Our Stories

The Foundation's inspiration comes from two life-long educators.  Archibald and Jerolene Mosley, were born in the 1920s, in homes where education was a priority.  

Living in Jackson and Williamson counties in southern Illinois, the Mosleys attended separate and unequal schools that did not have a sufficient level of books and supplies.  This lead both to challenge themselves inside and outside of the classroom particularly after they met at Southern Illinois University.  

They each earned multiple degrees along the way.  Rev. Mosley received two bachelors in education and theology, two masters in education and communication, and a doctorate in communication, leading him to become a presiding elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a public school superintendent, and a city administrator. Mrs. Mosley received a bachelors in elementary education and a masters degree in teaching spending more than 20 years as an elementary school instructor in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. 

With these achievements, they continuously gave back to their communities through public service, political activism, and charitable organizations.  And, they have passed  this legacy to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who equally value education, community involvement, leadership and philanthropy.

To continue the work of the Mosleys' life journeys, the Foundation's giving program fosters continued access to education.

By awarding The Rev. Archibald Mosley Ph.D. and Jerolene Thomas Mosley Book Scholarship, the Sebastian-Tunis Foundation lessens the financial burden for a student by almost 50% and contributes to the increase in the student's higher-education retention rate by almost 50%.

The U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System reported in 2022-2023, that schools estimated the average cost of books and supplies for a first-year college student was $1,000-$1,220 on average.  In 2019, a survey by the Public Interest Research Group PIRG found that when students cannot afford books, 63% skipped buying a textbook and 90% worried that failing to buy textbooks for class would negatively impact their grade.   

The Music Grants are crucial for fostering children's holistic development. Music education enhances cognitive abilities, improving skills in math, reading, and critical thinking through pattern recognition and auditory processing. It also nurtures emotional expression and self-discipline, teaching students the value of practice and perseverance. Socially, music programs encourage teamwork and collaboration, building essential communication skills. By exposing children to diverse musical traditions, the Foundation seeks to promote cultural awareness and appreciation. With these Music Grants, the Foundation contributes to the cultivation of well-rounded individuals who can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially, enriching their lives and communities for years to come.