Due to these ideas and efforts, millennials like Dr. Lee are being recognized by their peers, as well as people and organizations that encourage social progression. Dr. Lee has been honored by the state of South Carolina, for his contributions. The Orangeburg Chapter of Links awarded him for outstanding service performed by the youth for the community, and he has received the Key to the City of Columbia. This year’s MALSF gala is organized to surpass previous donations and make larger scholarship awards, but in order for that to happen Dr. Lee and his team are counting on the support from other movers & shakers and people with a philanthropic heart to contribute to the fund. Financial woes can deter students from post-secondary education, and the funds raised from the MALSF gala will be used to alleviate this problem.
Making tidal waves in society isn’t easy, considering the fast-paced world we live in where it’s easy to be distracted and discouraged. Somehow millennials like Dr. Lee are determined to build their legacies and create opportunities for others to let their “lights” shine. In the end, their dreams and goals are about navigating though bumpy paths in order to maintain long-term effects for the world in which we live. Dr. Lee sees the goal and pushes himself and others to think about the social impact they can make, “I want to encourage people to propel themselves to higher dimensions in spite of the number of obstacles that life often presents. That’s what this 10-year celebration is about. Moving the vision forward.â€
The MALSF will be hosting its annual gala to raise money and form partnerships that spread the availability, and opportunity, the scholarship fund provides. The gala will be hosted by actor Leon (Cool Runnings, The Five Heartbeats, and Waiting to Exhale among others), who will lead the mission to increase donations and sponsorship, as well as present the thriving millennials who have benefited from the scholarship fund. Celebrity choreographer/actor Darrin Henson (Soul Food, Stomp the Yard, The Hustle among others) is the national spokesperson for the organization. These two contributors, along with Dr. Lee’s board of directors, cement his beliefs that when the arts, humanitarianism and education collide, society sees a greater impact for its people and the quality of work they contribute, “The arts impact education because it is an integral part of the development of each human being. This often re-ignites the love and passion for learning in people who may be tired of just learning facts.â€
Celebrities and humanitarians who support the MALSF mission and will be attending the gala that weekend include actresses Brély Evans (Born Again Virgin), AJ Johnson (Baby Boy) and techpreneur Everette Taylor along with a host of others. The kick-off events for the celebration will begin on July 30, 2015 with the actual gala being held on August 1, 2015 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. You can learn more about the festivities and purchase your tickets at www.maleescholarship.org.