The 5th Annual Joseph L. Earley, Jr Scholarship Luncheon

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Welcome Ezra Johnson Poetry Reading Aaliyah Earley Foundation Overview Gloria Earley Invocation Augustus VanBuren ~ Lunch is served ~ Introduction of the Keynote Speaker Ezra Johnson Keynote Address Steven Miller Introduction of the Scholarship Recipients Lisa Earley Scholarship Recipients’ Remarks Issack Mohamud and Lashawn Samuel Closing Remarks Joseph L. Earley, Sr. and Gloria Earley

The Foundation will provide an avenue to mentor young men and women from single parent homes. The Foundation will build strong futures for these young people through establishing healthy value systems. It is the goal of the Foundation to decrease gang activity, violence, drugs, bullying and teen pregnancies.

The Foundation will provide annual scholarship benefits to those students who qualify and meet the criterion of the Foundation’s guidelines.

The Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Foundation P.O. Box 328624, Columbus, OH 43232 614.397.2019

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BIOGRAPHY

W

ho was Joseph L. Earley, Jr.? He was born to Joseph L. Earley, Sr. and Gloria J. Earley on January 11, 1967, in Massillon, Ohio. Joe was the brother to Brian Earley, Heather Jordan, Jennifer Smith, Lisa Earley, Racina Burke and the father to John Adkins, Aaliyah and Jeremiah Earley. Joseph was “Uncle Joe” to his 10 nieces and nephews. He was affectionately called “Ario” by many of his friends.

Joe was a 1985 graduate of McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio. He attended Mansfield Business College and Buff State.

The majority of his adult life was spent in New York. While living in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Joe and a friend established a mentoring program for local youth to get them off the streets. They obtained a building and provided a safe place for youth to gather.

The teens were able to study and receive assistance as well as recreational activities such as learning to shoot pool, play chess and other games. He quickly gained support from city officials who bought into the vision. Joe had a passion for mentoring and helping those less fortunate. He believed that knowledge was power and the key to success.

Joseph L. Earley, Jr. was a dedicated, hard worker. He was an entrepreneur, comedian, and a true trail blazer. Joe owned and operated five different clothing stores as well as a restaurant and performed standup comedy. He trained teenagers in salesmanship. Joe taught them how to organize a store, and work the retail business, See JLE Bio on Pg5

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Steven Miller

Steven Miller serves UNCF as the Area Director of Development for central and southern Ohio to include the Lexington and Louisville, KY, territory.

As an Area Director of

Miller will lead all the fundraising efforts for the area office. Prior to joining UNCF, Miller was a Director of Corporate Relations for the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council covering the entire state of Ohio creating business opportunities for minority companies with corporate partners, and has served as Director of Development, V.P. of Leadership as Major Gifts at Ohio Dominican University and Director of Development for the First Tee of Central Ohio Steve also served as the

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Annual Fund Director at St. Charles Preparatory School as well as the Senior Development Officer for the Mount Carmel Foundation. Miller earned his B.A. in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University. Steve grew up in Columbus and graduated from St. Charles Preparatory. Steve Played college basketball at University of North Carolina – Greensboro and started his career in Sales in Washington, D.C., then moved back to Columbus with Continental Office Furniture.

Steve then moved to Atlanta and was V.P. of Sales for Herman Miller Workplace Solutions then started his own business; Synergy Office Products. After 18 years Steve returned to Columbus to serve his community. Steve is a proud member of New Birth Christian Ministries where he started a Mentoring program called “JOSIAH” and a Board member of St. Charles Preparatory where he started a Mentoring Program called “My Brother’s Keeper” for minority student recruitment and retention and a Board member for the Lamp Foundation of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Steve also serves as an See Miller on Pg5

MASTER OF CEREMONY

Ezra L. Johnson M.S. is originally from Flint, Michigan. He spent the majority of his years here in Columbus, Ohio so he IS a Buckeye.

