Thank you Letter from Ron Walker

Dear COSEBOC friends and supporters,

I am writing this letter with sincere thanks and appreciation. On October 21st and October 28th, I experienced the thrill of a lifetime attending the Gratitude Salutes hosted in Philadelphia and Boston. Both were amazing events that filled me with love and joy.

The love came from meeting and greeting so many friends, colleagues, and allies who have encouraged and supported me over the decades. The joy came from the many touching moments that were featured in shared remarks, video tributes, and in seeing and hearing the voices and performances of the Lincoln University choir, The Clef Club Youth Ensemble, the OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center Dancers, and the Justin Perry Steel Drum Trio. Thanks also go to the moderators in each city, David Miller and Chris Chatmon. I send a very special and heartfelt thanks for the remarks made by the guest speakers, Sharif El- Mekki and Jackie Jenkins- Scott. 

I want to thank each sponsor for their monetary contribution and to thank every person who purchased a ticket. Please know that I am deeply appreciative. I also send a huge bouquet of thanks to every member of the staff and the Gratitude Planning Committee, chaired by COSEBOC Board Member Vaughn Thomas. Your efforts to plan and coordinate the Philadelphia and Boston salutes required significant time and energy. Thank you very much. I send special thanks to the COSEBOC Board of Directors, and especially our Chair, Dr. Olga Acosta Price, for her steadfast leadership.  

Finally, I want to thank every person who has followed and supported COSEBOC since its inception. You have been the wind that propelled the organization’s mission in service of the affirmative social, emotional, cultural, and academic development of boys and young men of color. I will never forget your loyalty to this mission and to the ultimate vision that boys and young men of color can and will soar to success in school, career, and in life. Last but never least, I want to send love and hugs of appreciation to my family. I could never have made it this far without their support and patience. Love you family.

Ron Walker

Enjoy a few select photos!