[NFBofSC] Positive Note 2060

Sun Feb 1 19:55:40 UTC 2026

February 1, 2026

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: 2060

Dear Federation Family,

Black History Month is observed every February in the United States to honor
the achievements, contributions, and resilience of African Americans
throughout history. It was established in 1926 by historian Carter G.
Woodson as "Negro History Week", chosen to coincide with the birthdays of
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. In 1976, it was officially expanded
to a month-long observance. Black History Month is significant because it
highlights stories and accomplishments that were often left out of
traditional history books, including advances in civil rights, science,
education, music, and government. The month also encourages reflection on
the ongoing struggle for equality and reminds us that Black history is an
essential part of American history.

Currently, multiple winter weather warnings and watches are in place across
South Carolina with significant snow and wintery mix accumulations on the
ground. This is the second winter storm this year and there is a hint that
we my face another such event. We will monitor the weather and the travel
conditions in the state in regards to the Legislative Breakfast, Sweetheart
Ball and State Board meeting, all of which take place February 5-7, 2026.
Please keep a check on neighbors and others who live alone during this
challenging time.

We can access AI through the use of Echo devices, Siri on the iPhone, Bixby
on Android phones, and apps such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. There are
certainly others that are available. When creating an AI prompt, the best
results are obtained when the prompt is specific and detailed. For example,
this prompt could be used to write an e-mail declining attendance at the
upcoming NFB of SC State Board meeting. "Create an e-mail that declines my
attendance at the State Board meeting on Saturday, February, 7 2026 with the
inclement weather as my reason." Try it and see what you get.

Palmetto Connects

Given the uncertainty in the weather we are experiencing, there will be no
Palmetto Connects on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Stay warm and safe!

>From Andrew Adams:

Join us for the Sweetheart Ball on February 6th for an unforgettable evening
of fun, fellowship, and celebration. Tickets are $30 per person, making it a
perfect night out for members and guests. Gather your friends and reserve a
full table for $240 to enjoy the evening together. The purpose of the
Sweetheart Ball is to bring our members together while supporting a
meaningful cause. Proceeds raised will help sponsor members to attend the
national convention in Austin, Texas. Come out, dress up, and participate in
a night that strengthens our community and invests in our future.

The National Federation of the Blind National Convention will be held July
3-8, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the JW Marriott and the Austin Marriott
Downtown overflow hotel. Room rates are $139 per night for single or double
occupancy and $155 for triple or quad occupancy, plus 19% in taxes and fees.
The first night is charged when booking. To reserve a room, call
800-627-7468 and use room block BL1. Cancellations made by May 31, 2026,
receive a 50% deposit refund; no refunds are available after that date.

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarships support active blind and sighted
first-time attendees at the National Convention. Applications are due by
March 31, 2026, and applicants must meet with President Marty McKenzie for a
letter of support. In recent years, individual awards have been $700 and
family awards $1,100; these do not cover all expenses. Recipients receive a
prepaid VISA card after arriving at the hotel at a specified time and
location. The online application must be completed in one session, so
applicants are encouraged to prepare responses in Microsoft Word and copy
and paste them. Those not comfortable using a computer should seek help from
a friend. The online application can be found at
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/kenneth-jernigan-convention
-scholarship.

The next National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Board
meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Federation Center
of the Blind at 10:00 a.m. Meetings are open to all members. If an executive
session is required, everyone except board members will be excused. These
happen rarely and generally do not last very long.

Things to Remember

*	Sweethearts Ball on February 6, 2026

*	State Board meeting on February 7, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m.
*	National Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026
*	Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship applications due by March 31, 2026
*	National Convention hotel reservations due by May 31, 2026

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

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