Dear Community Partners, Sponsors, and Supporters,
The I.S. Hankins – F.A. Johnson Education Foundation, Inc. of the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in partnership with the Mayor of Orlando’s MLK Commission is preparing for its 2023 MLK Leadership Series – 19th Annual MLK Leadership Forum (Forum) and 37th Annual MLK Commemorative Luncheon (Luncheon). We are excited to announce that this year’s luncheon will return to being an in-person event. The 2023 MLK Leadership Series will operate under the theme “Seize The Moment. Take The Opportunity. Dare To Affect Change!”
The 2023 MLK Leadership Series is where we invite the community to join us in celebrating, commemorating, and living the DREAM. The Forum will be a moderated interactive event with key leaders of the Orlando community. The Forum will take place on Thursday, January 12, 2023, 7pm. The Luncheon will be held at Orlando’s historic First Baptist Church on Friday, January 13, 2023, 11:30am. Guests are encouraged to arrive at 11am. At the Luncheon, students, community leaders, and organizations are recognized with our prestigious Drum Major Award in Scholastic Achievement(scholarship), Civic Affairs, Social Justice, Community Service, and Business.
Proceeds from the Luncheon will help us reach our 2023 goal to award $50,000 in college scholarships. Additionally, the Luncheon funds our Young Men of Distinction (YMOD) male mentorship program and provides support to other educational/community service initiatives of our Education Foundation. Over the last decade, our Foundation has awarded over $175,000 in college scholarships, sponsored 200+ YMODs, and supported Scouting and other programs to benefit youth in the Central Florida community.
COVID-19 had a major impact on our lives and economy. Students still needed scholarships and we believed our community leaders should still be recognized. Despite COVID19, we were able to award $31,500 in scholarships this year (2022). We could not have done that without your support! Therefore, we solicit your sponsorship for our 2023 MLK Leadership Series so we can continue to encourage youth and community leaders to march onward and upward. Your support helps us to continue our legacy of developing leaders and promoting academic excellence while providing service and advocacy for the Central Florida community.
On behalf of the Orlando Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and our I.S. Hankins – F.A. Johnson Education Foundation, thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Garcia & Robert Harvey
2023 MLK Leadership Series Co-Chairs