North Tulsa Economic  Development Initiative

 

PRESS RELEASE

North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi)

2019 Annual Book Scholarship Awards Celebration May 16, 2019

Tulsa, OK, May 16, 2019 – The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) invites you to support and participate in our 7th Annual Book Scholarship Awards Celebration on May 16, 2019 from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The theme for the celebration is, “Pursue Knowledge: Achieve Your Dreams!” The Book Scholarship Awards Celebration will be held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 East First Street-Upper Level, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The purpose of this celebration is to provide additional resources to students with promising college futures, so that through their pursuit of knowledge they can achieve their dreams of success.

“By supporting the education of students, we are able to contribute to their future success and help them to achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Lana Turner-Addison, NTEDi President. “Our goal is to relieve some of the financial burden experienced by many students by providing supplemental funds toward the cost of books and supplies. It is my hope we can alleviate that worry so they can focus on the work at hand, which is realizing their dream and completing college.”

Kojo Asamoa-Caesar will serve as the Keynote Speaker for the celebration. Kojo currently serves as the interim executive director for 36 Degrees North, a co-working space that serves as Tulsa’s basecamp for entrepreneurs, serving over 360 members representing over 180 small businesses and startups.

Kojo most recently served as principal of Greenwood Leadership Academy, an elementary school he founded as part of a partnership between Met Cares Foundation and Tulsa Public Schools. He recruited, hired and managed a staff of 25 to operate a school serving over 250 students. Under his leadership, pre-k enrollment increased threefold and student growth in math significantly exceeded the average in demographically similar schools. The school also recorded an attendance rate that was among the highest districtwide in kindergarten and first grade.

Kojo is passionate about building communities where everyone can achieve their highest potential. He received his bachelor's degree in Communications from Old Dominion University. While there, he served as student body president and also co-founded and served as president of To Respect Unite Support & Teach (T.R.U.S.T.), a non-profit organization committed to encouraging youth volunteerism. Under his leadership, the organization expanded to over 700 student members and now serves multiple communities in Virginia and Georgia.

Kojo believes that we're all born with boundless potential, but that it must be cultivated in a community conducive to growth, and he wakes up and works hard every day to build such a community.

Sponsors of this year 7th Annual NTEDi Book Scholarship Awards Celebration are Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, George Kaiser Family Foundation, Alfresco Group LLC, Sodexo, Lobeck Taylor Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Preston Phillips, Rita and Sam Combs, American Heritage Bank and Meals on Wheels.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.ntedi.net or call 918-534-6884. We look forward to your support in making our Annual Book Scholarship Awards Celebration a smashing success!

 

Caroline Bennett

Thursday, May 17, 2018: The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) nonprofit organization invites you to support and participate in our 6th Annual Book Scholarship Awards Celebration on May 17, 2018 from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. The theme for the celebration is “Tomorrows Leaders, Excelling Today!”.

The Book Scholarship Awards Celebration will be held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame; 111 East First Street-Upper Level, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The NTEDi Book Scholarship Awards celebration supports the continued education of deserving Tulsa students. Caroline Bennett, a dynamic Speaker, inspired by her realities and dreams, her passion, purpose, and hustle in life illuminates the lived experience of Black girls and their truths. She uses spoken word, story-telling and song as tools of liberation and resistance to join with Black girls who have been silenced by their past and/or paralyzed by their fears. Caroline believes “Black girls have a right and a reason to survive, 'come alive', and thrive in educational spaces, ‘da streets’ and other institutional spaces that try to “steal, kill and destroy” our identities.” -Caroline Bennett

On a full-ride scholarship at The Ohio State University, Bennett recently graduated with Master’s degree in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality studies. Attending and graduating from two Predominately White Institutions (PWI’s), her position as a Black woman has afforded her a unique “outside-within” status. She was committed to transforming the academy and classrooms from the inside out and privileging the knowledge she possesses to write, sing, speak and live as access- bridging a gap for the communities she writes with, for and to.

Born and raised on the north Side of Tulsa, Oklahoma she is a proud product of the hood. Bennett is notorious for saying, “The ‘Streets’ #RaisedMe, The University of Oklahoma #GroomedMe and The Ohio State University #BloomedMe” in efforts to acknowledge how although her formal schooling has taken place in institutional settings she’d be remised if she didn’t pay homage to where she passed her “first tests”- in ‘da streets.’ Caroline challenges society’s construction and hierarchizing of knowledge and the forms it takes.

The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) 8th Annual NTEDi Education Gathering, was held November 1, 2016. The very informative discussion held related to ensuring all students receive a quality education and are well prepared to live a fulfilled life beyond high school.

