LUTHER KING, JR. DR. MARTIN THE 22ND ANNUAL PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE - JANUARY 21, 2021
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PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE
THE 22ND ANNUAL
DR. MARTIN
LUTHER
KING,JR.
JANUARY 21, 2021
ACTIVISM, ADVOCACY AND ALLYSHIP TOWARD EQUALITY
PROGRAM Pre-Program Entertainment REFLECTION ON THE LIFE OF DR.MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. Video Presentation
11AM
WELCOME, MASTER OF CEREMONIES
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Yvette Miley
Velmarie Albertini, Ph.D., Dean, Curriculum “Stand Up” by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Onyedinmanasu
Chinasaokwu Erivo, Recorded Performance by Boynton Beach
TRUSTEE’S REMARKS High School Choir
Wendy S. Link, J.D., Chair, District Board of Trustees
AWARD PRESENTATIONS
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG Ava L. Parker, J.D., President, Palm Beach State College
(Please stand)
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. LEADERSHIP AWARDS RECIPIENTS
“THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER” Alberto R. Leal, J.D. – Alumni
Suzanne Galer, DMA, Adjunct Instructor, Music/Musician Quartet Michelle Aldas – Student
(Please stand) Robin Johnson-Blake – Faculty/Staff
Elvin J. Dowling – Individual
OPENING REMARKS EJS Project – Organization
Roger Yohe, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs
“LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING” NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM
“A Dance with African Drums ” Faith’s Place Centers for the Arts Solo Piano Performance, Stephen Scott, Adjunct Instructor,
and Education Jazz Pianist (Please stand)
INTRODUCTION OF GUEST SPEAKER CLOSING REMARKS
Raphael A. Gutierrez, President, Student Government Association, Ava L. Parker, J.D., President, Palm Beach State College
Lake Worth
12:30 PM
Question and Answer Discussion with Yvette Miley
Moderated by Jyrece McClendon, Associate Dean, Boca Raton
NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM BY JAMES WELDON JOHNSON
“LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING”
Lift every voice and sing God of our weary years,
Till earth and heaven ring God of our silent tears,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Let our rejoicing rise Thou who has by Thy might
High as the listening skies, Led us into the light,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Lest our feet stray from the places, Our God, where we met Thee;
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Shadowed beneath Thy hand,
Let us march on till victory is won. May we forever stand.
True to our GOD,
Stony the road we trod, True to our native land.
Bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears have been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
YVETTE MILEY
Senior Vice President of DEI, NBCUniversal News Group
Award for coverage of Hurricane Andrew in 1992; and four
Associated Press Awards. Miley’s additional accolades include
a Pride Stars Award by Adweek in 2020; Distinguished Alumna
Award by the President of the University of Florida in 2018; the
National Association of Black Journalists’ Chuck Stone Lifetime
Award-winning journalist Yvette M. Miley serves as SVP of Achievement Award in 2017; National Press Club recognition for
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the NBCUniversal News her work as a mentor in 2016; a Lifetime Achievement Award
Group and NBC Sports. Her responsibilities include recruiting by the Urban League of Palm Beach County in 2013; and the
and retention, training and development, employee Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce’s 2007 Corporate Executive
engagement, strategic partnerships, and editorial initiatives of the Year. She was also named a Distinguished Graduate from
across all four networks. Since joining MSNBC in July 2009, the University of Florida in 1997.
Miley has held several leadership roles within the news group
including SVP for MSNBC and NBC News overseeing weekend, Miley is a member of the National
overnight, breaking news and special events programming on Association of Black Journalists,
MSNBC as well as NBC News’ “Early Today” broadcasts; head Investigative Reporters and
of Diversity and Inclusion for NBC News and MSNBC; VP for Editors, the National Press Club,
MSNBC; executive editor of MSNBC Dayside and thegrio.com; the National Lesbian and Gay
and executive-in-charge of the NBC News digital platform Journalists Association and
NBC OUT, the first LGBTQ news vertical created by a major Online News Association. Her
broadcast media organization. board memberships include
ColorComm, the Stonewall
Miley has worked for NBCUniversal for 27 years. Before joining Community Foundation,
MSNBC and NBC News, Miley was vice president & news director the T. Howard Foundation, the
of the Miami/Fort Lauderdale-based NBC owned and operated Florida A&M School of Journalism
television station NBC 6/WTVJ in June 2004. In July 2001, Miley and Graphics Board of Visitors
was named vice president and news director of the then-owned and University of Florida’s
NBC station, WVTM-NBC 13 in Birmingham, Ala. College of Journalism
Dean Advisory Board.
