Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 10-9-18

Local
Alumni Focus On Helping Youth Become Readers
NAACP To Host Special Meetings For Upcoming Election
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
It has often been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If so, this picture of young men attending college speaks volumes.
They are members of Men of Vision, a service organization founded by Ross Anderson. James Eliassaint- Ander- son, who currently oversees the daily operations said, “These young men MUST feed their minds, bodies, and souls with reading, as it must start as early as elementary school.”
In keeping with this train of thought, 15 young men will come home during the holi- days, meet with students and encourage them. Men of Vision members attending Florida A & M University are: MarQuavis Hamilton, Pierre Alsint, Keyshawn Spain, Evan Williams, William Bell, Willie Bell, and Chris Williams. Nawayne Dixon graduated from FAMU in 2017.
Men of Vision members at- tending Florida State Univer- sity are: Daniel Smithen, Bryce Nichols, and Jamar Smith. Those attending Talla- hassee Community College are: Calvin McClarin, Aaron Webb, Markel Jones, and Gabriel Belcher.
Men of Vision, Inc., was es- tablished in June 2010 with the concept of “reach one, teach one.” The Talented Tallahassee young men have adopted the concept of the “Envision your Vision Read a Book Program” in Tallahassee. The Program was funded and sponsored by a grant from Kevin Beckner Community Builders, and Safe and Sound, in partnership with the FBI Tampa Bay Citizens
These young men represent Tampa and are attending college in Tallahassee. Those shown from left to right: Daniel Smithen, Calvin McClarin, Aaron Webb, Bryce Nichols, MarQuavis Hamil- ton, FAMU Alumni President; Markel Jones, Pierre Alsint, Alumni Vice President; Gabriel Belcher, and Chris Williams. Not shown are: Keyshawn Spain, Evan Williams, William Bell, Willie Bell, Jamar Smith, and Nawayne Dixon, who graduated from FAMU in 2017.
Next month, the Hillsbor- ough County Branch of the NAACP will hold its election. The organization will host four meetings prior to the election for the purpose of election of officers and at-large members of the executive committee.
The meetings will take place on the following days at the listed locations:
October 15, 2018 at 6 p.m., at 3000 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33605 (34th Street Church of God) --- Election of the Nomi- nating Committee (between 5- 15 members). All members whose memberships are cur- rent as of 30 days prior to the meeting date may be elected to the Nominating Committee (not more than 2 being officers of the unit).
October 20, 2018 at 9 a.m., at 3000 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33605 (34th Street Church of God) ---Nominating Commit- tee report, receipt of Nomina- tions by Petition, and election of the Election Supervisory Committee. All members
whose memberships are cur- rent as of April 1 of the election year may be nominated for of- fice or as an at-large member of the Executive Committee.
In order to sign a nominating petition, or be elected to the Election Supervisory Commit- tee, a member must be current as of 30 days prior to the Octo- ber meeting.
November 10, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 3000 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33605 (34th Street Church of God) --- Elec- tion of officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee.
Polls will open from 9 a.m. to 1p.m.Inordertovoteina Branch election, one must be a member in good standing of the Branch 30 days prior to the election. A form of identifica- tion is required.
Should a run-off election be necessary that election shall occur on the date below. November 17, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Location: 3000 34th Street, Tampa, FL
Academy Alumni Association. Men of Vision Alumni took the “Read a Book Challenge” to bring awareness to other youth the importance of reading and going on to college. As a result, 8 members attend FAMU, 4 members attend TCC, and 3 members attend FSU. Each Alumni member plans to return to Tampa to take part in the ini- tiative during the holiday
breaks.
The young men in Tampa
plan to help increase the read- ing scores in the Achievement zone schools by one level and bring awareness of reading and comprehension covers all cur- riculums.
They are also offering ways for parents to help their child learn reading strategies and are encouraging them to read to- gether for 20 minutes a day.
Men of Vision will provide
free books to students at com- munity events and plan to give- away over 4,000 books.
Anderson said, “These young men became members of Men of Vision while attending school in Hillsborough County. Men of Vision exposed them to colleges and universities within the State of Florida and trade school options. This exposure gave them the ability to make wise decisions about what’s best suited for them and how to plan for their future.
“The MOV Program is an av- enue for young men to identify values, priorities and contribute to their families, schools, and communities. It also provides a support structure for academic achievement, while teaching life skills in practicing respon- sibility and accountability and promoting an overall vision for the future.”
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