Banquet To Fund Minority Banking Student Scholarships
WASHINGTON -- The National Bankers Association Foundation, Inc. ("NBAF"), the outreach and education arm of the National Bankers Association ("NBA"), will hold its Inaugural Scholarship Fundraising Banquet to raise funds for minority students interested in pursuing careers in banking and finance on Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead (Atlanta, Georgia). In addition to raising funds, the Foundation will honor the presidents of six historically Black colleges in Alabama and Georgia. Participating schools include: Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University,Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Tuskegee University and Alabama State University.
NBA member banks in Alabama and Georgia will serve as the host committee. Serving on this committee are the following banks: Carver State Bank (Savannah), Capitol City Bank and Trust (Atlanta), Citizens Trust Bank (Atlanta), State Bank of Georgia (Fayetteville), and First Tuskegee Bank (Montgomery, Alabama). According to Victor E. Cook, Executive Director of the NBA Foundation: "One of the major goals of the Foundation is to increase the number of minorities who will pursue careers in banking and finance. This fundraiser can provide seed money at each of the participating institutions of higher learning to bring more attention to the banking profession as a desirable career choice for minority students." U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and Congressman John Lewis are serving as honorary co-chairs for the event. Each has offered a statement of support for the fundraiser: "I am proud to give my support to this very worthwhile project. Our nation is further enriched when we create opportunities for minority students to pursue careers in banking and finance." "When Martin Luther King Jr. died, he was struggling for the cause of economic justice. By encouraging young people to become literate, even skillful directors of economic opportunity, the NBAF is making a powerful contribution to that cause." At present, major corporate sponsors are VISA, Fifth Third Bank, SunTrust Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Georgia Pacific and Cash America. Others are expected to contribute. The evening's events will commence with a VIP Reception from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The banquet will follow immediately at 7:00 p.m. Mistress of Ceremonies will be news personality Monica Pearson ofAtlanta's Channel 2 WSB-TV. The NBAF was incorporated in 2001. The National Bankers Association, founded in 1927, is a consortium of Hispanic-American, African-American, Asian-American, Indian-American and women-owned banks. Touting itself as the "Voice for minority banking", the NBA advocates on behalf of its members who serve some of America's most economically distressed communities.
-- U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson
-- U.S. Congressman John Lewis