Miley is the recipient of many of the industry’s highest honors.
She received three Emmy Awards, including an Emmy for Miley is a native of
the MSNBC and NBC News coverage of the Supreme Court Riviera Beach, Fla. and
ruling on same-sex marriage in 2016; ten Edward R. Murrow a graduate of Suncoast
Awards; a Society of Professional Journalists Award for her High School and the
role during coverage of the Marathon Bombing in Boston; a University of Florida.
DuPont-Columbia University Award; a George Foster Peabody >>>
ALUMNI
2021 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
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Alberto R. Leal, J.D. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > LEADERSHIP AWARD
From humble beginnings education. The Leal Scholars Program has assisted multiple students
to successful attorney, in covering the costs of tuition and essential materials during their
Alberto R. Leal is the son respective programs of study at PBSC. Leal is also a proud member
of two immigrant parents of the Paradise Club at Florida Atlantic University, which collects
from Latin America and donations to assist student athletes during their time at FAU. He
prides himself on the work has also donated his time to assist elementary school students
ethic he was taught from with the Village of Wellington after-school tutoring program in
an early age. A native recent years, and he has volunteered time to assist with operations
of South Florida, Leal is at Feeding South Florida while also making monthly donations to
well aware of the legal the organization. The donations have been used to help bridge the
challenges facing our nutritional gap faced by many in our community during the current
community and strives to coronavirus pandemic.
correct injustices at every
opportunity. Specifically, Aside from his professional and philanthropic works, Leal takes
Leal is immensely proud of pride in being a devout family man and Christian. He and his wife,
his vital role in bridging the Christina, are members of the local Christ Fellowship church and
internet and technology gap facing the visually impaired community when unwinding at home, the Leal Family enjoys spending time with
through his advocacy work in prosecuting civil rights injustices under their dog, Papo, while preparing for the arrival of their first baby, who
the Americans with Disabilities Act while also providing affordable is due in August of 2021.
representation in family law cases to low-income clients.
He is president and owner of the Leal Law Firm. In addition to his
While Leal believes strongly in the difference his work makes, he Associate in Arts degree from PBSC, Leal holds a bachelor’s degree
is most proud of his philanthropic efforts, namely the founding from Florida Atlantic University and a Juris Doctor degree from the
of The Leal Scholars Program at his alma mater (A.A. ’11), Palm Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University.
Beach State College, to help low-income students afford a higher
STUDENT
2021 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
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Michelle Aldas > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > LEADERSHIP AWARD
Chronic illness has been the negativity brought on from being sick and decided to act.
a part of Michelle Aldas’ She founded The Invisible Me Warriors-Chronic Illness Advocates
life since she was about of Palm Beach County. A voice that had been muted, that felt
eight. She was told many defeated, and had been hidden for seven years is now fighting
times as a child that she for others. That voice is strong and a warrior. That voice is her own
was just being lazy and voice, and she says no one or nothing will ever take it away again.
making it up. The pain Aldas has traveled to D.C. for the Advocacy Summit benefiting the
she felt as a child and Arthritis Foundation. Even in a flare-up, she made sure her voice
then later as a college was heard.
student was never
acknowledged and then Aldas has learned to be proud of the struggle she has survived
a diagnosis of stage 4 so far as it has made her a courageous warrior. She is thankful to
cancer came in 2011. the people who saw past her disability and illness and pushed her
to keep going as a warrior, woman, daughter, friend, lover, and
In the past years, her advocate. She’s used her newfound strength to help others seek
health continued to resources and become a strong voice to advocate for access to
decline, and she became lost in the translation of being “normal” care. Now, using mobility aides to get around, she is completing
to being disabled. Since her cancer diagnosis, her body continued her Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degrees at PBSC
to break down and she admitted defeat in 2017. She hit rock and shaping a new career as a graphic designer and multimedia
bottom emotionally, mentally, and financially, which led to losing artist. She wants to empower others with her story because once
courage and voice for some time and letting the pain and disease someone helped her do that, her life took a positive sharp turn.
