Weekly Update: February 7, 2010

1. Monthly Membership Meeting: Tuesday, February 9th at 6PM at GA Infirmary, 1900 Abercorn St (nr. 37th St.). Agenda attached. We’ll consider our finances, 14th Annual Gala, committee updates, necessary action on IRS-required Conflict of Interest Policy. Although we’ve got a full agenda, we’re confident that by starting promptly and staying focused on our mission, we’ll be on our way in a timely fashion.

2. Economic Empowerment Program: Our Economic Development Committee, under the leadership of Charles Gilyard and Hasani X, will kick off its Economic Empowerment Program with Johnson H.S. with a Media Day at 10AM on Thursday, February 11th. The program focuses on wealth-building, shadowing several chapter business people, and concludes with modest scholarship awards. Several corporate partners will be present. See attached program description. Please try to be present for media, partners, parents and students to see us.

3. Our 14th Annual Gala is set for Saturday, April 10th at the International Trade & Convention Center. We’ll stay with last year’s ticket prices: $75 for tickets paid for by March 31st; $99 thereafter. The Gala proceeds support our programs, help get our mentees and Collegiate 100 to our National Convention, and provide scholarship funds. We’ll need all hands to help out with the Gala, especially journal ads. More Tuesday.

4. Gary Young Update: In addition to his medication issue, Gary’s been having a tough time on the medical front, too. He contracted an infection, just returned from Piedmont Hospital for surgery, and has medication-induced diabetes. GA Transplant Foundation will match any donations made in his name. Donations may be made to www.GaTransplant.org/client/garyy

5. The 21st Annual Black Heritage Festival: On Saturday, our chapter along with Leadership Academy mentees was privileged to participate in the 21st Annual Black Heritage Festival, with a program at Rev. Tillman’s First African Church and a silent march to the African Enslavement monument on River St., and ending with us delivering closing remarks at the Haitian Monument in Franklin Sqr. See attached photos (l-r: Tillman, O. Johnson, L. Johnson, Lowery).

6. Read Across America: It’s not too late to sign up to read Dr. Seuss at E. Broad St Elementary School on Monday, March 1st. Contact Kevin Foard at kevFoard72@msn.com for more details. Several brethren have already committed to participate. Kevin is exploring a chapter partnership with Hubert Middle School. More information will be provided tomorrow.

7. Membership Dues: For those of us who haven’t gotten to do so, we’ll receive 2010 membership dues payments at our Tuesday membership meeting – without imposing the $75 late fee. If you absolutely can’t make it to the meeting, we’ll accept payment by visiting our web site at www.100BlackMenSav.org, click the link in the upper left corner, and pay via Pay Pal.