Four stellar pillars of the African American community are to be honored as the 2012 African-American Achievers.Established in 1992 by Jim Moran, founder of JM Family, Southeast Toyota and JM Lexus, the program recognizes those who unselfishly invest their time and talents toward building a stronger community. At the annual celebration, African-American leaders — including one high school senior — are honored for enriching the quality of life in South Florida. The adult Achievers are selected in the categories of Arts & Culture, Business & Entrepreneurism, Community Service and Education.
It’s fair to say that this is a very selfless event that people should learn more about and ought to try to imitate the good works of these people. Its very easy to sit back and do nothing for people that struggle with finance, legal problems, or social stigmas. Yet there are a group of people dedicated to ensure that programs and resources are provided for these individuals. The 2012 African American Achievers ensure that the people who “do as much as you can, for as many people as you can, for as long as you can”-Edith C. Bush 2012 Arts and Culture Honoree.
Edith Bush said “I feel like I’m getting an Oscar”. Bush a retired teacher and Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Junior Center. Edith learned the power of fighting for social change at a young age, her father was a community activist for the local NAACP. In 1971 Bush established the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in West Palm Beach, Florida where they instilled his values through art, music, and various cultural activities. She lives by what she teaches working ten hour days for children literacy, she is being inducted as an Arts and Culture Nominee.
Samuel Bruce McDonald continues to be guided by the message his mother taught him as a child growing up in West Palm Beach. She often said, “You can do anything anyone else can, you are a man among men, and you happen to be black.” That lesson had a profound impact on Samuel Bruce’s chosen path in life, to be an educator. Samuel Bruce began his distinguished career as a teacher in 1956 after graduating college and serving two years in the U.S. Army. His commitment to the profession and to breaking down barriers was rewarded with new opportunities, including becoming an assistant principal in West Palm Beach and later one of the first black principals in the county, at Boca Raton’s first junior high school.Darryl Holsendolph is a licensed vendor for the Super Bowl, Orange Bowl, and the concessions for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. The Superbowl is without question one of the worlds largest sporting event. The Orange Bowl held by the NCAA BCS every year in Florida. A graduate of the “U” The University of Miami (Florida) Holsendoph is the President and CEO of Holsen Inc. Merchandising. His company teams up with youth programs in Florida for community outreach that helps teens find jobs in the business field. A job well done my brother.
Dr. Dorothy Jackson Orr rowing up, Dr. Dorothy Orr did not let poverty define her life or her future. Inspired by her teachers, who were among her most memorable role models, Dr. Orr knew from an early age she was meant to be an educator. Her mother also fostered in her a drive to learn, encouraging her daughter to read a book or Bible passage weekly and discuss it with the family. Dr. Orr’s success in the classroom and later as a principal led to an unexpected calling. She was appointed by the school board as the first black female board member of the Broward Teachers Credit Union, now Bright Star Credit Union, a position she still proudly holds. Serving on the board also included the chance for a different type of education. Dr. Orr became an advocate to young adults in the black community about the importance of sound financial practices.
