WASHINGTON (October 24, 2025) - There has been much anticipation of who would receive the Jim Trotter Fund scholarships.
 
The votes are in and the wait is over. It has been determined that Howard University students Harmony Bailey and Amani Clark Bey are the first recipients.
 
Trotter is a Howard alum and an award-winning sports journalist, who made his mark with such prestigious outlets as the San Diego Tribune, SI.com and the NFL Network.
 
Trotter launched a lawsuit against the NFL and settled and it prompted the retired Hall of Fame journalist to launch a program with Howard to support aspiring sports journalists. Through his recently established Work, Plan and Pray Foundation, Trotter has gifted $300,000 for a five-year program at his alma mater.
 
The students, Bailey and Clark-Bey, each will receive:

• $10,000 in tuition support $10,000 of the funds can be directly applied to tuition or student account balance.
• $5,000 in additional funds to support participation in professional development activities through workshops or conferences or to offset internship-related expenses.

 
Mentorship from an established professional whose background aligns with the fellow's career goals.
 
The Jim Trotter Fund also offers other stipends and professional development funds for Howard University students.
 
"I'm trying to make a difference," said Trotter, a 2024 recipient of the prestigious Bill Nunn Memorial Award. "This is a way for me to try to help that next generation."
 
The funds will be disbursed with three distinct purposes:

• First, to subsidize travel and housing expenses for students working on unpaid internships in the industry.
• Second, to sponsor travel and lodging expenses for students to attend networking events, such as the annual convention for the National Association of Black Journalists.
• Third, to establish fellowships that will contribute money for tuition and school expenses for two high-achieving students each year.

 
Dr. Kimberly R. Moffitt is the new Dean and Professor in the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. She offers her perspective on the award and its impact.
 
"The sports world remains one of the few industries continuing to thrive in the midst of political and economic upheaval," noted Dr. Moffitt. "It is an honor to have alumnus Jim Trotter recognize this, having excelled in his professional career, and desirous to share his gifts and talents with the next generation of sports media professionals. I celebrate this opportunity for our two inaugural fellows and look forward to the seed planted that will develop this and many more initiatives that center on sports media for our students."
 
Bailey is a broadcast journalism major/sports administration major from Los Angeles.
 
"This is a very special honor to be named the first in any award, but this is more than special," said Bailey, who recently serves a sideline reporter for HBCU Go TV football broadcast. "Jim Trotter is a pioneer for us in the industry. Upon receiving notice, I thought back to a quote by Muhammad Ali, 'Never Waste a Day.' I live by that saying and this award is proof of that."
 
Clark-Bey is a multifaceted sports journalist, color commentator, broadcaster and host, currently pursuing a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Pittsburgh.
 
"I feel a sense of obligation," said Clark-Bey, scheduled to graduate in May of 2026. "Jim Trotter has paved the way. People talk about giving back, but he is putting his money where his mouth is. I just hope that I can live up to the standard that he has set and can set an example for those who follow me."
 
There will be an open house at the Cathy Hughes School of Communication, ASA Building Promenade Saturday (Oct. 25) at 11:30 a.m., in which Jim Trotter will officially be on hand to present the scholarships to Bailey and Clark-Bey.
 
For more information, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.