A Letter from the CEO
Celebrating 10 Years of Hope, Opportunity, and Legacy Dear Friends, Ten years ago, what began as a dream to honor my father’s life has grown into a movement that is transforming the lives of young men throughout Chicago. The Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation was founded in memory of my father, Ezekiel Taylor, whose life was tragically taken during a senseless carjacking. His death left an unimaginable void in our family, but it also revealed a much greater void within our community, a lack of mentorship, opportunity, positive role models, and hope for many of our young men. Rather than allowing tragedy to define our story, we chose to create a legacy. Our mission has never been simply to award scholarships. Scholarships open doors, but relationships change lives. For the past decade, we have walked alongside young men as mentors, encouragers, and advocates. We’ve celebrated their victories, supported them through challenges, and reminded them that someone believes in them, even when they may not believe in themselves. Our scholars have gone on to become engineers, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, educators, veterinarians, business professionals, and community leaders. They are changing the narrative—not only for themselves, but for their families and future generations. As I look around this room tonight, I don’t simply see scholars & graduates. I see fathers who will raise their children differently. I see leaders who will strengthen their communities. I see professionals who will open doors for the next generation. I see living proof that when someone is given opportunity, encouragement, and a community that refuses to give up on them, extraordinary things happen. Tonight, we celebrate ten years of impact and we are even more excited about the next ten. The need has never been greater. There are still countless young men waiting for someone to invest in their future, to remind them that their circumstances do not define their destiny, and to provide them with the tools to build lives of purpose and excellence. That is where you come in. Whether you are a donor, sponsor, volunteer, mentor, or advocate, you are an essential part of this mission. As we celebrate this milestone, I invite you not only to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, but to imagine what is possible if we continue this work. Together, we are not just changing individual lives—we are changing generations. With heartfelt gratitude, Tenisha Taylor Founder & Chief Executive Officer Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation “Turning tragedy into legacy… one scholar, one family, one future at a time.” @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org | 1
Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation
The Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation (ETSF) is a 501(c)3 that provides financial assistance, mentorship, and life-skill programs to African-American males in the Chicagoland area who attend or seek to attend an accredited college, university or trade school. Named after the late Ezekiel Taylor, who was killed on the South Side of Chicago, the family foundation identifies young Black men who have been impacted by Chicago’s senseless gun violence. Our mission is to Educate, Empower and Encourage. 2 | @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org
From the Honorary Co-Chairs The EZ Taylor Foundation is transforming lives by investing in the promise, potential, and future of young Black men through the power of education. It is my honor to serve as Gala Co-Chair for an organization whose mission reminds us that when we invest in one scholar, we strengthen families, communities, and generations to come. For the past ten years, I have had the privilege of supporting this incredible work and witnessing Tenisha’s vision grow into a movement that continues to open doors for so many deserving young men. As a first-generation college graduate and proud HBCU alumna of Clark Atlanta University, I know firsthand how education can change the trajectory of a life because someone once chose to invest in me. Clark Atlanta’s motto, “Culture for Service,” instilled in me the belief that our greatest success is measured not only by the doors we walk through, but by the doors we hold open for others. That philosophy has guided both my career and my life, and it is why I believe that to whom much is given, much is required. Serving as Gala Co-Chair is one small way to live out my core value of service while helping to ensure the next generation of Black young men has every opportunity to pursue their dreams. -Dominque Jordan Turner, 2026 Honorary Co-Chair
Having previously served on the Board of Directors for the Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation, it is both an honor and a privilege to serve as Co-Chair of this year’s 10th Annual Scholarship Gala. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the extraordinary impact this organization has on the lives of young men, not simply by providing scholarships, but by building lasting relationships through mentorship, guidance, and unwavering support throughout their college journey. As someone who grew up in an urban Midwestern community, I understand the obstacles many of these young men face. I also know the life-changing difference that caring mentors can make. I stand here today because individuals invested in me, believed in my potential, and helped shape my future. That is why I am committed to paying that gift forward. Supporting the Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation is more than supporting education, it is investing in leadership, opportunity, and the next generation of young men who will transform their families, their communities, and the world. I invite you to join us in continuing this important work. -Jamil SImmons, 2026 Honorary Co-Chair
@EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org | 3
ROBIN L. KELLY
Congress of the United States
2329 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 PHONE: (202)225-0773
House of Representatives
2ND DISTRICT, ILLINOIS
www.RobinKelly.house.gov
DISTRICT OFFICES: 600 TOWN CENTER ROAD SUITE 505 MATTESON, IL 60443 (708) 679-0078 1642 E. 56TH STREET SUITE 110 CHICAGO, IL 60637 PHONE: (773) 321-2001 425 N. GILBERT ST. SUITE 5 DANVILLE, IL 61832 PHONE: (217) 516-4556
August 1, 2026
Dear Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation: It is a pleasure to extend my warmest congratulations as you celebrate your tenth annual Gala Silent and Live Auction & Fundraiser. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the strength of your mission and the remarkable community of graduates, scholars, and families who continue to shine because of your work. Since 2017, the Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation has been a powerful force in Chicago, providing AfricanAmerican high school students with essential life skills, career preparation, and meaningful financial support for college. Over the years, your organization has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships to 175 deserving students, opening doors for young Black men to pursue higher education and become leaders who uplift our community. Thank you for your dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to the success of Black men in Chicago. Your impact is deeply felt, and your continued service inspires us all.
