advocacy in action
Taking a seat at the table Plano Community Forum celebrates 40 years
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elebration and reflection marked the recent 40th anniversary of the Plano Community Forum (PCF). Four decades ago, Ken Chetsnut, Fred Moses, Al Schexnayder and Cecil Starks created the forum in response to a need for African Americans to get involved in the Plano community. Additionally, the organization was started to honor and recognize the achievements of African Americans in Plano, Texas. “When I first moved to Plano, I saw that people of color were involved in church, but not in any of the other important parts of the community,” said Moses, owner, president and CEO of Telecom Electric Supply Co. “We needed to find a way to encourage people of color to get involved in the areas and groups where we could be making decisions that affected the direction of our community.” Moses also understood the role and importance of the Plano Chamber of Commerce recognizing people of all groups in his community. With both a purpose and passion, Moses and his co-founders structured the PCF to acknowledge the accomplishments of those in the Plano community. With a growing voice of the community, the PCF sponsored and co-sponsored many events in the city including, but not limited to, the citywide annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration weekend. “We were only four percent of the population but by coming together, we’ve been able to make a difference and take our seat at the table,” said Moses, pointing out that at the time, there were not any people of color working in any administrative jobs at the city hall or in the school district. “Through the PCF, we have made a tremendous impact, not by marching and protesting, but by sitting down with stakeholders and addressing the issues head on,” he added. In addition to providing cultural enrichment and community involvement, one of the forum’s most enduring accomplishments has been providing scholarship opportunities to minority students graduating from Plano schools. Based on both academics as well as financial need, the PCF believes that students should have to abandon their dreams due to lack of funds whether it be for tuition, books or supplementing room and board. Over the past 40 years, the PCF has award-
14 Collin County Leader • Premier Issue
} By Georgeann H. Ikuma
} Fred Moses (center) accepts the City of Plano 40th anniversary proclamation from Plano Mayor John Muns as event co-host Pamela Hart looks on. ed over $500,000 to more than 300 students seeking careers in a variety of professions. “Some are serving as doctors and lawyers; others include an NFL player and a Grammy Award-winning gospel artist.” Today, the forum is a multicultural and multiethnic organization that remains steadfast in its mission to support opportunities for minority students while continuing to be a voice for the people in the City in Plano.
“We can’t rest on our laurels and become complacent during our next 40 years,” Moses said. “We have to continually encourage more people of color to run for office, take a seat at the table where decisions are being made and be involved in developing and serving in our community.” ¿ To learn more about the Plano Community Forum, visit planocf.com.
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