MOTHER'S DAY MESSAGE 2026

KEEPING HBCU'S ALIVE & THRIVING/ TPS EXPLAINED/REDEMPTION HOMES FOR YOUTH

Tony Foster, Florida Chapter President of Kentucky State University (an HBCU) National Alumni Association discussed major issues facing our institutions today. The struggle to keep doors open stems from financial drought and student retention. The need for graduates to give back is more essential today than ever before. Connect with Kentucky State U to give back at info@ksunaa.org or find a HBCU in your area today. Peggy Gustave a Haitian woman born in the United States shared detailed information about the recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on the Trump mandate to end Temporary Protective Status for Haitian people living in communities around the U.S. For more info contact the Florida Immigration Coalition 1-888-600-5762; Hope Community Center 407/880-4673; Catholic Charities 407/658-1818; or Congressman Frost's local office 321/388-9808. Redemption Home1.com is an organization comprised of three black men who work with the Department of Children & Families to provide housing and reunification methods for youth 8 - 17. Since 2013, these men have obtained 5 homes and developed programming for youth with developmental issues or ADHD. You can participate in the Monday Night Mentors program contact vbrantly@redemptionhome1.com or call 689-808-1074

STATE PROPERTY TAXES DEFINED/FATHER'S DAY PRAYER/EQUAL GROUND'S BLACK AMERICA 250 PROJECT

Orange County District 5 Commissioner Dr. Kelly Martinez-Semrad defined the status of the State Property Tax debate. The tax provides all of our daily infrastructure services. Without the tax, many of our regular county taxpayers would see a decrease in county services and would have to pay a higher state tax. Others (higher income residents) would benefit along with developers and landlords. Email the Commissioner: District5@ocfl.net or Monica May monica@star945.com Pastor Marcus McCoy, Jr. received his call to ministry at 19. He is the youngest minister to lead at Greater Refuge Memorial. As a dad of two children, he was our Father's Day prayer warrior. McCoy is also the Faith Outreach Director for Equal Ground and shared more about their Black America 250 project. As the country celebrates our 250th Anniversary, EG is asking people to submit a 60-90 second legacy statement about their family. They are creating an online project, "Our Past, Our Power, Our Future." Submit your story online @ www.equal-ground.com see the Take Action dropdown for Black America 250

PLAY "I'VE BEEN SLEEPING BUT NOW I'M WOKE,"/ BCU DAY OF GIVING/OLYMPIAN TRAINING NEXT GEN/CAREER PATHWAYS RESEARCH

Orlando native Dr. Kalandria Smith starts local company, Landi-Lou Productions and presents, "I've Been Sleeping....." Saturday, June 27th @ Olympia H.S. 2:30 & 7:30pm Dr. Sherry Parramore, Executive V.P. & COO of Bethune Cookman University shared details about their "Day of Giving" Thursday, June 18th. They want to raise $200,000 which will be matched by a donor. If you'd like to add to the financial assistance for students, visit www.Give.Cookman.edu Former Olympic Star Damu Cherry-Mitchell shared highlights of her track career and how important it is for she & her husband Dennis to train potential Olympic athletes through their Elite Star Athletics Track Club program. Second Harvest Food Bank conducted community research and got direct feedback through their Career Pathways Program. Director Keonna Yearwood-Branch shared the results of how AI has taken over human resources and is preventing students from obtaining sustainable employment. However, they continue to train the community through an enhanced customer care and culinary program. www.feedhopenow.org details their July 7th start for customer care and August 3rd begins culinary training.

WINTER PARK JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION/FORMER JONES H.S. STUDENT PERFORMS/MANAGING THE STRESS OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE EXECS

Lawanda Thompson, President of the Equite Council Corporation talked about the importance of continuing the celebration of Juneteenth. "Jazz & Jubilee" is Saturday June 20th 5pm - 10pn at Shady Park, 721 W. New England Avenue in Winter Park - featuring various talents from Orlando. Register to attend @ www.theequitycouncilcorporation.org (to accommodate everyone in case of inclement weather). Cee Jay Joseph is an award-winning SAG-AFTRA actor, emcee and host best known for his role as Principal Sam Haney on the CW Series "Walker" which is now streaming on HBO Max. Cee Jay is a former Jones H.S. Student who is back in Orlando visiting but also providing service to the community. To connect with him, visit www.ceejay.joseph.com Angela Williams of the Health & Wellness Collective is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who works with high achieving adults. She wants you to be aware of your burnout factors and develop a personal self-talk kit. To make an appointment, please call 321/765-3855.

Stopping the Music to Silence the Violence

Star 94.5 and CMG urban radio stations nationwide broadcasted "Stopping the Music to Silence the Violence". Powerful stories were heard as we all came together to uplift one another.