that Fred Gray has been involved in throughout his life. The fact that he’s still making an impact by giving back to the community is such an inspiration,” she continued. “It motivates me to do the same in my own career and to strive for that kind of lasting influence.”

Rainey Hoffman said Lipscomb’s LJS program was a great fit for pursuing her undergraduate degree.

“I knew I was in the right place when I came to Lipscomb's campus and met the staff and professors involved in Law, Justice and Society,” said the junior from Nashville. 
“The connections that the Fred D. Gray program sets up for their students are incredible and rare. The program encourages hard work, resilience, encouragement and love. I knew that Law, Justice, and Society would get me where I wanted to go in my future career.”

Being selected as a Fred Gray Scholar was a humbling honor.

“When I heard that I had received this award, the first thing I felt was humbled. Practicing law has been my goal since I was 11 years old, but there have been many moments where I felt as though I ‘was not cut out for it’ or even ‘could not do it,’” explained Hoffman. “However, by receiving this award I realized that I am just a vessel for God to work through me.”

“Fred D. Gray sets an example for each scholar who receives this award,” she continued. “He showed patience yet determination, courage through fear, and the love of Jesus even through times of hatred. He facilitated true justice and truly impacted our world for the better. This award gives me the wonderful challenge of displaying those same virtues in my future practice of law.”

After law school Hoffman said she wants to work in a child advocacy role, but she is “leaving my career in open hands. The Lord continues to lead me where I should go, and I know He will do the same for my legal career.”

Learn more about the Fred D. Gray Institute for Law, Justice & Society.