Much-maligned Haitian national Rachel Jeantel was recently offered free scholarship and an opportunity to attend a Historically Black College after graduating from high school.
The gift was offered when she appeared on the Tom Joyner Morning Show to discuss the verdict in the case of George Zimmerman.
The admitted friend of deceased Trayvon Martin who was criticized for being inarticulate when she testified on the witness stand during the trial could choose any college and could find that all fees and residency will be paid for.
Described as “ignant,” after her testimony, the trilingual, teenager was the subject of numerous internet discussions. She was described as Precious II, a cloned version of the controversial character portrayed in a movie focusing on a dysfunctional family. And many critics claimed she might not have been properly prepared for such high profile scrutiny.
Although Jeantel speaks Spanish, French-creole and English she was accused of incapable of speaking “proper” English and for that became the key target of criticism and ridicule. Since the case ended, the teenager has explained an impediment she has suffered due to a dental problem which requires surgery. She attributed any disability with fluency to that condition.
Tom Joyner is a supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He volunteered to offer Jeantel a free education to any HBCU she chooses.
“If you want to graduate from high school, and go to an HBCU, even if it’s not in Florida but especially Florida, like Florida Memorial, Edward Waters or FAMU, if you want to do that, I want to help you do that,” Joyner said.
To be funded from monies from his Tom Joyner Foundation, the radio personality added:
“I will help you get tutors to get you out of high school, tutors to help you pass the SAT and I will give you a full ride scholarship to any HBCU you’d like.”
Called by the prosecution to explain details of a conversation she shared with her now deceased friend, she said that she heard Trayvon say, “get off, get off” implying that he was being attacked by Zimmerman.
