MIAMI – Several community leaders and young Pillars Scholarship recipients will be highlighted this year at the Tenth Annual Pillars Awards presented by Miami-Dade County’s Black Affairs Advisory Board’s Heritage Planning Committee.
The recognition and scholarships will be given during a brunch/reception at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 25th at the Biscayne Bay Marriott Hotel, 1633 North Bayshore Drive. Tickets are $40.00 per person which includes the brunch and a concert featuring the Caribbean Kids Steel Orchestra and Tampa-based gospel singer Toni Rackard. The affair will begin with a silent auction at 11:30 a.m., followed by the scholarship presentation, recognition of community/ corporate partners, and finally the 2010 Community Pillars.
This year’s Community Pillars are: Bill Diggs, CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce; Thema Campbell, Executive Director of Girl Power, Inc.; Chief Bartholomew Okora, CEO of the Chiada Corporation and Annette Williams, a Miami-Dade Public Schools educator. These honorees were selected for their support of programs which positively impact the community and their commitment to public service. The 2010 Young Pillars are: Diamond Ragin, (Spelman College); Renita Johnson (Miami-Lakes Educational Center); Elcia Johnson (University of Central Florida); Yanae Minor (Miami-Lakes Educational Center); Adialyn Milien (University of The South- Sewanee) and Robert Boseman (Miami-Dade College).
“The current economic climate has been challenging, but thanks largely to the fundraising efforts of our committee members, we will be able to provide financial assistance to our Young Pillars,” said Heritage Planning Committee chair and member of the Black Affairs Advisory Board, Edgar Wright. “We recognize that these young people need our support more than ever and our total effort has been geared toward helping them to begin or continue their education.”
The Black Heritage Planning Committee is a subcommittee of the Black Affairs Advisory Board. It is comprised of volunteer Miami-Dade County employees who plan and implement activities throughout the year aimed at increasing visibility and recognition for the contributions of members and descendents of the African Diaspora. The annual Pillars Awards recognizes people from the community who often work behind the scenes, often without intentionally seeking recognition. Young Pillars are selected based on their academic goals and community service.
This year’s sponsors include media sponsor, Comcast; Macy’s Department Store’s downtown branch; McCormack Baron Salazar, Inc.; Urban Strategies, Inc.; the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida; Lighthouse Garden Center; Rozalyn H. Paschal M. D. P.A. & Associates and ICMA Retirement Corporation.