Sincerely, Sincerely,
Robin Kelly Member of Congress
4 | @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org
Gala Program 2026 Master of Ceremony
Nate Rogers, Chicago Journalist
Entrance of 2026 Scholarship Recipients & Graduates Medley Selection
Chatham Choral Ensemble Entertainment
Honorary Co-Chairs
Dominique Jordan Turner & Jamil Simmons
Auction Preview
Pastor Kervance Ross
Dinner Blessing
Elder John Purnell, Father of Timothy Purnell
**Dinner is Served / Finalize Silent Auction Bids / Music by DJ Donell**
Graduate/Mentor Testimony
Eric “Gucci” Wilson, CAU & Bakari Baker *Video
Alumni Testimony
Zion Richardson, MBA, Emory Univ. ℅ 2026
Student Testimony
Joshua Spicer, NCA&T ℅ 2027
Live Auction
Pastor Kervance Ross
Introduction of Speaker
Jaylin Holmes, Howard Univ. ℅ 2025
Keynote Speaker
Jemal King aka 9to5 Millionaire
Changemaker Awards
Tenisha Taylor
Closing Remarks
Tenisha Taylor
@EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org | 5
August 1, 2026 Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation Chicago, Illinois Dear friends, I am pleased to send greetings as you gather to celebrate ten years of service through the Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation. On behalf of my office, Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District, and the United States House of Representatives, I commend you for reaching such a significant milestone in your work to transform lives across Chicago. As you celebrate a decade of purpose, I know this moment does not come without pain. Each measure of progress reminds us of the loss that brought us to this work in the first place. In all that we do, but especially in our work to end gun violence, we carry the memories and the legacies of those we have lost to unspeakable tragedy. By pouring into young people through scholarship and mentorship, you are honoring Ezekiel Taylor’s life in a truly remarkable way. To President and CEO Tenisha Taylor and to all those who are working on behalf of those whose lives have been impacted by gun violence: thank you. Thank you for turning tragedy into triumph, and for working to secure a future free from gun violence. Know that I stand alongside you in this work and will continue to be a champion for solutions in Washington. I send my best wishes for a successful and meaningful anniversary event. Sincerely,
Lucy McBath Member of Congress
6 | @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org
Jemal King aka 9to5 Millionaire Keynote Speaker
Pastor Kervance D. Ross Auctioneer
Tenisha Taylor President/CEO
Nate Rodgers Master of Ceremony
Board of Directors & Staff
Velma L. Pate Executive Director
Brenda L. Bryant Treasurer
Sandra D. Thomas Program Liaison
Kenneth Hughes, Jr. EZTaylor Alumni Director
Dr. Yolanda Coleman Board of Director
Anita Johnson Board of Director
Natasha Martin Board of Director
Ninette Martin Board of Director
LaKesha Wilson Hill Board of Director
Jacob Qualls Board of Director
Danielle Pittman Social Media Manager
Tracy Rawlings Board of Director
Eric D. Tidwell, Esq. Board of Director
Muna Walker Board of Director
Clay Wallace Board of Director @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org | 7
Ezekiel Taylor 2026 Graduates
Ayomide Ajayi Univ. of So. Cal
Malique Amos Univ. of So. Cal
Jayson Evans SIU @Edwardsville
Timothy James Alabama A&M
Edward Washington III Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Eric Wilson Clark Atlanta University
Ezekiel Taylor 2026 New Scholars
Austin Ewing Kettering University
Gregory Mitchell Dartmouth College
Ravi Nickerson San Diego State University 8 | @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org
Derrick Nash Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Chiebuka Nwaezeigwe University of Illinois @ Chicago
Ezekiel Taylor Returning Scholars
David Allen North Carolina A&T
Gabriel Blankenship Louisiana St. Univ.
Charles Dunlap II Howard Univ.
Aquil Hayes FAMU
Hunter Holley Howard Univ.
