Positive Note

June 28, 2026

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

From:  Marty R. McKenzie, President

843-939-8091  president@nfbofsc.org

Positive Note: 2081

 

Dear Federation Family,

 

On July 4, 1776, fifty-six delegates of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and announced that the thirteen colonies were a free nation. This year marks the 250th anniversary of that signing. Communities across the country are taking part in a year-long celebration coordinated by America250, the nonpartisan commission Congress created in 2016. The main events stretch from July 3 through July 5 under the banner of America's Block Party. New York Harbor will host an International Fleet Review with tall ships from around the world, and Washington, D.C. will hold a parade and fireworks on the National Mall.

 

South Carolinians have a special anniversary of our own this weekend. June 28 is Carolina Day, marking the 1776 victory at Sullivan's Island where Patriot forces turned back a British fleet attacking Charleston. Charleston is hosting reenactments and historical programs through the American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission. Independence Day reminds us that our country was built on the idea that ordinary people can govern themselves. Two hundred and fifty years later, that promise still belongs to all of us, including the blind citizens of South Carolina.

 

Shawn Callaway will serve as our National Delegate to the NFB of SC State Convention. After graduating from high school, Shawn planned to attend South Carolina State University, but a 1991 accident left him permanently blind and changed his path. He earned degrees from the University of Maryland and the Catholic University of America and became a Licensed Graduate Social Worker. Today Shawn is a Program Specialist with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He has served as President of the NFB of the District of Columbia since 2011 and joined the NFB National Board of Directors in 2016. Within the Federation he chairs the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, serves as President of the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders and chairs the Blind Greek and Masonic Group. Shawn also co-hosts the radio program "Open Our Eyes" on Takoma Radio.

 

The South Carolina affiliate delegation is headed to Austin this week and we are all very excited! Meeting our national and international families is always exciting, but the sound of the many white canes, the jingle of harnesses on guide dogs and the general mayhem in the convention hall all serve to underscore just how much Federationists love the national convention. The next Positive Note will come to you from Austin, Texas.

 

NFB of SC Student Scholarship Deadline Extended

The deadline for completing and submitting scholarship applications has been extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. High school seniors and college students who are blind or have low vision are strongly encouraged to apply for these scholarships. Three scholarships are awarded each year. The total amount of almost $7,000 was awarded at the 2025 NFB of SC banquet. If you need assistance, reach out to the Committee Chair, Shannon Cook, at scholarships@nfbofsc.org and you will receive assistance. It is not too late to get your application in!

 

Door Prizes for NFB of SC State Convention

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 5, 2026. Door prizes should have a minimum value of $10. Cash is always welcome!

 

Fundraiser Extended to Help More Families

Thanks to the generosity of the Penny Duffy Fund, the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children was able to support five families this July. Each family received a sponsored five-night stay at the NFB National Convention in Austin, Texas. The Penny Duffy Fund was established in loving memory of Penny Duffy, who had a deep passion for the National Convention. The fund helps families who could not otherwise afford to attend share in the same sense of connection and community that Penny valued so deeply. You can help even more families have this experience. To support the fund, we are offering a chance to win one of two great prizes. The first prize is a pair of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, and the second is an Eone Bradley Watch. A donation of $20 for each entry per prize is required. This fundraiser runs from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Get your tickets through the Penny Duffy Fund entry form.

 

Palmetto Convention Grants

The Palmetto Convention Grant application for first-time attendees to the NFB of SC State Convention is now available on the NFB of SC website home page. Please pass the word along to your chapter members, division members, fellow Federationists and anyone else who fits the bill. We will award four grants in the amount of $300 each. The application deadline is June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

 

Technology Backpack Fundraiser – Computer Science and Technology Division

The Computer Science and Technology Division (CSTD) of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is holding a Technology Backpack Fundraiser with a drawing on August 16, 2026, during the state convention. Tickets are priced at $5 for one, $10 for three, $20 for seven and $30 for ten. The prize package includes a technology backpack, a talking meat thermometer, an infrared thermometer, Bluetooth earbuds, a 256 GB flash drive, a Bluetooth speaker, a surge protector and a home license copy of JAWS, ZoomText or Fusion. Ten percent of funds raised will support a student scholarship. You do not need to be present to win as prizes can be shipped. To enter, complete the online web form and submit payment via PayPal or check, or by calling 803-260-1292. If using PayPal, be sure to note “Technology Backpack Fundraiser” in the notes section. Mail checks to Steve Cook, 2446 Harrison Road, Columbia, SC 29204.

 

Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser – Senior Division

The NFB of SC Senior Division is holding a Cash Extravaganza fundraiser with a chance to win $400 in cash. The drawing will take place Sunday morning, August 16, at the conclusion of the state convention, and you do not need to be present to win. Tickets are $10 for one or $20 for three. Half of the funds raised will go to Rocky Bottom Senior Camp and half to the Senior Division. To buy or sell tickets, contact Shelley Coppel at 803-796-8662, 303-819-9795 or Frankandshelley51@gmail.com. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the NFB of SC Senior Division with “Cash Extravaganza Fundraiser” in the memo line and mailed to Shelley Coppel, 847 Jefferson Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.

 

NFB of SC State Convention Registration

You are warmly invited to attend the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention. This annual event brings together blind and low-vision individuals, families, advocates and community members from across the state. It is a weekend of learning, networking and inspiration. Whether you are a long-time member or new to the Federation, the convention offers something for everyone: engaging guest speakers, opportunities to connect, exhibits featuring helpful products and services, plus time for fun and fellowship. The event will take place August 13–16, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 2100 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC. Join us as we work together to build a brighter future and change what it means to be blind. For more information or to register, visit the NFB of SC website and select “State Convention & Exhibit Hall Registration.”

 

NFB of SC State Convention Hotel Registration

The DoubleTree by Hilton is now accepting reservations for the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina State Convention being held August 13–16, 2026. The cost of the rooms is as follows: singles and doubles: $134; triples: $144; and quads: $154 plus applicable taxes and fees. Breakfast is included with the cost of your room. You may book online through the DoubleTree reservation page. You may also call 800-445-8667 and give the code 917 to link to our room block. The cutoff for these special rates is Thursday, July 22, 2026. Remember the following when booking your room:

  • The first night’s stay will be charged at time of booking.
  • When checking in, a hold will be placed on the card to cover the entire stay.
  • There is a $50 per night hold for incidentals.

It is strongly recommended that a credit card be used for this stay. Using a debit card means these holds will be placed on the funds in your checking account.

 

Things to Remember

  • Palmetto Convention Grant applications due by June 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
  • Hotel reservations and Early Bird Registration for the NFB of SC State Convention end on July 22, 2026.
  • NFB of SC State Convention takes place August 13–16, 2026.
  • Technology Backpack Fundraiser drawing is August 16, 2026, during the state convention.
  • Cash Extravaganza drawing is Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the conclusion of the state convention.

 

 

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