This is the first time in history that the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League has been selected to host a National Urban League Conference. It is significant because the Urban League is the oldest and largest community based organization, which provides direct services to the African American community and other disadvantaged cultures. The organization was started in 1910 and has existed for 98 years.

There are 100 affiliates across the country, and this year the theme of the conference”Get, Grow, and Go” reinforces the four cornerstones of our Opportunity Compact: Thrive, Earn, Own, Prosper. One of the most important beliefs of the organization is to transform lives by breaking racial barriers to achieve the American Dream. Marc Morial, President/CEO of the National Urban League states, “Economic Empowerment is the work of the National Urban League, and the remaining work of the civil rights movement in the 21st century.

This year the Annual National Urban League Conference will be held at the lavish Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, July 30th through August 2nd. During the conference there will be informative workshops, plenary sessions, and events which will educate, engage, and entertain the attendees spiritually, intellectually and professionally.

As we near the final 128 days of the presidential campaign, the National Urban League is fortune to have the presidential nominees join us at the conference on Friday, August 1. At this critical hour of this year’s presidential election, Obama and McCain will discuss their platforms and actively share their views on relevant issues that impact Black America.

There is still a significant disparity between the overall economic status of the average black family, which is 57% of the average white family. The unemployment rate of blacks is more than twice that of whites, and black men earned less than three-fourths of white men resulting in a wage gap of about $12,000. Forty-seven percent of blacks own their own homes, whereas seventy-five percent of whites own their own homes.

Dr. Lance McCarthy of the Orlando Metropolitan
Urban League

One of the most important initiatives of the organization is to transform lives by providing jobs. This year at the conference there will be three days of a continuous Career Fair, with 60 major corporations and free career coaching. This Career Fair is free to everyone with opportunities ranging from entry level positions to executive manager positions.

On Saturday morning, August 2, 8:30 am there will be a Family Session & Interfaith Service with the featured speaker, Pastor Randolph Bracy, Jr. of the New Covenant Baptist Church. Dr. McCarthy President/CEO of the host affiliate has requested that the local faith community collaborate and provide the conference with a combined interfaith choir. The local faith community is urged to come out and join this powerful family session.
In addition to the conference the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League has organized an Infinite Scholars Scholarship Fair on Saturday, August 2, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This once in a lifetime opportunity where 20 million dollars will be awarded on site will be held at St. Mark A. M. E. Church, 1968 Bruton Blvd, Orlando Florida, 32805. The Scholarship Fair is free and 12th, 11th, and college and junior colleges students are urged to attend. Students are asked to bring their H.S. transcript, SAT/ACT scores, two letters of recommendation, and their resume.

This conference is significant because it will bring together and galvanize all elements of the African American community. It will also be instrumental in creating cohesiveness in the entire Orlando market, and generate 16 to 20 million dollars to the Orlando economy. Expected to attend this historic conference are 15,000 to 20,000 attendees from every state in the country and internationally.

The National Urban League and the host affiliate invite everyone to join this 98-year-old movement by participating in this conference. Get the information you and your family need to Grow personally and professionally, and Go forward towards a better life. Come join us in this transformational an empowering experience in Orlando.              

For more information register now at www.nul.org or contact Metropolitan Orlando Urban League website.

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 Jennifer Blocker, daughter of superintendent of Orange County schools, Ron Blocker and Gloria Blocker was already showing signs of ability and fortitude long before graduating from Olympia High School in Orlando.  Upon graduating from high
school, she has choices to make––having been accepted by several universities: Carnegie Mellon, Duke, Emory, University of Florida, and Boston University.

Jennifer’s awesome high school experience included such activities as APEX  (Advanced Placement EXperience) Scholars Academy,  National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society (President), Science National Honor Society, Beta Club,  A.S.S.E.T.S. Student Leadership Council (President), Student Support Foundation (ICC Delegate), Umoja Club (President), Black History Month Committee, Drama Club,  Club Express, Girls Weightlifting Team (Varsity Letter), Revelations Gospel Choir (9th & 10th  grades),  Olympia High School Mentors,  The Oracle Newspaper Staff, and OHS Step Team (9th Grade).

