SUBMITTED BY LAWRENCE DAVIS
ORLANDO – The I.S. Hankins – F.A. Johnson Education Foundation of the Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in partnership with Orlando Mayor’s MLK Commission sponsored the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Series January 11th – 13th which included our MLK Leadership Forum and MLK Commemorative Luncheon, and participation in the MLK Parade. The weekend was kicked off on Thursday, January 11th with the 20th Annual MLK Leadership Series Forum at Florida A&M University College of Law with a focused discussion on “Advancing the Dream: Navigating Education Equity in Today’s Landscape.”
The 38th Annual MLK Commemorative Luncheon (http://mlkluncheon.org) was held on January 12th at First Baptist Church of Orlando. The luncheon serves as an opportunity to recognize outstanding community leaders with the prestigious Drum Major award (https://mlkluncheon.org/drummajor/) and award scholarships to deserving high school seniors.
Alpha Phi Alpha brother Dr. Gerald Jones, Chair of the Florida College System’s Council of Student Affairs served as keynote speaker for the Luncheon. Under the theme of “Advancing the Dream: Navigating Education Equity in Today’s Landscape” his message focused on the importance of being engaged and helping to shape laws impacting communities. Voting is not enough. Continuous engagement with our legislators prior to legislative sessions is necessary for our voices to be heard.
The five Drum Major awards were presented in the areas of Community Service (Janice Jones), Business (Dr. Dorian Boyland), Social Justice (Monique Worrell), Scholastic Achievement (Jade White) and Civic Affairs (Roosevelt Holmes).
Ten high school seniors inclusive of the Drum Major for scholastic achievement were awarded scholarships totaling $29,000.
On Saturday, January 13, 2024, under the banner of Alpha Nation the Brothers of Delta Xi Lambda and Xi Iota (UCF) Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. along with our Young Men of Distinction mentor group was joined by the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and their Charmette Club youth group in the Annual MLK Parade hosted by the City of Orlando MLK Commission. Lots of treats were given to parade watchers.
