Since my last post, The Power of Your Tongue about my visit to Grand Rapids, a lot had happened. I promised a sequel, but I will not take too much of your time to tell you everything, however, I interviewed some of the organizers and one of the speakers in a video that was published on Imprisoned Show. You can click on this link to hear from them.
About six weeks ago, some school girls were kidnapped from school by a terrorist group called Boko Haram in Chibok, Nigeria. Mind you, I went to a boarding secondary school just like those girls. Perhaps, you have seen rallies being organized in the news and the foreign help to find those girls. Nothing has happened since in terms of the girls’ whereabouts. I participated in a rally here in the Twin Cities at the State capitol. You can watch the rally on Imprisoned Show website. I pray and hope that those girls are rescued safely.
I had written in one of my past blogs that I met with the president of my college, Anoka Ramsey Community College (ARCC), Kent Hanson to talk about presenting to the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Well, President Hanson drove me to the presentation and I must say that I was not only impressed by the board of trustees, but even more so with the president of my college, who cares about students’ well-being and success on campus.
One of the things that impressed me with the board was my introduction. Rather than focusing on my victim story,
they focused on my success and accomplishments and even showed how proud they were with me as one of their students. And, Trustee Margaret Anderson Kelliher, who read my bio to introduce me encouraged her fellow trustees to support my efforts and non-profit, The Enitan Story. Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised when the Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, Dr. John O’Brien sent me a thank you email that reads, “Bukola, It was such a pleasure to meet you today and celebrate your story and your great work. Please keep in touch – I’d love to hear about your continuing work.” He ended the email with his signature.
The Enitan Story, the nonprofit I founded less than a year ago, has now received its Tax Exempt Determination Letter is now planning its first annual fundraiser in celebration of its first year anniversary. The fundraiser is tagged Taste For Hope, where vendors will get free tables to promote their businesses, by providing free samples of their menu of choice to the guests. Tickets are on sale to guests online for $25 per person or $160 for a group of eight. The event will take place on Saturday, August 16 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Guests will enjoy tasting food and Live Music from World Beat Connection during this event. You can find out more at www.enitan.org.
I encourage you to support my effort to give help to others. You can donate to, or sponsor the event. If you want to help in kind, please fill out the contact form to learn how you can.
As I write also, I have planted seeds and plants with the help of one of The Enitan Story’s board member and an
Anoka Technical College professor at the organization’s community garden to supply fresh ethnic produce to victims and survivors of human trafficking and domestic abuse. You can view pictures on The Enitan Story’s Facebook page.
In addition, we will be hosting a fundraising booth at the Andover Family Funfest in on July 12 from 10:00 Am until dusk. Join me to help victims and survivors of human trafficking by donating or braiding your hair in blue extensions at the fun fest.
I will not go without giving tribute to two legendary women – Barbara Walters of the View, who retired recently and Maya Angelou who passed away few days ago. I hope that Walters enjoys her retirement in good health and pray that Angelou rests in peace.
Thanks for reading. I hope to talk to you again through my blogs. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please, send me a note – fill out the contact form. I want to hear from you. You can also get my recent posts by signing up to receive updates.
Bye for now, until next time.