Community wise, Jennifer is a Central Florida YMCA Black Achievers (3 years), National Achievers Society – University of Central Florida Chapter  (9 years), Orlando Science Center Young Einstein Youth Volunteer Program, Girl Scouts of America, Inc., Troop 190 (12 years; Cookie Queen  for 11 years), Relay For Life Cancer Walk  (4 years), People’s Theatre Presents Unscripted, Delta  G.E.M.S.  (President),  2007 Bridgadettes Club Debutante (Secretary.  Jennifer is also actively involved in the Youth Department of Shiloh Baptist Church and has received a plethora of other experiences, honors and work experiences.

 RUBIN DANIELS, JR.
Rubin Daniels, Jr.  graduated from First Coast High School in Jacksonville with a GPA of  3.7, which  made him the highest ranking Black male in his senior class.  As an honor roll student, he was recognized  for membership and service in the National Honor’s Society.

Rubin’s service spills over into the community where he is a  Member of Shiloh Baptist Church serving as a  volunteer for Big Brothers and Sisters of Northeast Florida.

Rubin will be receiving  a $10,000 a year scholarship from the University of North Florida (where he will attend).  He also received a Bright Futures of Florida Scholarship, a $1000 a year scholarship from Community First Credit Union, a $1000 a year scholarship from the Army Emergency Relief Fund.  Rubin works part time for the City of Jacksonville’s Kids Kampus.

 MICHELLE LYNN HARVEY, II
Michelle Lynn Harvey (Fort Lauderdale)  gradudated valedictorian of Dillard High School's  class of 2008.  She earned 30 college credits while in high school and finished with a GPA score of 4.59.  She will be attending the University of Miami in the Fall to major in motion pictures & management.

This active high school student served as marketing manager, electrical co-manager, treasurer, and team co-leader for Dillard's SigmaC@T Robotics Team.  She also served as the student representative of the PTSA.  She was the founding president of the Television Production Club, and assisted in it’s TV Production, which was later incorporated into the curriculum. 
Michelle has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County for over five years, and has co-authored and acted in multiple plays with the organization.  Additionally,   she is the leader and on-camera interviewer for the Fort Lauderdale NFL Youth Education Town Center. Michelle is a member of the Horatio Alger Foundation of Distinguished Americans, the National Dean's List (06-07) for Who's Who Among American College Students, National Honor Society, and National Society of High School Scholars.

Michelle plans to spend her summer as an intern with NASA at the Kennedy Space Center.

Say Michelle, “When I was 2 years old, I decided I wanted to become an actress so I could be on the cast of Barney.  I decided to educate through the performing arts at 11 years old, after hearing Francis Ford Copula insightfully share that the duty of every artist is to "change the world through art."  How better to change the world than through educating?  My mother influenced me to use the skills God gave me in a way that I am passionate about to achieve my greatest success. Television/Film Production, writing,  editing, directing and acting are my passions, and these will be my creative educational tools.  I will utilize these tools to ‘change the world through art’ as the owner/operator of a Motion Pictures Production Company, Michelle Lynn Productions.”

 KIERRADANTZLER

Kierra Dantzler, daughter of Sharon Corley and member os Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church graduated from Sandlewood High School in Jacksonville with a GPA of 3.5.  She will be attending Florida Community College Jacksonville in August 2008.

Kierra is a member of the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptidt Chrch Inspirational Youth Choir.

 SHELYNN GUILLAUME
Shelynn Guillaume graduated salutatorian from Jones High School (Orlando) with a weighted GPA score of 4.2 (unweighted 3.64), an SAT score of 1100, and an ACT score of 21.

Shelynn objective is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in pre-med biology from Florida A&M?University and then go to medical school to become a successful  OB/GYN.

