The late Shirley M. Allen was a grassroots advocate in the Brewerytown section of Philadelphia. For over 30 years she stood up for what she believed in and was well respected for her tenacity. Mrs. Allen was a sticular for helping everyone she came in contact with that relied on her. Not only would she give her last to help others, she literally believed in giving the shirt off her back. Mrs. Allen was diligent in all that she put her heart to. Before her passing in 2005, Mrs. Allen was a small business owner at an establishment she called "Soul Food to Go". She put her heart and soul into every meal that was prepared. For many years prior to the great feat of establishing her own business, Mrs. Allen worked totally hard. After over 25 years of dropping out of high school, Mrs. Allen took full advantage of the help provided to her at Reverend Leon Sullivan's OIC and afterwards completed her high school diploma from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1985. To respect her many challenges and ablility to bounce back from life's adversities, it is with great honor that each year Sturdivant & Sturdivant, LLC will be giving a scholarship to student(s) who thrived socially and academically when faced with adversity.