Excellence is a continuous journey.
The Willie J. Bradley Foundation awards scholarships to graduating seniors in Petersburg, Hopewell, Chesterfield, Prince George, and Dinwiddie, in honor of a decorated three-war veteran and lifelong educator.
- awarded in scholarships
- $226,000+
- year the foundation began
- 2011
- cities and counties served
- 5
They called him Bremo
A three-war veteran who chose the classroom.
Willie Junius Bradley, Jr. grew up in Bremo Bluff, Virginia, the second of thirteen sons. Classmates at Virginia State College named him after his hometown, and the name stayed with him for life.
He served his country through three wars, came home a decorated veteran, and spent his career teaching. The foundation that carries his name keeps that commitment going, one graduating senior at a time.
His journey, continued
From Bremo Bluff to a new class of scholars.
The gold line follows a life of service and the foundation that grew from it.
“Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends.”
-
1923
Born in Bremo Bluff
Willie Junius Bradley, Jr. is born on July 25 in Fluvanna County, Virginia, into a household that valued education and service above all else.
-
A life of service
Veteran, educator, mentor
He earns his nickname at Virginia State College, serves through three wars, and devotes his career to teaching the young people of his community.
-
1981
Charter member of Nu Omicron Lambda
He is among the men who sign the charter of the Nu Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
-
2011
The foundation is established
Chapter brothers create the Willie J. Bradley Foundation to honor him and to help local students pay for college.
-
Today
More than $226,000 awarded
Scholarships continue every year for graduating seniors across five cities and counties.
Where your gift goes
The foundation is run by volunteers, and every program it holds exists to fund scholarships.
-
Scholarships for graduating seniors
Awards go to seniors headed to an accredited college or university full time. The board sets amounts each year.
Eligibility and requirements
-
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Each January the community honors local people who live Dr. King's principles. The 2026 breakfast was the 37th, and its proceeds support scholarships.
Upcoming events
-
The Black & Gold Gala
A formal evening of dinner, music, and celebration that recognizes deserving young scholars in front of the community that supports them.
Become a sponsor
Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends.
Coming up
All events- Loading events. You can also see the full list on the events page.
Founded by the brothers of Nu Omicron Lambda
Members of the Nu Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. established the foundation in 2011 to honor Mr. Bradley, one of the chapter's charter members.
Help the next scholar begin.
Your gift goes toward scholarships for students from our community. The foundation is a 501(c)(3), so donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.