Arun Nickerson Univ. of So. Cal
Christian Richards Northern Illinois University
Joshua Spicer North Carolina A&T
Mitchell Bender University of Illinois Chicago
Nathanael James North Carolina A&T
Ayipey Salinas Univ. Of North Texas Dallas
Brent Pack North Park University
Dallas Prince North Carolina A&T
Timothy I. Purnell Michigan State University
Aden C. Smith Howard University
James Well, IV Central State University
@EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org | 9
Ezekiel TaylorAlumni Daniel C. Gay Clark Atlanta University
Jaylin Holmes Howard University
Marlon Stokes Howard University
Darius Johnson Morehouse College
Dattrick Woody Taylor University
Kamari Bell Fisk University
Deon Stephens Clark Atlanta University
Jordan D. Alfred Illinois Institute of Technology
Justin Malik Powell University of So. California
Derrick Daniels Clark Atlanta University
Kenneth Hughes, Jr. Central State University
Andre L. Bass Morehouse College
Matthew Swalek University of Chicago
Zion Richardson University of Wisconsin
Johnny R. Brown University of Miami
Ezekiel Stevens Morehouse College
Caleb Hardaway Columbia College
Kirkland Sudeall SIU-Edwardsville
Immanuel E. Taylor Iowa State University
Matthew T. McGowan Southern Illinois at Edwardville
Eric K. Pates Albion College
JaSai M. Kimsey Eastern Mich. University
Ayodele Thomas-Kadirifu Morehouse College
Hoover Cooney Jr. Chicago State University
10th Anniversary Chicago Changemakers
Dan Johnson Owner Strikes & Bites Bowl
Sergeant Roderique McClain Chicago Police Dept.
Jeffrey Beckham CEO Chicago Scholars
Vondale Singleton CEO Champs Mentoring
Jermaine Anderson CEO IAm Gentleman
Shaka Rawls Principal Leo H.S.
10 | @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org
Sponsors & Partners LEGACY SPONSOR
PLATINUM LEVEL
GOLD LEVEL Jacqueline Harris
SILVER LEVEL Suzanne Maleaux Kirk and Jacki Perry, Perry Family Foundation Tracy A. Rawlings Delightful Beginnings Foundation Lakesha Wilson Hill
BRONZE LEVEL Mr. Dennis & Zion Banks Mr. Mark & Joni Croll Dianne Crouch Pamay Bassey
Omega Integrative Healthcare D.B.A. Dr. Nicolle MD Mr. Aristide Collins CERA Solutions @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org | 11
Special Thanks
All sponsors, donors & supporters Fifth Third Bank Sutton Ford - Matteson Miss Jessie’s Photographer: Darian Montgomery DJ: Donell Walker Printing: Abbott’s Printing Graphic Design Banner: Reginald Pate Gala Line Producer: Tatyana Presley, ABC 7 Emcee: Nate Rodgers, Journalist Videography: Malchan Brooks, M3aerialmediawork Program Design: Michael Jenkins, Graphics in Atlanta
MEET & GREET
Gala Committees
Lakesha Wilson Hill Tracy Rawlings
GALA CHAIRLADY Gabrielle Herndon
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Sandra Thomas Brenda Bryant Tenisha Taylor Velma Pate Semaj Mack
Marcus Adkins Roderick Boone Johnny Brown Allan Glover Brian Graham Roy Harris Charles Holley Daniel Jones James Mattz Ganiyu Owolala Tyion Patton Zion Richardson Ezekiel Stevens Marlon Stokes Terrill Thomas Eric D. Tidwell, Esq Tony Williams
SWAG BAGS
SCHOLARSHIP GRADING Zion Banks Kenneth Hughes Natasha Martin Zion Richardson Dr. Sabrina Sanders Deon Stephens Ezekiel Stevens Dr. Allyse Sturdivant-Williams
AUCTION
Sandra D. Thomas Muna Walker Tyra Whitney
GALA PRODUCTION Tenisha Taylor Perfect Pitch Media Group Tatyana Presley ABC7 News
REGISTRATION
USHERS
Yvonne Griffin Laquendia Gregory Vickie Wilson Evelyn Hill Sondra Ross
EZ Taylor Alumni Eric Polk George Thomas Tonya McGowan
12 | @EZTaylorFDN #EZTaylor / Donate at www.eztaylor.org
RAFFLE Shaun Polk Wallace Clay Wallace
NOW’S THE TIME TO PLAN AHEAD WITH LIFE INSURANCE They depend on you. Feel good knowing you’ve taken steps to protect what matters most, no matter what tomorrow holds.
Let’s talk about securing your loved ones’ financial future with life insurance that fits you.
Doranita Tyler, Agent D. Tyler Agency LLC (708) 474-2055 dtyleragency.com
American Family Life Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2016 011785 – Rev. 8/19 – 29387830
Helping you brand your business and promotions!
Your One Source For All Things Branded PROMOTIONAL ADVERTISING
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
PACKAG ING + KITTIN G
SIGNAGE + DISPLAYS
ADVERTISING CALENDARS
DED BRAN EL APPAR
Sharon Green, MAS www.moncureandassociates.espwebsite.com moncuread@aol.com • 773-925-3888