91ÖÆƬ

The College of Central Florida will host a conference for black males in grades seven through 11 and their families, Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6-8 p.m., in the Ewers Century Center, 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala. The event is free.

Participants will hear success stories from black men from outside our community who have ties to Ocala, learn about opportunities for higher education as well as resources to help them in their growth toward college. Dinner and refreshments will be provided.

Conference speaker and Forest High School alumnus Anthony D. Thomas, managing partner of Thomas Thomas Law LLC in Tallahassee, will share his personal journey from growing up in Ocala to becoming a corporate lawyer. Thomas wants to help black male students and their parents create a vision for success and make their dreams a reality. Group facilitators are attorney Michael Mills of Graham and Mills, Attorneys At Law in Orlando, and Major Earl Filmore Jr., 91ÖÆƬ and Lake Weir High School alumnus and director of Military Services and Affairs for Bethune-Cookman University. They will promote higher education, career exploration and self-development.

The conference is funded by a 91ÖÆƬ Foundation New Initiative Grant.

Seating is limited. To RSVP visit 91ÖÆƬ.edu/DaretoDream, or for more information contact Dr. Lisa Smith at 352-873-5800, ext. 1243.