August 24, 2025

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president@nfbofsc.org

Positive Note 2037

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

The NFB of SC family extends its congratulations to Andrew Adams on acceptance into the Kenneth Jernigan Leadership in Service Program. Despite facing serious health challenges, Andrew’s journey is marked by resilience, determination, and service. He pursued higher education, earning his Bachelor of Social Work from Limestone University, and he is currently in a master’s program seeking to become a Vocational Rehabilitation Teacher. Within the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina, Andrew demonstrates outstanding leadership as a state board member, co-chair of the Fundraising Committee and in many other roles. His work co-hosting SC Tech Talk further shows his ability to inspire and connect with others, making him an excellent choice for this program.

 

The Kenneth Jernigan Leadership in Service Program is a year-long training opportunity designed for blind individuals aspiring to strengthen their leadership within the organized blind movement. Acceptance into this program requires a proven commitment to the mission of the National Federation of the Blind, and participants engage in a demanding curriculum that blends three in-person sessions with nine monthly virtual trainings. These sessions are designed to build confidence, strengthen skills, and prepare participants to take on future roles within the organization. Only a select group of individuals are chosen, which makes Andrew’s acceptance even more significant.

 

Participants in this program must meet rigorous requirements. They are expected to attend at least one national convention and one or more state conventions prior to selection. They must affirm their understanding of the NFB and commit to the three in-person sessions and nine virtual meetings. Many participants have experience in elected positions within chapters, affiliates, or divisions. Additionally, they are required to complete assignments between sessions and provide constructive feedback to strengthen the program for future leaders.

 

Affiliate presidents play a critical role in supporting candidates. They may sponsor only two individuals and must carefully evaluate each candidate’s readiness, knowledge, and commitment to the Federation’s mission. They are also expected to serve as mentors, answering questions and guiding participants throughout the program. Sponsorship requires submitting a thoughtful statement of support along with the candidate’s essay or recording. It is through this process that promising leaders like Andrew are identified and supported.

 

We conclude our round-up of the NFB of SC State Convention this week by highlighting pre-convention activities. The event kicked off with the Rooky Round-Up held on Thursday evening hosted by the Columbia Chapter and Successful Transitions. First-time attendees and students attended this event to meet leaders from the organization including myself as president, division presidents and other members of the Board of Directors. National Representative, Shelia Wright was on hand to greet everyone as well.

 

Friday kicked off registration at 10:00 AM and the first meeting began at 11:00 AM. The SC Association of Black Leaders, led by Janice Bright showcased their public speaking series. There is excellent work being done by this division. The NFB of SC is the only affiliate in the organization to have a local division of Association of Blind, Black Leaders.

 

Other meetings held on Friday included the availability of Youth Track activities, the SC Computer Science and Technology Division meeting, the At-Large Chapter meeting, SCSDB Alumni meeting, the Blind Merchants Division meeting, the Seniors Division meeting and the NFB of SC State Board meeting. While I cannot attend every meeting, I made appearances when possible.

 

“Experiences from the Louisiana Center of the Blind” was a special presentation by James Byers of the Cherokee Chapter. James is a recent graduate from this program and we are extremely proud of his many accomplishments. James walked attendees through his schedule at the Louisiana Center and discussed activities that strengthened his confidence. He exhibits the characteristics that we want to see in our Federationist!

 

The Friday evening reception, hosted by the Columbia Chapter brought a great deal of fun with a prom theme. The evening began with a talent show where adults and Successful Transitions students were contestants. There is a huge amount of talent in the NFB of SC. The evening concluded with the crowning of prom King and Queen. This was an exciting event!

 

The SC Association of Blind Students met shortly after 9:00 PM to hold elections. There were eighteen students who attended the NFB of SC convention this year and we thank the Successful Transitions team for shepherding these students through the convention. We also thank the SC Commission for the Blind for sponsoring them as well. Watching the passion that these students exhibited even so late was awe-inspiring! Congratulations to Trenton Smith and the newly elected board of the student division!

 

There is an update to the Banquet Fundraiser. Several people gave generously to this fundraiser and we appreciate the kind donations. I learned after the convention that At-Large board member, Janice Smith, made a $1,000 donation to the Banquet Fundraiser and an additional $500 in other donations. Our Banquet Fundraiser total now stands at $11,840.

 

It was great to see Derique Simon with us from Baltimore, Maryland. Derique will always be welcome to the NFB of SC when he is able to be with us! We are proud of Derique and his many accomplishments!

 

The next Palmetto Connects is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform. Your host for this event is a surprise! The phone number is 929-205-6099 and the meeting ID is 803 254 3777#. If you are using the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet, activate the Join button and enter the above meeting ID without the # sign. The passcode is 124578 for use with these devices. Continue to encourage members to participate in this monthly meeting so that we can improve our attendance.

 

Things to Remember

• Palmetto Connects on September 2, 2025
• Banquet pledges due by December 31, 2025

 

 

 

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