His college education started at Hampton University where he studied for two years before transferring to Wilberforce University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media & Communication.

From there he continued his

JLE Bio From Pg3

letting them know that one day they could also own their own business.

He enjoyed teaching youth and provoking them to think critically and come up with answers and solutions.

Joseph was extremely intelligent. He wanted the best education for his children, and longed for the same for children who were victims of societal woes falling into the “less fortunate” category.

As you can see, Joseph was an awesome

quest for knowledge and completed his Master’s Degree at Franklin University here in Columbus, Ohio.

Ezra is currently in transition seeking an opportunity to earn his Doctorate Degree. He is a lifetime advocate and supporter of Ezra L. Johnson college education and leadership development. His see that the sun is still burnultimate career goal is to be ing, I know that I am still President of an HBCU. learning”- Ezra ♥ “Everyday I wake up and person. He cared deeply for others. Joe was a giver!

Through Joe’s dreams, the Foundation was established to reach out particularly to children from single parent homes. The mentorship program will instill values and the desire to obtain education and training beyond high school. On an annual basis, the scholarship program will award a high school graduating student (or students) a scholarship to pursue post-secondary education. ■

Miller From pg5

Advisory Board member for Big Brother Big Sisters African American Advisory Council and the Mentoring Center Ohio Board and past member of 100 Black Men of America – Dekalb Co. ♥

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” ~Nelson Mandela

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SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2020

RECIPIENT

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y name is Issack Mohamud, and I am a senior at Columbus Downtown High School.

Everyone can agree that I'm a hardworking student and that I really like school. My favorite subjects are math and IT support. After I graduate, I'm going to enroll in college and continue learning about IT and hope to have a career in cyber security.

Throughout high school I have participated in varsity soccer, chess team and cross country. Also, I was honored to be selected for the National Technology Honor Society and participated in an internship at United way.

When we moved to America, I already knew some basic English. My main problem was that I didn’t know how to speak English. I grew to feel too embarrassed to speak in public. Since I did not know any “fancy” English words and my accent was pronounced, I felt that people assumed that I was not smart.

What helped me break this barrier was watching more TV. I watched cartoons, TV shows despite the fact that I didn't under-

ISSACK MOHAMUD Columbus Downtown High School Columbus, OH

stood a word. Even though it sounds counterproductive, it was a great solution to my problem.

By surrounding myself with as much as English possible, I started hearing how different people pronounce certain words and felt more confident in remembering how to do so for myself.

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I want to thank my parents for moving from Somali to America to give us, my siblings, a better education. The decision they made, has changed my life for the better. I am proud of the improvements I've made, and I know I have a bright future ahead of me. ♥

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

2020

RECIPIENT

M

y name is Lashawn Samuel, and I am a senior, attending West High School in Columbus, Ohio. I have made Honor Roll every quarter of high school, despite dealing with anxiety and depression. Excelling in my classes and extracurricular activities has served as a way to cope and deal with traumatic experiences. I became a tutor during my junior year, helping my classmates close academic gaps. Then, I became involved in track and crosscountry, winning the M.V. P. award for cross-country and qualifying for the city finals. I am proud of my accomplishments in high school, and I am looking forward to the next chapter, going to college.

My long-term goals are to graduate from The Ohio State University with my master’s degree in accounting, and then obtain my CPA. I aspire to have a successful life despite my life-struggles. Also, I plan to serve Christ by giving back to my community, donating to charities and helping people in need.

I grew up in a Christian family and, ultimately, my

LASHAWN SAMUEL West High School - Columbus, OH

relationship with God would act as a catalyst to uplift my journey. As an adolescent, I was overwhelmed with depression and anxiety. By attending small group discussions at City Life, a neighborhood Christian center, I strengthened my relationship with Jesus Christ. I began to read my Bible and to understand that growing up in my neighborhood was a blessing in disguise. I learned the meaning of right and wrong and found purpose

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through Christ.