take over. In May 2018 she declared her independence from all
INDIVIDUAL
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2021 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
Elvin J. Dowling > > > > > > > > > > > > LEADERSHIP AWARD
Elvin J. Dowling is an Just as importantly, as an acclaimed public speaker, mentor
award-winning author, and America’s leading advocate for “achieving greatness by
activist and “architect embracing change,” Dowling’s book, “License to Live,” has been
of change” who is a featured on national and international media outlets, including
proud native of West CNN and National Public Radio, and has been lauded as “an eye-
Palm Beach. A staunch opening and heart-stirring message that sheds light on the truth
advocate of educating that your past does not dictate your future.”
future generations of
leaders by equipping Dowling has been recognized on the local, state and national
them with the resources levels for his commitment to advocacy and action, including
and skills they need to the Distinguished Alumni Award (Education Foundation of Palm
be productive members Beach County), Ebony Magazine’s Thirty Leaders of the Future
of society, he has worked Award, and the Pathfinders Award for Community Service,
to elevate the lives of presented by the Palm Beach Post newspaper. In January
the “least of these” with 2020, he released his second book, “Still Invisible? Examining
unassailable results. America’s Black Male Crisis,” a gripping nonfiction narrative on
In 2014 and, again in 2015, he was successful in securing two the challenges facing Black men today. Since its release, “Still
separate grants for $1 million each to conduct mentoring Invisible” has become an Amazon Bestseller and was a #1 New
activities for 2,200 at-risk youths in 30 cities as a part of Release on Amazon. Additionally, the book has been nominated
President Barack Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper Initiative.” for the 2021 Pulitzer Prize in General Nonfiction and U.S. History,
the American Book Award, the Carter G. Woodson Book Award,
As chairman of the Board for the Palm Beach Harvest Food Bank, the Florida Book Award, the PEN Open Book Award and the Black
Dowling continues to demonstrate his commitment to South Caucus of the American Library Association Book Award for
Florida children and families through leadership by example. General Nonfiction among others.
ORGANIZATION
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EJS Project > > > > > > > > > LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Emanuel Jackson Sr. Project’s mission is rooted in its desire to see every teen
Project is a nonprofit, 501(c) succeed, regardless of their zip code. Coming from the very
(3) organization with a mission same vulnerable footprint of Delray Beach, Jackson pushed past
to build and empower future all the obstacles life brought forth to achieve his goals. The EJS
leaders. The organization was Project believes that if it focuses on youth’s strengths and power
founded in 2016 by Emanuel this helps them write their own narrative. It also believes that
“Dupree’’Jackson, Jr. His desire teens deserve equity of opportunity and that strong supportive
to make a difference in his relationships promote change in individuals, organizations and
community inspired him to systems. The EJS Project acknowledges racial discrimination
create an organization that and the barriers it has created in communities of color. It is
gave power back to the youth. dedicated to teaching truth, challenging systems, and fighting
for its youth’s access to opportunity. It aims to surround youth
Jackson dedicated the organization to his late father and with as many positive and forward-thinking adults as possible.
honored him by naming the organization after him. The EJS
FACULTY/STAFF
2021 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
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Robin Johnson-Blake > > > > LEADERSHIP AWARD
Robin Johnson-Blake • directed, budgeted, and managed nine local, private, state,
has dedicated 31 and federal grant programs.
years in community Prior to her employment at PBSC, she was employed at Florida
services outreach, Atlantic University as the first assistant director for Minority
dual enrollment, and Recruitment (the position created to recruit diverse populations)
recruitment at Palm and as an admissions counselor. In Alabama, she he was an
Beach State College. intern for the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development
In 2018, she became Commission where she surveyed residents in rural areas for
the first director of economic development improvements.
