[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2028

Mon Jun 23 01:30:02 UTC 2025

June 22, 2025

Memo To:  Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents &
Others

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president at nfbofsc.org <mailto:president at nfbofsc.org> 

Positive Note 2028

Dear Federation Family,

On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the United States celebrated our newest federal
holiday - Juneteenth. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks the end of
slavery in the United States. On this day in 1865, Union troops arrived in
Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free-more than two
years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. The
delay was due to the Civil War and slow communication. Juneteenth became a
symbol of freedom and African American heritage. Over time, it grew into a
day of reflection, education, and celebration with parades, music, and
gatherings. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially made a federal holiday,
recognizing its importance in American history and the fight for equality.

Another National Convention e-mail went out to members this week and the
links to the app for the 2025 convention were included. The app allows
attendees to customize their individual schedules, see who is attending and
communicate with them before and during the convention and receive
on-the-fly agenda changes. Each attendee must make themselves visible so
that others can see their profiles and initiate communication. Watch for
future updates.

I had cause to reflect on a speech given by Dr. Kenneth Jernigan at the 1993
National Convention held in Dallas, Texas titled The Nature of Independence.
I am blessed to have met Dr. Jernigan in person and experienced some of his
powerful speeches in person through 1998. National Federation of the Blind
philosophy is promulgated by our leaders' speeches and reports, resolutions
and our publications. I encourage you to read or listen to this speech. The
link is
https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/images/nfb/publications/convent/addres93
.htm.

>From time to time, members request that important announcements be shared in
the weekly Positive Note. Please remember that I need all announcements by
12:00 p.m. on Saturday for inclusion in the Positive Note typically released
on Sunday of each week. I appreciate you honoring this request as I spend
Saturdays addressing church and Federation demands.

This is a friendly reminder to make your reservations for the National
Federation of the Blind of South Carolina's State Convention being held
August 14-17, 2025 at the Doubletree by Hilton. There is no room rate
guarantee after July 23, 2025, so be sure to contact the hotel for your
reservation needs. Book online at https://hil.tn/00qbnn or call Central
Reservations at 866-247-3572 and ask for the National Federation of the
Blind of SC Attendee Block. Note: Your card will be charged for the first
night at the time of booking. These rates apply to reservations between
August 12 and 19, 2025.

To register for the NFB of SC 2025 State Convention, visit www.nfbofsc.org
<http://www.nfbofsc.org>  and find the heading "2025 National Federation of
the Blind of South Carolina State Convention Registration." Read all the
instructions carefully before accessing the form. If you have questions,
contact Steve Cook at 803-260-1292. You should complete the form even if you
are not using PayPal to pay.

Palmetto Convention Grants

The 2025 Palmetto Convention Grant offers three $200 awards to help
first-time in-person members attend the National Federation of the Blind of
South Carolina state convention. To qualify, applicants must be dues-paying
members in good standing, registered for the convention and hotel, and must
submit a completed application packet by 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2025. The
application must include a personal letter explaining the applicant's goals
and background with the NFB, and a letter of recommendation from an NFB of
SC chapter or division president. All materials should be emailed as
attachments to secretary at nfbofsc.org <mailto:secretary at nfbofsc.org>  and
preferably typed for accessibility. Contact Shannon Cook via e-mail or via
telephone at 803-605-4250 with questions or for additional information.

The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina invites you to kick
off the 2025 Annual State Convention with "An Evening to Remember: Prom
Night & Talent Show" on Friday, August 15, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This
special evening will feature a best dressed contest where two individuals
will be crowned Prom King and Queen and awarded $200 each based on their
individual style and presentation. The event will also include a talent show
showcasing up to 15 contestants, each given three minutes to perform. Talent
show entry is $25 per act. Open to Federation members of all ages, this
event is a celebration of confidence, creativity, and community spirit.
Don't miss this unforgettable night of style, entertainment, and Federation
pride. for more information, please contact a member of the Columbia Chapter
Board.

Door Prizes

First Vice President Lenora Robertson will again serve as the door prize
chairperson. Please bring your door prizes to the state convention and give
them directly to her. If shipping, address them to Lenora Robertson, 1258
Roundtree Circle, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Shipments should arrive no later than
Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10.
Cash is always welcome!

Lead and Drive: Give $25 in '25

The NFB invites members to participate in the 'Give $25 in '25' campaign
running from May 15 to July 11. Donating $25 or more enters you into a prize
drawing. Prizes include a trip for two to the 2026 NFB National Convention
or a $2,025 cash award. Each $25 increment earns an additional entry.

Things to Remember

*	Palmetto Grant Scholarship applications due by June 30, 2025
*	NFB of SC hotel reservations and registration due by July 23, 2025
*	Palmetto Connects on July 1, 2025 on the NFB of SC Zoom platform

Marty

Marty R. McKenzie, President

National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina

119 S. Kilbourne Road

Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-254-3777

Mobile: 843-939-8091

Website: www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org/>  

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