The Delaney Scholarships’ mission is to provide financial support to African American students seeking post-secondary educational opportunities. This helps them to achieve their professional goals and become productive leaders in their communities.
William Claude DeLaney was an African American pioneer in the automobile industry in the Pittsburgh area. He started his business on the North Side after returning home from World War II and unable to find a job that would allow him to grow and utilize his automotive skills. He realized the only way to accomplish his dreams as a businessman was to become an entrepreneur and own his own business. He rented space on Sandusky Street and began washing cars.
The president of Northside Deposit Bank believed in his vision enough and helped him to buy a Renault car dealership in the Shaler Township area off Saxonburg & Route 8. In addition to selling Renaults, he sold various used cars.
This was during the ‘70s and it was unheard of Black men owning their own business, particularly in the automobile industry. As a result of his tenacity and hard work ethics, younger Black men and women looked up to him as a trailblazer and business role model, realizing that their business dreams could also come true.
SUSAN A. DELANEY hands the scholarship to Cecil Price III. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
Susan A. DeLaney, widow of William C. DeLaney, launched this scholarship to honor her husband’s legacy and passion for entrepreneurship. Susan DeLaney’s career as a Pittsburgh Public Schools Special Educator, Gateway School District Substitute teacher, Gateway District School Board Director, Monroeville Rotary member, and Forbes Hospital Parent and Family Advisory Council spans over 40 years. Her passion for educating the future generations, coupled with her late husband’s commitment to young people, has inspired her to help other deserving African American students fulfill their educational goals.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ADIA GLEN, with Susan A. Delaney, left, and Glen’s mother, Tonya Johnson.
ADIA GLEN
ERIKA JACKSON
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ERIKA JACKSON, with sisters Jazmyn and Esia. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
BRANDON PINKETT
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT BRANDON PINKETT, with father, Donald Pinkett, and mother, Camille Terry.
SUSAN A. DELANEY hands Brandon Pinkett his scholarship.
ADIA GLEN, with mother, Tonya Johnson.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT CECIL PRICE III, with sisters Cierra Price-Knight and Cerena Price-Knight. (Photos by Courier photographer J.L. Martello)
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