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 2021 MLK Leadership Series – 17th Annual MLK Leadership Forum (Forum) and 35th Annual MLK Commemorative Luncheon (Luncheon). Due to COVID19 and in the spirit of social distancing registered attendees will be invited to experience both events online. The 2021 MLK Leadership Series will operate under the theme “Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the existence of justice for all people”, a famous quote by our beloved late Brother Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The 2021 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 live, online interactive event with key leaders of the Orlando community. The Forum will take place on Thursday, January 14, 2021, 7pm ET. The Luncheon will be a virtual event powered by The River of Life Christian Center that airs online Friday, January 15, 2021, 12pm ET. 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 2021 goal to award $15,000 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. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $100,000 in college scholarships, sponsored 200+ YMODs, and supported Scouting and other programs to benefit youth in the Central Florida community.
We realize that COVID19 has had a major impact on our lives and economy. Even in a COVID19 year, students need scholarships and community leaders should be recognized. Despite COVID19, we were able to award $19,000 in scholarships this year. We could not have done that without your support! Therefore, we solicit your sponsorship for our 2021 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,
Jermaine B. Patterson
2021 MLK Leadership Series Chair