Feb 20, 2013

Book Donation Benefits Children in Avondale


The orignal article on the book donation appeared in the February 9, 2013 online edition of The Cincinnati Herald.
The African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP), a twenty year old program of the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati made a special presentation of books to Avondale youth participating in the Rockdale and South Avondale after school programs. The after school programs are a part of the Urban League’s Youth Program and is funded by a 21st Century grant. This special presentation and dedication was Feb. 13, at the US Bank Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati located at 3504 Washington Ave.
As part of its commitment to the community and to the children of Avondale, the African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP), Class XIX raised $3,000 (three thousand dollars) to purchase more than 200 books for use in the After School League program. The books will be used to encourage students to develop a love of learning by reading “just for the fun of it.”  To encourage young children to pursue their education, each book bears an Urban League sticker that includes the Malcolm X quote “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
“This was a special project for us in Class XIX,” stated Jeanette Shoecraft who is a member of the class and the Chief Financial Officer for the Urban League. She continued, “If you remember our history, there was a time when reading was forbidden for Blacks. We can think of no better time and no better way to encourage young students to read than to make books accessible to them and to do so during Black History Month. These books become a tribute to our ancestors and a guiding light for our youth.”
The AALDP class made personal monetary contributions and secured additional funds from individuals within the community, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Key Career Konsulting Group, the Kroger Company and Xavier University.
Founded in 1949 to build opportunities and level the playing field for African Americans and others, the Urban League of Greater Cincinnati is a private, 501(c)(3) corporation and a local affiliate of the National Urban League. The Urban League is a United Way supported agency and benefits from board representation from business, labor, education, service professions and media. The League’s mission is to transform generations by promoting personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency.  The League visualizes vibrant communities with thriving individuals, families and businesses
The African American Leadership Development Program is the oldest continuously running program within the Urban League. Its purpose is to develop a pool of African American men and women in managerial positions with various backgrounds, interest in and leadership capacity for effectively addressing ongoing and emerging community issues.