AN INSPIRING LEGACY
Young artists honored by Dr. Frank Boston Legacy Foundation
LANSDALE >> The Boston Legacy Foundation acknowledging the story of Dr. Frank Boston as inspiring the next generation of leaders this week honored three young African American women for their achievements. The three were recognized and received citations from Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick at a fundraiser to support the Dr. Frank Boston documentary film project.
The event was held at the HealthSpark offices on Broad Street, which is officially dedicated in honor of Dr. Boston, as Dr. Boston was the founder of Elm Terrace Hospital, which was later renamed Lansdale Hospital. The sale of Lansdale Hospital then funded the endowment for HealthSpark Foundation.
Therefore, holding the event at this location was fitting, added Vernessa Hopkins, who helped serve as emcee for the event.
George Whitehair, executive director of the Boston Legacy Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the financial support that has been pledged to help their effort.
When the project was first initiated over three years ago, they had no idea how far they would go to bring Dr. Boston’s story and his legacy back to life, Whitehair said. To consolidate all their achievements, the documentary film will help give Dr. Boston a permanent and well-deserved place in history.
Some of the key financial supporters include Syed Afzal, the Afzal Family Foundation, Jefferson Health, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Benefit and Diversity Committee. Furthermore, the event was catered by Chip Chipper and AAA Catering.
The honorees included young artist Mikey Houser, who created the illustrations for a new booklet titled “Doc Boston Adventure — Fort Des Moines.”
Mikey is only nine years old, and her success represents the opportunities made possible by trailblazers like Dr. Boston.
Another honoree was Taylore Hopkins, who just earned her master’s degree and is helping to develop the “Doc Boston Adventure — Nepal” comic, which will launch on Mt. Everest later this year. Taylore is a gifted young woman who also developed a new video game, which she shared with the enthusiastic audience.
Although she was not present, Oulimata Sow was equally acknowledged during the event. Oulimata is a board member in the Boston Legacy Foundation, currently in her second year at Drake Law School, and was competing in the Moot Court Competition in New York at the time.
Last summer, she interned for Congressman Fitzpatrick in Washington D.C. and this summer she has received offers to intern in Harrisburg and for the Iowa Legislature.
After completing the documentary film, we will host a community reception to celebrate this project, which is for everyone,
stated Dr. Francis Jeyaraj, a board member of the Boston Legacy Foundation.
For more information on the Boston Legacy Foundation, visit www.bostonlegacyfoundation.org, search for “Dr. Frank E. Boston” on Facebook or email FEBlegacy@gmail.com.
— Submitted by George Whitehair and Dr. Francis Jeyaraj, Boston Legacy Foundation