Her high school activities included Magna Cum Laude Honor, 2005-2006; National Honor Society, member, 2006-2008, secretary, 2007-2008; National Beta Club, member, 2004-2008, president, 2006-2007, treasurer, 2007-2008; SADD/SAFE, member, 2005-2008 (parliamentarian, 2005-2006; vice president, 2006-2007) president, 2007-2008; Art Club Award, Best Orlando Theme 2006; COMPACT Mentoring Program, mentor, 2007-2008; MISS COMPACT, 2007-2008; SECME, member, 2007-2008; Upward Bound, member, 2005-2007; Statistician Team, member, 2007-2008; Additions Volunteer Program, mentor, 2007-2008; Principal’s Book Club, member, 2005-2006; Mac Sister’s, mentor, 2005-2007; Reading with Orange Center Elementary, 2004-2008; Jones High School Host, 2006-2008; Volunteer for Canned Food Drive; helped file records for Upward Bound, 2007;  Rotary Youth Leadership Award, 2008; First Honors Award, 2007;  FAMU College of  Law Scholarship Center Student of the Month, November 2007; CROP, Member, 2006-2008; Medical Arts Magnet, 2004-2008;  “O” Ambassador, Member, 2007-2008.

 JASMINE JOHNSON
Jasmine Johnson is a graduate of Jones High School with a GPA?score of 4.07 and a SAT?score of 1460 (writing 440, reading 470, math 550).

Jasmine plans to major in math and engineering at Tuskegee University.  Her special interests are dancing, playing with electronics, volunteering with Girl Scouts and TJAC, a homework assistance program in Atlanta, and solving suduko puzzles. Her extracurricular activities include working part-time at Universal Studios Orlando, being a member of the National Honor Society, SECME (a math and engineering club), and Drama.

Jasmine moved to Orlando in September 2007 from Atlanta after the loss of her grandmother.  While there, she attended Frederick Douglass High School and was a part of the engineering magnet program and journalism team.

 ELEASE SAMMS
Elease Samms’ ambitions is to obtain a master’s degree in architecture and business management.  As the valedictorian of the class of 2008 at Jones High School, Orlando, she is well on her way. Elease has an unweighted GPA score of 3.59 (weighted 4.3).  She also scored 1080 on the SAT (reading and  writing), and an ACT score of 22.

Elease is a member of the National Honor Society, 2006-2007, vice president, 2007-2008; Magna Cum Laude Honor, 2005-2006; member of the National Beta Club, 2006-2008; About Face, Certificate of Completion, 2005-2006; Upward Bound, member, 2005-2006, historian, 2006-2007; COMPACT Mentoring Program - awarded the Highest GPA Award, 2006-2007; Student Government Association member, 2005-2006; Junior Class secretary, 2006-2007; SGA vice president, 2007-2008; National Junior Honor Society, member, 2003-2004; SADD/SAFE, member, 2007-2008;  DARE, third place in essay contest, Art Contest winner, 1999-2000; SECME, member, 2004-2005 and 2007-2008; Additions Volunteer Program, mentor, 2007-2008; Gator Tracks member, 2004-2005; volunteer for canned food drives, 2006; Foreign Language Club member, 2007-2008; Symphonic Band, clarinet player, 2005-2006; 100 Black Men of Orlando,  member, 2004-2008; helped file records for Upward Bound, 2007; Orlando Museum of Art, art work selected for display, 2008; interview with Channel 9 News, 2008; O Ambassadors, member, 2008.

Elease enjoys drawing, reading, watching movies--especially good ones!-- and learning about new things. Also, my interest in this year's 2008 Presidential election is very high because the day we vote for president, November 4, 2008 is my 19th birthday!!!! (I am voting for Obama, because I feel this country needs a change of pace and a new face.

 COURTNEY E. WILLIAMS
Courtney Elizabeth Williams  is graduating from high school a year ahead of schedule as a result of her studies in advanced coursework at Mandarin High School and the dual enrollment program at Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ).

Courtney has a GPA score of 3.6 and an ACT composite score of 24.  She intends to major in health services administration at  (FCCJ)

Courtney loves music and was a member of the Mandarin High School Chamber Choir.  She is a member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church where she has been active in the youth choir for several years.

