in

5000 Role Models of Excellence Hosts Annual MLK Day Scholarship Breakfast in Miami

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Monday.

A group of 50 young men, dressed for success in black suits and red ties, were recognized for their hard work and dedication.

In front of a crowd of over 3,000, tomorrow’s leaders were granted scholarships that would have a significant impact on their future.

“5,000 Role Models, it’s basically about brotherhood, it’s helped me get through challenges,” recipient Erick Contreras said. “In college, I want to study education.”

Many of these young men are grateful for the opportunity to go to college, while others are taking the life lessons learned to fight for our country.

“I’m actually going to the Marines, so as far as using (the scholarship) now, I’m going to use it in the future,” recipient Jawuan Summers said.

U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Florida, founded the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence program.

“We lift them up, we love them and hug them and then we send them to college,” Wilson said.

“Growing up without a father, it was a big help in my life, especially helping my mom and everything like that,” Summers said.

Wilson’s goal is to provide mentorship to kids in underserved communities, allowing a path to manhood and keeping these bright minds out of the prison system.

“I have a dream that if every boy in this nation was a part of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence project, oh what a difference it would make in the lives of our children and our community. We wouldn’t have lust for drugs; we wouldn’t have lust for guns; there would be no school shootings.”

A product of this wonderful role model program is Miami-Dade Judge Daryl Trawick.

“I have grown myself as part of this program,” he said.

He says he wants to see this class of 2024 role models do great things and inspire the next generation of leaders.

“It’s always inspiring seeing these young men and all they accomplish while they are in the program with our mentorship,” Trawick said.

This initiative has grown in Florida and is now expanding across the country, including the Bahamas, with the goal of repairing young children rather than damaged men.

D3 All-American Renee Liu Awarded Schwarzman Scholarship

U.S.: Scholarships for College Graduates Working Toward a Teaching Credential