The second-ever Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Workforce Development Summit came to a close in Birmingham, Alabama with a call to action from TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry L. Williams.
“Everything you’re working for, you’re going to get it,” Dr. Williams said in the closing ceremony. “Not only are you going to achieve that, but what are you going to do the next day? How are you going to improve upon that?”
Dr. Williams also encouraged students to intentionally take on difficult challenges in their life.
“What I do know from working with HBCU and HBCC students is that you’re not afraid of those challenges that come your way,” Dr. Williams said. “It’s going to not only make your life better, it’s going to make your family life better, it’s going to make your community better. It’s going to make everybody around you better.”
Award-winning journalist, host and actress Jamila Mustafa served as a moderator for a fireside chat with Lt. Adrian Powell of the Birmingham Police Department. After the fireside chat and an audience Q&A, 18 students received scholarships during a special presentation.
The closing ceremony concluded with a performance by “The Voice” contestant Jazz McKenzie.
The final day also included a panel discussion on transitioning academically and professionally; a career and transfer exploration fair; a life skills presentation; and breakout sessions on a variety of topics.
More than $200,000 in scholarships were awarded throughout the course of the three-day event.