 

This year’s educational theme was “The Time is Now! Parent Engagement, Student Accountability & the Future”. The event focused on engaging parents for student success”. Mr. Eddie Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Circle ET Ranch LLC and McLain Alumni served as the keynote speaker and shared the importance of "Pushing Students to Success."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lana Turner-Addison

11/3/2015

Tulsa, OK – The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) non-profit organization will be holding their seventh annual NTEDi Education Forum “on November 3, 2015 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tulsa Community College – Northeast Campus, 3757 North Harvard. NTEDi serves as a pathway to revitalization and business development efforts for current and future residents of Tulsa. The mission of NTEDi is focused on “Rebuilding North Tulsa One Project at a Time.”

This year’s educational Forum is about preparing students for the STEMathon and being equipped and succeeding at addressing the challenges that we are faced with in our global society. The Keynote speaker will be Thelma Latimer-Davis who is a Manager Environmental Engineer; she shared that “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) education begins at birth and its fun. We begin life exploring light, sound, and gravity. As children, we quickly graduate from exploration to creativity and invention. The key is to create a continuum of learning experience and an atmosphere for invention that becomes a natural part of everyday learning. Throughout history vibrant societies have been identified by their knowledge of invention. In contrast, collapsing societies have lacked knowledge. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical knowledge belongs to us; so let’s grasp it, enjoy it and receive pay for it!” Ms. Latimer- Davis is a Tulsa native and graduate of Booker T. Washington High School.

Community Representative serving on the panel consists of Kay Porter, Shea Ferrell, and Derrick Gates. Special guests will be Dr. Deborah Gist, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent, Xan Black Program Director Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance and Gregory Cook, Graduate Student of Oklahoma State University – Center for Health Sciences. Also, in attendance will be families, educators and educational advocates from around the city and state of Oklahoma.

Dr. Pauline Harris, the NTEDi Education Chairperson, stated that the “STEM challenge will open employment opportunities for minorities and women which will continue to deliver technological advances that impact us today and in the future. This year's NTEDi' 7th Annual Education Forum will provide participants information about today’s STEM opportunities for our K-12 students and their parents.

Fifty-four years ago, (May 25, 1961), President John F. Kennedy presented NASA and the nation with a historic challenge: "... I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish. To put a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth before the end of the 1960's.”

The Education Forum is Free and open to the public, dinner will be served at no cost. For more information about NTEDi or the Education Forum, call 918-534-6884 or visit the website at www.ntedi.net.

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PRESS RELEASE

NTEDi Book Scholarship Awards Celebration on May 15, 2015

"Attitude + Knowledge = Excellence.”

TULSA, Okla. -- The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) nonprofit organization invites you to support and participate in our 3rd Annual Book Scholarship Awards Celebration on May 15, 2015 from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This celebration is focused on the continued education of senior high school students who have promising college futures, but may lack the additional resources necessary to obtain books or supplies required to support their college educational goals. The theme of the celebration is “Attitude + Knowledge = Excellence.” The Book Scholarship Awards Celebration will be held at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 111 East First Street (Upper Level), Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The NTEDi Book Scholarship Awards celebration supports the continued education of deserving Tulsa students. A dynamic keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen Wiley, will be on hand and will provide an inspirational message. Dr. Wiley, a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, is an anointed teacher of God's Word. Dr. Wiley is well known as an international youth evangelist and motivational speaker. He has been instrumental in developing and establishing many recognized church youth group ministries around the country. During his evangelism travels, he is credited with pioneering Gospel Rap and is known as the "Godfather of Gospel Rap." Dr. Wiley is presently Founder and Pastor of Praise Center Family Church in Muskogee and Tulsa, Oklahoma, "One Church in Two Locations." Dr. Wiley is known for keeping the Word practical and simple to understand. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and Friends International Institute in Anaheim, California, with a Master's degree in Biblical Counseling and a Doctorate in Ministry. Dr. Wiley is currently Assistant Vice President of the Center for Christian Ministry and a professor of religion at Bacone College in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He is recognized as the first artist to have recorded a full-length Christian rap album. Wiley was born and raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma, attending college at the University of Oklahoma. He began a career as a jazz drummer in 1979 and wrote a song called "Basketball." This tune would later go on to be recorded by mainstream rapper Kurtis Blow. By 1982, Wiley was performing rap music with Christian lyrics at a time when Run DMC's breakthrough to the mainstream was still a year away. In 1984, Wiley took a job as chaplain at a juvenile detention center. Wiley released his first Christian rap album, Bible Break, in 1985 and saw its title track reach the No. 14 spot in 1986 on Christian radio. Dr. Wiley is married to Pamela Wiley and together they have ministered for over 28 years. They have two children, Stefani Renee and Andre' Jackson.

