Volume 33 | May 2021
Monthly News and Updates
The African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) wants to stay connected with you! Enjoy interesting facts, educational information, highlights and upcoming events. Have a question or comment? Please contact us at info@aaylc-co.org.
Did You Know?
Graduates tossing their caps in the air originated during a Naval Academy ceremony in 1912. When students of the academy graduated, they were no longer commissioned to wear their caps. Hence, throwing them in the air symbolized completion. Other institutions later adopted this as a celebratory expression for graduates.


Executive Director's Corner

The month of May signifies a milestone for so many students who strive for greatness and become graduates. As a mother of four, you are never prouder than when your child accomplishes something big. My heart could not be fuller to attend the college graduation of my beautiful and brilliant third child. All young minds need us to constantly encourage them to keep their heads up and achieve their goals. With continued support, students will keep pushing us to move forward and think outside the box. Congratulations to all the students who are graduating, and to those who want to make an impact in the world.


Sincerely,
Shantelle Nix
Executive Director
Nigerian teen gets 19 scholarship offers worth over $5M

A Nigerian teenager, Victory Yinka-Banjo, has received full-ride scholarship offers worth more than $5 million from 19 universities across the United States and Canada.

Read more
www.cnn.com
May 2021 Student of the Month - Derek Allen
A current junior at Widefield High School, Derek not only scores big on the football field, but also excels in the classroom. Holding a GPA of 3.69, this future NFL star in the making is on his way to achieve his dreams. As a dedicated member of the Widefield High football team, Derek showcases pride in his school and his community through a variety of fundraisers. To sharpen his athletic skill set, he will be attending multiple out of state football camps in Texas and Nevada this summer. As he refines his proficiency on the field, Derek sees the true “touchdown” in education. He plans to attend a four-year college after he graduates.
Connection Reflection
Book Summary Lottery

“My alma mater was books, a good library…. I could spend the rest of my life reading, just satisfying my curiosity.” – Malcolm X. The AAYLC appreciates all the submissions received for our 4th Annual Book Summary Lottery. All students selected a book of their choice by an African American author, wrote a book summary, and provided their personal reflections. Although the decision was difficult, we are pleased to award the following six students an $100 Amazon Gift Card. Congratulations to these amazing youth! Keep reading and expanding your imagination!
Namyanzi Edwards
8th Grade
Academy of Aerospace & Eng.
The Skin I'm In
by Sharon G. Flake
Ghandi Omer
10th Grade
DSST Montview High School
Dear Martin
by Nic Stone
Yasmin Amadu
6th Grade
Mountain Ridge Middle School New Kid
by Jerry Craft
Miles Culver
7th Grade
Mountain Ridge Middle School
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
by William Kamkwamba
Kaylei Thomas
8th Grade
Red Lion Christian Academy
If You Come Softly
by Jacqueline Woodson
Tyson Culver
6th Grade
Mountain Ridge Middle School Amari & the Night Brothers
by B.B. Alston
Celebrating the Class of 2021
We Believe in You!
by Nicole Frazier, AAYLC Board Secretary

The class of 2021 deserves to be celebrated! Generation Z students are defined as having a great desire to change the world and make it a better place. They are part of the most racially and ethnically diverse generation, and they embrace those differences in ways in which adults seem to struggle. These students courageously put themselves out there for the world to see and criticize. They push boundaries and challenge norms. These students are equipped to be the leaders of the future. Now is the time to celebrate everyone who has worked so hard to seize the next step of their lives. This is their moment to seek greatness.  Congratulations to the Class of 2021! The AAYLC believes in you!
Make Mom Feel Special on Mother's Day
What better way to celebrate mom than with a gift from Amazon. Did you know you could make mom feel special and support the AAYLC at the same time? Simply create a free AmazonSmile account and select the African American Youth Leadership Conference as your designated charity. A percentage of your purchase goes to the AAYLC. It's that easy! We thank all the moms for their unconditional love. For more information, click here.
A Better Community Starts With You - Click Here