BLACK YOUTH EMPOWERMENT TO FOCUS ON CAREER PLANNING
10th Annual Event Saturday Featuring Inspirational Speakers, Three Honorees
HOBOKEN - The 10th Annual Richard Hicks Black Youth Empowerment will focus on building career-opportunity awareness among young people in Hoboken, with an emphasis on the African-American community. The event will take place starting at 1 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Boys & Girls Club of Hoboken, 123 Jefferson Street, with food and beverages provided by Andy’s Supermarket of Jersey City.
Representatives from the Hoboken police and fire departments, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Stevens Institute of Technology and several other organizations will make presentations on job opportunities, career goals and ways to pursue education and self-empowerment. Other motivational speakers will include Hoboken Housing Authority Executive Director Carmelo Garcia, STY Academy Organization Founder and Director Luis Acevedo and Minister Shirley M. Dennis.
Three honorees will receive special awards: Ora Welch, president and CEO of HOPES Inc., will receive an award from the City of Hoboken for her service to the community in helping low-income families empower themselves by expanding their skill sets and developing career paths. Jalin Miles, a 16-year-old student, will be awarded for outstanding academic and athletic achievements and working to help and inspire youth throughout the community. Saquan Williams, a 17-year-old senior at Hoboken High School who has distinguished himself through his academic and extracurricular achievements and his leadership in the STY Academy. The awards will be presented by Hoboken Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini, Housing Authority Executive Director Carmelo Garcia and Housing Authority Commissioner and newly appointed STY Academy Organization Vice President Jake Stuiver, respectively. ◦
