2015 Lexus Verses and Flow Scholarship Awards 16 HBCU Students

-- $180,000 Presented to Students Over Two Years

-- Students Demonstrate Community Leadership and Academic Excellence

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Nov 23, 2015, 04:03 ET

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexus is proud to announce 16 recipients of the 2015 Lexus Verses and Flow Scholarship. The scholarship program is presented in partnership with select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and is an expansion of the groundbreaking "Verses and Flow" program, featuring poetry, spoken word and music. Scholarship recipients will be awarded $5,000 in recognition of their community leadership and academic excellence. Since its inception last year, the scholarship program has awarded $180,000 to ambitious students.

The recipients of the 2015 Lexus Verses and Flow Scholarship are:

Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA) – Akilah Grace and Zachary Nevels
Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL) - Shanice Cooke and Erica Jones
Grambling State University (Grambling, LA) – Jimmitriv Roberson and LaTerra Smith
Hampton University (Hampton, VA) – ZaMari Love and Malikah Saafir
Howard University (Washington D.C.) – Allyson Carpenter and Carmin Wong
LeMoyne-Owen College (Memphis, TN) – Jamarco Lang and Alexis Moore
North Carolina A&T University (Greensboro, NC) – Destiny Dawson and Malcolm Howard
Spelman College (Atlanta, GA) – Kayla Dean and Kiara Hill

To be considered for the scholarship, students completed an application and submitted a written or video essay detailing how they are community leaders, the importance of community and the benefits of attending an HBCU.

"These Lexus Verses and Flow Scholarship recipients are accomplished in school and in their communities," said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. "These young adults are highly motivated and we're excited to reward them for their efforts. We wish them all the best and know they'll positively shape and enhance the lives they touch."

The scholarship coincided with the fifth season of "Lexus Verses and Flow," the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award-nominated variety show. Lexus Verses and Flow is broadcast on TV One. Blending electrifying musical and soul-stirring spoken word performances, the eight-episode season featured mega-watt stars Assasin, Avery Sunshine, B.o.B, Charlie Wilson, Chrisette Michele, Estelle, Jazmine Sullivan, Jussie Smollett, Leela James, Melanie Fiona, Raekwon, and Sevyn Streeter alongside more than 25 of the best up-and-coming poets. Click To Preview S5 Sizzle.

For more information about the Lexus Verses and Flow Scholarship and a list of the participating HBCUs please visit: http://luxuryawaits.com.

About Lexus

Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and one F performance model. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 236 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

SOURCE Lexus