Media Contact
Norm Bond at NORMBOND & Associates
e: norm@normbond.com M: (215) 796-0206
News Alert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In 1989 Reverend Sullivan first introduced FLASH - Future Leaders for the Advancement of Self-Help. The major initiative was designed to "foster the ongoing inclusion and development of young leaders in the employment and training services of OIC's across America". H. Art Taylor, Chairman of OIC said, "We've brought back the FLASH initiative, to counter the negative connotations that most people see when the word 'flash' is mentioned today in conjunction with Philadelphia teenagers. By working together with a new group of bright, positive, and talented young leaders we're going to change that image." Rashaun "DJ Reezey" Williams concurred. He exemplifies the type of African-American young man that is rarely seen in today's media headlines. The 17-year old President of Phresh Philadelphia stated, "through the collaboration of organizations, youth and DJ's coming together for this event, we'll provide the voice and pathways for kids that appear to have no guidance".
WHO: Howard H. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer for OIC of America, Inc. (OICA), son of the late Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan, along with H. Art Taylor, OICA Chairman, and representatives from Phresh Philadelphia, United Philly, 100 Black Men, Brick Bandits Entertainment, Party Krusherz Entertainment, and others will facilitate this free youth targeted and organized event. In addition, OIC of America will continue the introduction of the "Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative" which seeks to motivate over one million African-Americans to become self employed.
WHAT: A celebration of young Philadelphians doing something positive. Celebrating what would be have been the 89th birthday of OIC founder, Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan. And highlighting the new, OIC Entrepreneurial Mindset Initiative. This bold effort is focused on creating a $100 million endowment to increase entrepreneurship in the African-American community by having one million people make micro-donations of ten dollars each. The next phase will leverage that initial $10 million into $100 million through matching challenge contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and other sources. OIC of America has a rich legacy of grassroots funding initiatives including the historic 10/36 plan which led to the successful development of Progress Plaza in 1968. The North Philadelphia shopping center was the first Black-owned enterprise of its kind in America.
WHEN: Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: OIC of America Headquarters, 1415 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
VISUALS: Youth leaders, deejays, business owners, community activists, and a broad-based group of stakeholders commited to "support our youth".
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About OIC of America (OICA): Founded in 1964 by the late Reverend Dr. Leon Howard Sullivan, OIC of America, Inc. (OICA) is a national non-profit network of employment and training programs bound together by a common commitment, to help the disadvantaged realize their true potential. With forty-four (44) affiliated programs in twenty-two (22) states and the District of Columbia, OIC has grown into a movement, which has served over two (2) million disadvantaged and under-skilled people. A philosophy of "self-help" and the system of developing the "whole person" enables individuals to become self-sufficient, productive workers. OICA prepares people for today's workforce with quality life skills development, fundamental education, job skills training, and employment readiness.
Note to editors, producers, bloggers and other communications professionals:
For all Media inquiries or to arrange any interviews, photos, quotes or additional support materials,
please contact: Norm Bond at NORMBOND & Associates
e: norm@normbond.com M: (215) 796-0206
(F)uture (L)eaders (A)dvancing (S)elf-(H)elp via (M)ind (O)ver (B)ody hold a strategy session at OIC of America headquarters in Philadelphia, PA
(F)uture (L)eaders (A)dvancing (S)elf-(H)elp via (M)ind (O)ver (B)ody hold a strategy session at OIC of America headquarters in Philadelphia, PA
Students were intently focused on addressing the challenges of youth branding and image building during their strategy session.
Students attended working session at OIC of America, after completing their full day of high school classes.
Rashaun "DJ Reezey" Williams, 17-year old President of Phresh Philly (L) and entrepreneur, mentor Russell Hicks (R)
Marketing professional Norm Bond (R) reviews upcoming event with other leaders and entrepreneurs for FLASH MOB.
Entrepreneur Russell Hicks, owner of Ebony Suns Fashions and travel advanced the case for a more balanced view of today's youth.
ALL PHOTOS CREDIT: Deborah "Scottie" Scott, OIC of America