Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson presented the 5000 Role Models graduating Class of 2015 at ‘Academic Signing Day’
From l to r: Fellow Fisk Alum Role Model Ed O’Dell and the president of Fisk Role Model; Dr. H. James Williams, who was inducted into the Role Models recently; Role Model and Booker T. Washington Sr. High graduate Moises Arzu, who is bound for Fisk University; Congresswoman Wilson and Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief.
MIAMI, FL — Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), hosted “Academic Signing Day” for the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project’s graduating class of 2015 recently in the Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island in Miami. Eighty-four graduating seniors put pen to paper to sign scholarships to the colleges or universities of their choice. The event marked the unveiling of the newly-designed 5000 Role Models signature tie and exclusive custom-made suits donated by the Sean John Collection at Macy’s.
“I am so proud of these young men. This is a momentous occasion and an important day for them as they look toward the future. These students have been instilled with the academic ideals that the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project was founded upon and I have no doubt that they will be successful as they continue their education.
“In 1992, when I founded the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, I wanted to give hope, encouragement and the will to succeed to boys and young men of color who were at risk of dropping out of school. A quarter of a century later, the 5000 Role Models has given out more than $10 million in scholarships and has been transformative in the lives of thousands of young boys who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to attend college.
“The young men who make up this year’s 5000 Role Models’ graduating class and who are receiving scholarships weren’t even born when the Role Models was conceptualized and found-ed. This is the true example of preparing for generations of children yet unborn.
“Amid all of the violence, murders and police brutality, these young men represent what could and should be for all young men of color,” said Congresswoman Wilson.