Community Relations
for the College. Throughout her professional career, she believes in
strengthening communities for the future educational and
In her current role, she economic development of Palm Beach County citizens.
provides leadership
within the organization She is actively involved and serves on committees with the Town
and the community, of Lake Park Diversity Council, Achieve Palm Beach County Parents
publicly representing the College, identifying, developing, & Family Engagement Team, Action Alliance for Mental Health,
cultivating and maintaining partnerships and relationships with Homeless and Housing Alliance, Boynton Beach Tourism Task
external agencies and businesses to enhance the College’s brand. Force, Behavioral Health Workforce Pipeline, Refugee Task Force,
Teen Leadership Roundtable, St. John Missionary Baptist Church
During her tenure at PBSC, has:
Outreach ministries and other chamber and civil organizations.
• managed and led community forums that relate to the needs
and concerns of the communities that the College serves. Johnson-Blake received her Master of Science in Counseling
and Guidance from Jacksonville State University and a Bachelor
• coordinated and worked in partnership on special events and of Arts in Rehabilitation for the Deaf from Talladega College.
projects liaising between the College and the community
• worked with various socioeconomic diverse populations She is the wife of Charles Blake, the mother of Alexis and Evan
throughout communities, middle and high schools in Florida, and Johnson, and a proud grandmother of two granddaughters,
Ciara and Legaci.PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE
PAST LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS
2020 2016 2012 2008 2004
Denise Albritton Ashley Tripp D’atra Franklin Freddie Stebbins Jefferson Effie C. Grear, Ed.D.
Rocio Montero-Mask Rebecca Stremel Carlton (Ricky) Wade (posthumous) J. Leonard Bruton, Jr.
Sankaranarayana Chandramohan, Ph.D. Shona Castillo Mark Hansen Timothy J. Henderson Randy Johnson, Sr.
Frank Hayden Rand Hoch, J. D. El Sol - Jupiter’s Neighborhood Molly G. Johnson Toward a More Perfect Union
Youth Speak Out International Christians Reaching Out to Society, Inc. Resource Center Compass, Inc. Centex Rooney Construction Co.
(CROS Ministries)
2019 2011 2007 2003
Justin Kunzelman 2015 Devin Robinson X Reginale Durandisse Addie L. Greene
Joseph Morel Delsa Bush, Ph.D Albert Moore Roma Kapadia Dr. Barbara C. Matthews, Ph.D
Irving Berkowitz, Ph.D. David Cruz Edith C. Bush Lt. Beverly Elliot Morrison ASPIRA Palm Beach
Vera Rolle Farrington Denny Abbot Urban League of Palm Beach County, Inc. Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating
Dress For Success Dennis P. Gallon, Ph.D. Committee 2002
Florida Immigrant Coalition 2010 Clarence E. Anthony
2018 Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D. 2006 Wayne D. Barton
Lynne Gassant 2014 Erin Hayes Bishop Harold Calvin Ray Louise E. Buie
Christian Allen George Gentile Sharon Gill Officer Jean-Albert “Johnny” Pun John E. Jenkins
Louise Aurélien, Ed. D. Estella Pyfrom Faith, Hope, Love, Charity, Inc. (posthumous) Bettye J. King, J.D.
James Green Nephtalie Jean Stand Down House Deputy Lillian “Lee” Sutterfield Robert M. Montgomery, J.D.
League of Women Voters PEACE Javier Rodriguez
of Palm Beach County 2009 2001
2013 LaToya G. Ricketts 2005 Idell McLaughlin
2017 Joseph B. (Jay) Shearouse, III C. Ron Allen Bobbi A. Marsh Charles Spencer Pompey
Rhonda Rogers Aileen Josephs, J.D. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Joseph DePaolo, Ed.D. Mamie Washington Kendall, J.D.
Tanzina Chowdhury John Calderaio West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter Evelyn R. Johnson Nancy Parker Wright
Kanathy Haney, Ph.D. Comprehensive AIDS Program Caridad Health Clinic
Rev. Kevin Jones of Palm Beach County, Inc. Samuel Bruce McDonald
Paul’s PlacePALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE I LAKE WORTH CAMPUS I 4200 CONGRESS AVENUE
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