 TIFFANY VILLAHERMOSA
Tiffany Villahermosa completed her studies at Ed White High School with a grade point average of 3.8.  She plans to attend Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) in August. Tiffany was born with spina-bifida; her family was told she would not live past the age of two.  Now, at age 18, she has undergone 39 major operations.

  Tiffany’s story is truly a testimony to her determination to make it and the sustaining power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Tiffany is the grand-daughter of Alfreda Benton and is a member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church.

 BRITTANY WHITE
Brittany White graduated from Dillard Center for the Arts, AKA Dillard High School.  She was the Salutatorian, of her class with a GPA of 4.49.   She was the president of the National Art Honor Society, the secretary of the German Club, and a member of the SigmaC@TS Robotics team. Brittany has won many awards and scholarships in the field of art, which include having had her art displayed in Broward County Transit Buses and in a book soon to be published titled From Ghetto to Global.

Brittany plans to pursue a career in art.  She will enter college  as a sophomore at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the fall.  Says Brittany, “I took a lot of AP courses during high school, which exempt me from taking the freshman classes”.

 WHAT GUIDANCE
COUNSELOR, JUANITA D. REED,  OF DR. PHILLIPS HIGH SCHOOL IN ORLANDO HAS TO SAY ABOUTHONOR STUDENT, LATIFAT OGINNI

It gives me a great deal of pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for one of the top students that I have worked with in Dr. Phillips High School’s history, Latifat Oginni.  I have known Latifat for the past four years.  She is an outstanding student and an individual of almost limitless energy.  Latifat is one of the most active students on our campus.  Her activities also continue over into the community, where she tutors young children in mathematics and Latin translations while opening their horizons to enrich their minds.  She has also been a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity for several years, Relay for Life, Second Harvest Bank and is the founder of Mad Lab Mentors Program.

     Latifat is a very capable young lady.  She has a quick and agile mind and possesses a strong work ethic.  She has demonstrated the ability to achieve academically at a high level.  In recognition of her academic excellence, Latifat has been inducted into the National Honor Society, Alpha Beta Gamma (Science Honor Society), Latin Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and been honored as an AP Scholar, VCC Presidential Honor Roll, National Achievement Commended Student, Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award and has Perfect Attendance (K-12). She is a member of the girl’s basketball, track and field, cross country, weight-lifting and girl’s flag football teams.  She was recently named the DP Heisman Award winner.                                                 

     Latifat is enrolled in the Center for International Studies (CIS) magnet program offered by Orange County Public Schools.  This magnet program offers a unique curriculum with a variety of activities focusing on languages, cultures, and international business.  Throughout her challenging course of study (which includes eleven advanced placement courses), Latifat has maintained an overall grade point average of 4.92.  She is ranked No. 14 in her graduating class of 779 seniors.

     I am happy to give my highest recommendation to Latifat.  I hold her in the highest regard and feel that she will be an asset to her college and community.  Latifat is honest, concerned, generous with her time and energy, and modest about her achievements.  She has continually proven herself to be a person of great integrity and strength of character.  I have high expectations for Latifat and feel that she is worthy of serious consideration when making your scholarship selection.

 CHARLIE PERRY, II
Charlie Perry, recent graduate of Mandarin Christian High School completed his high school education with a grade point average of 3.50 and a SAT score of 1180.  This talented young man will attend Bethune-Cookman University this fall and major in criminal justice.

Charlie is the son of the late Queen Candace (Frazier) and nephew of Joseph & Bert Brooks.  He graduated as an honor student with the 2008 inaugural class of Mandarin Christian High School. 

Charlie was captain of the football and basketball teams his junior and senior years.  Elected by the student body as the 2008 Home Coming King, a student tutor, and student assistant for the administrative staff and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. Received a scholarship from Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church Mission Ministry, for his essay titled “How to Stay a Christian in College.”

Charlie is a member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, the High School and Outreach Ministries and serves as an assistant in their Youth Church, a community volunteer with the Jacksonville Food Bank, Campus Crusade Thanksgiving Baskets of Love and Easter Bags distribution projects yearly.

 Graduating from pre-K, Harrison Parker Seays, grandson of the editors of Onyx, completes the first step of his education.