Detroit Memorial For Aaliyah Planned, Scholarship Fund Created

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A memorial is being planned and there is now a scholarship fund that honors the memory of Aaliyah in Detroit, the city where the New York-born singer-actress was raised and attended high school. The fund created by the Detroit-based organization Operation Get Down will annually provide financial assistance to four students attending the Detroit High School For The Fine And Performing Arts, from which Aaliyah graduated.

Operation Get Down was created 30 years ago by Aaliyah's uncle Barry Hankerson, who heads Blackground Records, the label that signed Aaliyah and got her recording deals with major labels. Aaliyah's parents also worked with Operation Get Down, and Aaliyah started performing at the organization's community events when she was just 5 years old. Operation Get Down co-founder and CEO Bernard Parker said Friday (August 31), "Aaliyah's death is a loss to Detroit and for many of us who watched her grow up; we'll always remember and love her."

Educators in Detroit are also praising Aaliyah, calling her a fine role model who never forgot the town she once called home. Detroit Public Schools (DPS) CEO Kenneth S. Burnley stated Friday, "Aaliyah was one of our brightest starts in the firmament of DPS students. In addition to graduating from our Detroit High School Of Fine And Performing Arts with a 4.0 grade average, Aaliyah possessed a beautiful spirit that touched the lives of many. She continued to visit and support the Detroit Public Schools. Aaliyah will forever be an inspiration to all young people who strive to accomplish their dreams through hard work and decency."

Donations to the Aaliyah Memorial Scholarship Fund can be sent to: First Independence National Bank, 44 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226. Checks should be made out to Aaliyah Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information regarding donations, please call (313) 461-6268.