June 22, 2025

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president@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 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@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