I am very excited for OIC New Britain as we enter 2024. OICNB has been a leader in preparing youth, young adults, and adults for the workforce for the past fifty-two years. As OIC enters our fifty-third year it is our goal to continue the “Legacy of Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan”, Founder of the OIC Movement. It is imperative that every youth, young adult, and adult have an opportunity for economic development and growth so they can take their place in society as self-sufficient individuals who continue to make a positive difference in this country.
I am still awaiting Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech to become a reality in my lifetime by the founding promises of America (freedom, equality, and justice for all) and the nation’s failure to keep those promises. I do believe that the OICs across this country continue to work on the dream that Dr. King alludes to.
As the Executive Director of the New Britain OIC, I believe that Dr. King’s dream will happen. For the past 25 years OIC New Britain has been youth and young adult driven, preparing individuals ages 11 to 24 years old for the future workforce. Instilling values, dreams, accomplishments of others who have impacted America and making sure that Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are at the forefront of their lives. I truly believe that we need more programs like the OICs in this country and in this state.
I want to thank our funders, local, state, and federal legislators, foundations, our community, the parents but most of all our participants and anyone who has benefited from New Britain OIC or any OIC in Connecticut. I continue to recognize the three Founders of the New Britain OIC: Connie Wilson Collins, Emma Pierce and Alton Brooks who still providing advice to me as the third Executive Director. I would be remised if I didn’t give praise and honor to my lifeline which has been “God”. Remember “You are Your Brother’s Keeper”.
