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The African-American Leadership Institute (AALI) is tremendously grateful to all of you for your continued support! We have experienced an awesome year-both with programming and special events. For those of you who have been a part of this year-long experience, you know what challenges we faced in accomplishing our mission, and for those of you who have been away-COME HOME! These are the times when leadership in our community is so imperative. I could share what you already know about the state of the African-American community, but you hear it constantly in the news, in community gatherings, and in our most personal conversations with one another. What I can say is now is the time for those of us who truly have matured to that glorious place of altruism, begin to speak out and to MAKE CHANGE THAT EMPOWERS OUR COMMUNITY. Most of you know that this institute is rich with the heart and soul of devoted board members, staff, alumni, volunteers, friends of the Institute, and sponsors who consistently stand up to face the challenges in the African-American community. Some of you have walked into my office and just quietly placed a check on my desk without asking for anything in return, not even the receipt! You don't necessarily want that special recognition of your giving, but YOU know that YOU have a special place in the fabric of our "Ceremonial Cloth." Our direction for 2005 includes updating our business and strategic plans for 2005 through 2010. Five years of growth that we envision will take us to a more secure place in our economic pursuit of stability. After 15 years of constant growth, amidst trials and tribulations, we have come to that place of reconciling our past performance with our future mission, which includes goals and objectives that relate directly to desired outcomes for all of our programs. We continue to anchor our adult leadership class to issues that directly impact our community, and to provide quality leadership development to those who have a vested interest in the productive growth of our community. We have focused on five key areas of concern: Education, Civil and Human Rights, Politics, Economic Opportunity and Social Organizations. Through these key areas we aim to address the significance of Black leadership. We strongly understand and accept our responsibility to the youth of our communities, who are in need of our support. This support is a daily need that should come from community organizations that include businesses, churches, schools, and most certainly those individuals who are willing to become role models. These are individuals who constantly give of themselves and reach out to help others. What a challenge that is! If you have been there you know that often the help may go unappreciated; but what the HELL! This was never meant to be an easy task! I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible throughout 2005! You know how much I enjoy sitting and talking with you! Humor me and give me a surprise! Those of you, who are living out of town, please come in when you are in town visiting family and friends! We want to keep connected with one another, this helps us to strengthen our NETWORK! Recommend someone for the AALI Class of 2005!!!! Well, let me save something for the next message! Be well, be grateful, be safe and may your holiday season be filled with the Nguzo Saba. These seven principles; Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith)., bring all of us in line with our spirituality, creativity and purpose! PLEASE REMEMBER TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE (http://www.aali-rockymtn.org/) to keep up with what's next at AALI, pay close attention to that little SAIL SHIP! Faithfully, Linda! |
Linda J. Williams