HONOREES FOR 2009 ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER ANNOUNCED
The Jackie Robinson Foundation will hold its 2009 Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, March 16th at 6:30pm at New York’s venerable Waldorf=Astoria hotel. Hosted by legendary entertainer Bill Cosby for nearly three decades, the iconic event pays tribute to individuals who embody the humanitarian ideals of Jackie Robinson. This years honorees include Robin Roberts, Good Morning America co-host, who will be recognized not only her own pioneering career in broadcasting, but also for her unwavering commitment to advancing social change through her reporting. World renowned physician, educator and Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at John Hopkins University, Dr. Benjamin Carson, Sr., will also be honored. His breakthrough research and patient care has dramatically improved the human condition and he has served as a mentor and role model for scores of African American youth across the country who dream of becoming physicians. In addition, the Foundation will also honor Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Film Festival and one of the most iconic actors of our time. This entrepreneur and trailblazer in the world of cinema has spent his career opening doors for many giving voice to young filmmakers. The JRF Annual Awards Dinner has recognized some of the most decorated names in business, politics, education, media, sports and the arts, including Bishop Desmond Tutu, J. W. Marriott, Jr., Clive Davis, Spike Lee, Ruth J. Simmons, Henry L. “Hank” Aaron, John A. Thain, John Welch Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, George Lucas, Marian Wright Edelman, Arthur Ashe, Michael Jordan, Tom Brokaw, Dr. Sheila C. Johnson and Katharine Graham.
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RACHEL ROBINSON INTERNATIONAL FELLOWS SHARE THEIR MEMORABLE SUMMER EXPERIENCES
On the heels of one of the most historic days in modern American history, the Jackie Robinson Foundation hosted an event showcasing the remarkable experiences of four Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholars who returned from Africa as part of the new Rachel Robinson International Fellowship (RRIF). Rachel Robinson and Dr. Sheila C. Johnson, whose generous gift provided the seed money to launch the program, were on hand along with Foundation friends and supporters. Mauri Robinson, a recent graduate of Morehouse College and a former JRF/Merrill Lynch Scholar and Elyse Phillips, a junior at the University of Miami and a JRF/Coca-Cola Scholar shared stories of their service work in Ghana, while Danielle McKinley, a senior at Albany (Georgia) State University and a JRF/Unilever Scholar and Aminata Cisse, a recent graduate of Spelman College now attending SUNY Downstate Medical School and a former JRF/Unilver Scholar talked about their experiences in Mozambique. The RRIF program was established to provide JRF Scholars with international study, work and volunteer experiences and underscores the Foundation’s commitment to meeting the changing needs of students entering the increasingly global 21st century economy. The Foundation has developed a comprehensive new partnership with CARE, the international humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, to put its ambitious vision into action. A record 223,534 students from U.S colleges studied abroad in 2007. Despite the surging popularity of international study, just 3.4% of study abroad participants were African American. CLICK HERE to watch part of the presentations.
3rd ANNUAL JAZZ on the GRASS BENEFIT HAILED A GREAT SUCCESS!
The Jackie Robinson Foundation hosted its third annual Jazz on the Grass benefit on September 20th at the Sherman Oaks, California home of Lynne and noted Hollywood and Theatrical Director Oz Scott. Continuing the iconic tradition of jazz and Jackie Robinson dating back to 1963, Kenny Rankin, Freda Payne, Paul Jackson, Jr., Michael Henderson, Carmen Lundy, Rick Braun, Michael Lington and Brian Bromberg were just a few musicians who performed before a capacity crowd. In addition, JRF/Los Angeles Dodgers Team 42 Scholars Anthony Diamond and Nicolette Robinson shared their talents. Pat Prescott of 94.7 The Wave once again served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Event sponsors included Ford Motor Company, Broadway Federal Bank, CBS Paramount, City National Bank, Moet Hennessy, New Era, Nordstrom and UCLA.
JRF SCHOLARS WORK AT HISTORIC POLITICAL CONVENTIONS
Seven Jackie Robinson Foundation college scholarship recipients returned to their campuses this fall having had the opportunity to serve as interns with NBC News at the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. Lauren Underwood, a JRF/Michael & Juanita Jordan Fund Scholar attending the University of Michigan, Lauren Usher, a JRF/Arthur Strugatz Scholar attending the University of Pennsylvania, Daniella Jones, a JRF/Dow Jones Scholar attending the University of Pennsylvania, Jaira Harrington, a JRF/GE Scholar and graduate of Spelman College, Melissa Johnson, a JRF/Unilever Scholar attending Manhattanville College, Rayshon Payton, a JRF/National Minority Junior Golf Scholarship Association Scholar attending Oklahoma City University and Dena Baker a JRF/University of Minnesota Scholar attending the University of Minnesota were selected as part of a rigorous interview process. UMinn student John Hardy interned at the GOP convention held in the Twin Cities.
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