Dr. Lana Turner-Addison, President of NTEDi, shared that “We are striving to do more to support students through multiple avenues. By providing additional supplemental funds toward the cost of books and supplies, we are able to help relieve some of the burden of college expenses for some students. For many students, a book scholarship is an excellent way to aid them while earning a college education.”

According to OKCollegestart.org, in 2014-2015 the Oklahoma average annual cost of books and supplies at four-year public colleges is $1,151. With your support, we will be able to award scholarships of $500.00 each to go toward the purchase of books and school supplies for the 2014-15 school year. NTEDi's goal is to award a minimum of six (6) Book Scholarships and we feel confident we can achieve our goal with your help. Please plan to join us for a fabulous celebration. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the door or by contacting us at 918-607-3343. Proceeds from this event will support several deserving students residing in the NTEDi boundary area.

For more information visit www.ntedi.net. We look forward to your support in making our 3rd Annual Book Scholarship Awards Celebration a smashing success.

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Contact: Dr. Lana Turner-Addison

NTEDi President

Phone: 918-607-3343

Email: lturner_ntedi@aol.com

P.O. Box 6201

Tulsa, OK 74148

NORTH TULSA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (NTEDi

Bring your family, the event is free and open to the public, dinner will be served.

North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) theme for the 6th Annual Education Event is, “Parents We're all in this Together - Make Education Work”. The objectives of the NTEDi Annual Education Event are centered on providing attendees with information related to the 1) Reading Sufficiency Act (RSA), 2) Importance of Family and Community support, and 3) Addressing the Needs of Students and Schools in North Tulsa and the City of Tulsa.

We would be delighted if you would support and participate in our 6th Annual NTEDi Education Event, November 4, 2014 from 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm at Tulsa Community College – North East Campus, 3727 E Apache.

NTEDi is a non-profit organization recognized in the State of Oklahoma; an organization desiring to expand its influence in support of the low income under-served North Tulsa Community.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Pauline Harris, 918-607-3343

10/22/2014

Tulsa, OK – The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative (NTEDi) is getting ready for the Sixth Annual NTEDi Education Retreat, “The Education Retreat” will be held on November 4, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tulsa Community College – Northeast Campus, 3727 E Apache. The “Education Gathering” will feature Tulsa graduate of Central High School, Berthaddeus Bailey a current student at University of Oklahoma.

The theme for 2014: “Parents We're All in this Together, “Make Education Work!” The objectives of the NTEDi Annual Education Retreat is to equip attendees with information related to the Reading Sufficiency Act (RSA), importance of family and community support, and we will address the needs of students and schools in north Tulsa.

“The Educational Retreat is a great opportunity for our community to come together and learn how we can actively participate and contribute to the educational future of our children,” said Dr. John Gibson, a member of the NTEDi Education committee. “We know education enhances the quality of life and builds a prosperous community, and it is our responsibility as parents and community members to invest our time and resources in the future of our city and surrounding communities by ensuring access to a quality education for our children.

Two students along with two adults will serve as panel members. Speakers who will provide remarks are Dr. Keith Ballard, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent and Dr. Lana Turner-Addison, NTEDi President and TPS School Board member; there will be several educators and education advocates from around the city and state of Oklahoma who will provide useful information about education and the ‘Reading Sufficiency Act.’

NTEDi members understand that education is the number one key element that has significant impact to building strong communities. We know that the lives of the citizens residing in the North Tulsa Community can be better. Dr. Lana Turner-Addison, President for NTEDi stated that “this event is held annually to bring useful and relevant information that will help propel the community of North Tulsa to get more involved in the public school system and lives of children. Our objectives are focused on equipping families with educational tools they can use. Providing them with pertinent information that will ignite their desire, to do what they can to stimulate, improved educational outcomes for students.”

The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative works collectively to improve Education, Retail/Business Development, Housing/Homeownership, Workforce Development and improving the image of north Tulsa. The NTEDi organization serves as a pathway to revitalization and business development efforts for current and future residents of Tulsa. The Education Retreat is Free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to participate. Dinner will be provided by Sodexo.

If you would like additional information please call Dr. Pauline Harris, NTEDI Education Chair, 918-746-6517or Mark LeHouiller, Executive Assistant, NEC Provost 918-595-7524or visit the website at www.ntedi.net.

“Rebuilding North Tulsa One Project at a Time”

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