The BEAUTIFUL Ones Series: Volume I

It seems to be engrained in my soul to seek inspiration. For as long as I can remember I’ve kept quotes, songs, books, and even people around me that inspire me to be my best. To that end, I’ve decided to share one of those things with you every month in a series called, The BEAUTIFUL Ones. It is my hope that they spark within you a flame…so much so…that you share it with someone else. Let’s keep it alive shall we? Now for my first edition, I’d like to introduce you to two beautiful black men I know and love…Mr. Jackie Thomas and Mr. Shon E. Dorsey.

At a launch party for a dear friend and his business partner’s educational consulting firm, I signed a volunteer card for a summit to be held exactly a year later. I thought I knew what I was in for, envelope stuffing, maybe a meeting or two, and I’d support a friend in the process…I couldn’t have been more incorrect. Allow me to explain how two gentlemen, one volunteer card, and one slip of paper in the wallet of a visionary changed my life and the lives of hundreds of students.

Jackie Thomas Jr. is the man of vision behind the Foundation for Student Leadership and Success. Although becoming the Founder and CEO of his own organization at such a young age is impressive, what is most remarkable is his passion for education. In his wallet, Mr. Thomas carries a slip of paper with the following inscription, “Equality and access to higher education for everyone”. This statement is not simply a wish or even a goal; it is his life’s mission. His passion for his work is evident to anyone that engages in a conversation with him about the educational system. This organization is not a key to entrepreneurship, a hobby, or simply a “good idea” for him. If Mr. Thomas has his way, he will change the educational system as we know it.

The Foundation’s mission is to develop mature, college-ready student leaders who are prepared to effect positive change in their respective communities. Each year, the Foundation hosts the BLACKE Summit Weekend. This three-day event is open to high school students across the state of Texas and provides leadership training, mentorship, team building, and community service projects. The goal is for every high school to send five students with leadership potential, and the Summit will return them equipped to effect change in their schools.

Mr. Thomas believes in the power of teamwork. To that end, he surrounds himself with people that share his enthusiasm and belief in education and access for all. The Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr. Shon E. Dorsey, is one of these vital people. Mr. Dorsey has dedicated his talents for the past two years to the development of sustainable and effective programming for the organization. An educator at heart, much of his satisfaction stems from the success of the students he serves. Their partnership is an artful balance of knowledge, professionalism, and friendship; their synergy radiates through all of the organization’s ventures.

In a time when the news about the educational system is depressing at best, it is simple to overlook those who are simply doing the work. This work, identifying a problem, painstakingly researching its cause and effect, and devising a plan to solve it is not for everybody. It takes a sacrificial heart and a genuine belief in the goodness of people. In the case of these gentlemen, it also requires patience, compassion, and a pure heartfelt desire to see change happen in their lifetime. They are a constant source of inspiration for me because of their unyielding commitment. I have never witnessed anything like their ability to turn a vision into reality. At the risk of sounding biased, I believe wholeheartedly that this organization will be a catalyst for change for many years to come. For this and many other reasons I will always support the Foundation for Student Leadership and Success. I encourage you, that is, if you want to see our youth make a change for the better, to do the same.

The 2009 BLACKE Summit Weekend will be held at the University of Houston’s – Main Campus on October 2-4th. There is still time to sign up to volunteer or sponsor a student. For only $50, you can ensure that a Houston-area student is exposed to the tools that will help create a domino effect in our communities. Join these gentlemen in being a part of the solution.

For more information about the Foundation for Student Leadership and Success:
www.leadandsucceed.org

To volunteer or sponsor a student for the 2009 BLACKE Summit Weekend:
www.blackesummitweekend.com

Make Today COUNT! ,

CassandraDione