by Bro. Sylvester Robinson
On Sunday, July 28, 2023, the Eta Nu Educational Foundation hosted its annual Benefit Gala and Fundraiser sponsored by Corporate Partner, Global Wealth Management. Held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott, Coral Springs, the black tie affair supports STEM promotion, Gentlemen of Influence/Q’ Unit mentoring programs and scholarship initiatives.
This year’s honoree, retired Circuit Court Judge Ilona Holmes, is the recipient of the James L. Jones Lifetime Achievement Award, presented in honor of Eta Nu founder, philanthropist, Broward educator and former principal of Blanche Ely High School, Mr. James L. Jones.
Introduced by Eta Nu Basileus and Assistant U. S. Attorney Bruce Terry Brown, Judge Holmes’ selection recognized her impeccable, accomplished career as an attorney, proponent of equal justice and opportunity for all under the law, law professor, administrator and jurist. Event MC and Eta Nu Foundation Chairman Brother Harry Harrell welcomed all in attendance, including Mr. John Thomas, Global Wealth Management CIO; South Plantation High graduate and South Florida University enrollee Jahshai Reid, whose candid, impassioned remarks as a beneficiary of Eta Nu’s GOI mentoring program, acknowledging particularly the advice, encouragement and support of Brothers Rodney Hankins and Broderick Henry, left the audience spellbound; Delta Sigma Theta sisters who came in support of Judge Holmes; and the wives, sweethearts and loyal Eta Nu brothers in attendance…