I have a heart for youth and the elderly, and I currently volunteer at City Life, improving the homes of the elderly in the community. Growing up in my neighborhood, surrounded by violence, my faith in God has been an anchor for me. Because with Him, “all things are possible,” I know I will fulfill my dreams and accomplish all my goals, which once appeared to be a mere fantasy. ♥

On behalf of The Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Foundation, we sincerely appreciate your presence today at our Fifth Annual Luncheon, as we present our “Beloved” Joseph to you and continue to honor his legacy by building the future of youth in our communities. We aspire to better the lives of so many people and you’ve provided an “added spark” to encourage our efforts to strive forward.

Sincerely, The Joseph L. Earley, Jr. Foundation

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“

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Those big brown eyes and big bright smile Would turn your sadness to gladness Whenever he stepped into a room.

Laughter was this way to make your day.

With style and swag, He made a fashion statement with flair For this he was known everywhere.

Well read, intelligient, informed, and engaged He was versed and vibrant in speech, Profoundly communicating the prophetic.

His family he loved with a great love, With unmeasured love he lavished his children.

With a huge heart of gold he gave, He gave until he could give no more.

With courage, strength, and a smile, He fought a good fight.

God said, “Son, you finished your course Now come with me and see My Glory!”

Author ~ Your Mama, E. Gloria “Glo” Laney Earley

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A portion of this year’s proceeds will go to Ohio Sickle Cell & Health Association 11

“It is the goal of the Foundation to decrease gang activity, violence, drugs, bullying and teen pregnancies.”

JOSEPH EARLEY, SR and GLORIA EARLEY

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Tammy Williams Canton, OH

Shelley Tims Grant Washington, DC

Geri Chavis Williams Massillon, OH

Eagle Heating and Cooling, Inc. Pataskala, OH

DeDe & Ivan Miser Gahanna, OH

Sylvia Thompson Durham, NC

Traylene Kenley-Hines Columbus, OH

Cheryl Earley Canton, OH

Beckie Hawks Arlington, VA

Joyce & Reggie Ross Atlanta, GA

Augustus & Rita Van Buren Columbus, OH

Patricia Sheard Columbus, OH

John & Dorthea Mack-Bridgest San Antonio, TX

Adrianne & Ken Washington Durham, NC

Al & Thelma McCoy Restore Credit Score & More LLC Blacklick, OH

Carol Taylor Columbus, OH

Gloria Stokes Canton, OH

Dr. Ardie Singh Worthington, OH

Doris Washington San Antonio, TX

Kenny Jones Canton, OH

Carletta Griffis-Anderson Columbus, OH

Dr. Robert & Carolyn Murphy Columbus OH

Josephine Laney Atlanta, GA

Sandra & John H. Lucas, Jr. Montgomery, AL

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Kay Williams Columbus, OH Robert & Charlotte Jones Columbus, OH Sam & Ruth Collins Columbus, OH Sharon Fulgham Columbus, OH Tyrone Olverson Reynoldsburg, OH

In Loving Memory of Jenifer L. Williams September 20, 1972 - September 14, 2002 Jenifer - Beautiful, bold and a true gentle spirit. She came into the world fast, unexpectedly & quietly.

She left this world, 29-yrs later the exact same way quietly and unexpectedly, she was gone; much too soon.

Jenifer was born the baby girl of three. She graduated from Timken Sr. High School, attended Kent State University, and she was a manager at Bank One.

Jenifer's dream was to open up a facility for disadvantaged children; she "loved" all children. It was her passion to serve them.

Jenifer loved music, old sitcoms and fashion. Most importantly, she loved God. Jenifer passed away in her sleep at age 29, on September 14, 2002, of natural causes. Gone way too soon.

She was a loving daughter, sister, devoted aunt and a loyal friend. She left a mark

on our hearts, and in our lives, and she will remain forever in our hearts.

Tammy Williams, Her Loving Sister

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