New President of Citizens Alliance for Progress, says that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would smile today knowing that his dream was being actualized in our youths.
"CAP is refocusing its priories to getting back 
to the people, its true owners and stake holders."

Crispin R. Cole Sr. President, Citizens Alliance for Progress
Addressing attendees at 13th Annual Benefit Banquet at
Westin Innisbrook Golf Resort, Sunday February 25, 2007		 A Word from the President.

Your gracing this occasion with your presence is a remarkable tribute to the faith you have in the aims and objectives of Citizens Alliance for Progress. A healthy community is one that is sensitive to the needs of its children, youths and the elderly. 

CAP is refocusing its priories to getting back to the people, its true owners and stake holders. We are designing our programs according to what the people express as their needs and not what we conjecture are the needs of the people. Our partners are all the agencies and institutions of influence in the community and beyond. 

We are here to honor the legacy of a great American, Dr. Martin Luther-King Jr., the pioneer of black empowerment. Today he will smile in the after life to know that we are not here to commemorate a memorial, we are not here to dream big dreams. But rather report on how his dream is being actualized in our youths. This occasion is a rallying point for us to believe in ourselves, to see the possibilities and take advantage of the opportunities of our time. 

It goes without saying that in purchasing a ticket, or sponsoring an advert, you did much more than buy a meal. Your sponsorship is in support of the noble programs we shall implement on your behalf.  I want to use this opportunity to invite you to be a stakeholder in this great organization as a member, a committee member, and volunteer. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff, I want to thank you so very much for coming. "Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."  (Henry Ford).

By Crispin R. Cole, Sr. 
President CAP

 
The Impact on America of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. By Davis Mullins 5th Grade of Sutherland Elementary School. One of the Oratorical Finalist Presenting at the banquet
 

The Impact on America of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. By Davis Mullins 5th Grade of Sutherland Elementary School. One of the Oratorical Finalist Presenting at the banquet		 "I have never been a victim of discrimination. But I am an American, and Martin Luther King has had an impact on my life. I am living proof that Dr. King had a big impact on America. I live in a country where the Secretary of State is an African American  woman. I go to school where the Assistant Principal is an African American. My favorite restuarant is owned by people from Thailand. Some of my favorite books were written by Hispanic authors. An African American surgeon operated on me. Because of Dr. King, my friends aren't just white, but they are also African American, Hispanic, Korean, Chinese, and Middle Eastern.

I think this is what Dr. King hoped for what he said in his famous speech...[I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.. We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal....I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.]"
Cross Section of about 300 community members and leaders attending banquet

Platinum Sponsors receiving their appreciation plaque		 Beverley Billiris, Mayor City of Tarpon Springs, flanked R-L by Isiah Montgomery CAP Board Member,David Archie, CAP Executive Director, Crispin Cole, Sr., CAP President, Eustice Cummings-John, CAP Treasurer

Reverend Milton Smith, Senior Pastor of Mount Hermon
Missionary Baptist Church and friends.

Citizens Alliance for Progress, Inc. (CAP)  is a non-profit, community based, multiracial, civic organization. CAP was founded in 1982, by a group of concerned African American citizens living in the heart of Tarpon Springs, Florida. CAP was organized for the sole purpose of acquiring and restoring the previously abandoned Union Academy Elementary School, where many of the residents within the community started their formal education. Union Academy was not only a center for education, but was also the focal point of activity, social events and community pride.
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     In 1986, CAP, along with help from Community Development of Pinellas County and support from the City of Tarpon Springs, was able to restore the once abandoned Union Academy School.  Renovations to the school were completed in 1987 and it was reopened as the Union Academy Cultural Center. As of this year, the center is now known as the Union Academy Family Center. In addition, CAP was able to hire staff and develop programs, services and events for the community by successfully applying for and receiving grants from the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County and local foundations.
The banquet planning committee acknowledged 
for a job well done.

Click on link for slide show of event