About the BASC

The James P. Humphrey Sidney-Shelby County Black Achievers Scholarship Committee was organized on January 29, 1987. It is independent and is not affiliated with any other local, state, or national organization.

The BASC recognizes and encourages black students who have demonstrated academic success, provides incentives to help them continue their education beyond high school, and assists black students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to pursue a college education.

In 2002, the BASC received the American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Award for “making a difference in the lives of individuals in Sidney and Shelby County.”

The charter members of the committee included Dorothy Franklin, Virginia Thompson, James Daniel, Elder Claudie Johnson, Dale Locker, Ken Ruth, and James Humphrey.  They were charged with the responsibility of administering a scholarship program for the Sidney-Shelby County community, a scholarship program which would also honor the achievements of James P. Humphrey, Sidney’s first black mayor who served three terms from 1981 to 1987.