The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
During Spring Break of this school year, fifteen participants and chaperones from A Pocket Full Of Hope, Inc. traveled to Washington, DC on their annual Youth Empowerment Tour. Each year, organization Founder and Executive Director Dr. Lester Shaw organizes a trip to a location where participants have not previously traveled to provide youth with life experiences. In order to attend the trip, participants must meet educational and participation guidelines.
While in Washington, DC, the group was able to tour the White House, they received a tour of the Nation’s Capital from a staffer in Senator James Lankford’s office, and they met with Senator Lankford and his friend Senator Cory Booker! The group also spent the day exploring the National African American Museum of History and Culture. Tickets for the experience were orchestrated by Jean Neal of the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation and Mr. John W. Franklin, son of Dr. John Hope Franklin.
Because the group is often known for its incredible performances, they also performed for students at Clarksburg High School in Clarksburg, Maryland. They also performed at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial, just steps away from where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his heralded “I Have a Dream” speech. Although the city of Washington, DC received more than three inches of snow during the week, the weather did not stop the participants for sharing their talents with hundreds of other tourists exploring the monuments! The trip was definitely one of a lifetime and there were many people who helped to make it possible.
This year’s group consisted of nine youth participants, three Pocket Player Mentors who are participants who have aged out of Pocket Programs and return to volunteer with the organization, and three chaperones. Participants were required to raise a small portion of the expenses for the trip. American Airlines funded the travel to Washington, DC, along with funds to cover some additional expenses. The Lynn and Charles Schusterman Family Foundation also provided funding for the trip. The hard work and preparation for the trip made the experience even that much more worthwhile!
Next up for the organization is their annual “Evening of Hope” fundraiser. This year, the event will be held at the Historic Big 10 Ballroom at 1624 East Apache on Thursday, April 19th at 6:00 pm. Local talents will perform, along with the participants of A Pocket Full Of Hope, Inc. One of the star Pocket performances will be “The Shirelles,” which is choreography directly from the Broadway musical, “Beautiful: A Carol King Musical.” There will be a silent auction as well. Tickets for the event are $25 each, and sponsorships and tables are available for purchase. For further information, contact Dr. Lester Shaw at 918-430-1700.
