Inaugural Earl T. Shinhoster Youth Leadership Institute Kicks off this Summer

He was a Savannah native and national civil rights leader. Although it's been ten years since his death, the legacy of Earl T. Shinhoster lives on.

This summer, Shinhoster's spirit of conviction will be rekindled as The Shinhoster Group, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, and the Savannah Branch of the NAACP host the inaugural Earl T. Shinhoster Youth Leadership Institute.

As a teen, Mr. Shinhoster gained valuable leadership skills while volunteering with the youth council of the Savannah Branch of the National Association for Colored People. He remained with the NAACP throughout his life and served for 17 years as Southeast Regional Director. Shinhoster later rose to acting executive director and chief executive officer. His work within and outside of the organization also took him abroad. He monitored historic elections in South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. He also worked to build bridges between the people of Decatur, GA and Burkina Faso in West Africa through his leadership of the Sister Cities Association of Greater Decatur.

The Institute seeks to build leadership skills within today's youth and foster in them a desire for active, positive participation in their schools, religious institutions and communities. Its goals are to inspire new leaders to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond.

"Earl worked hard to make a difference in the world," says his sister, Margaret Shinhoster Carthon. "He lived what he believed and encouraged others, especially young people, to do the same."

The Institute is open to young people ages 12 - 14 or grades 6 - 9, regardless of race, sex, religion or social status. Teens will enjoy six full days of interactive, fun learning activities while practicing skills in effective communication, decision-making, goal setting, team building, economic empowerment and civic responsibility. They will discover the rich history in the civil rights museum, take a black history tour and explore the Dorchester Academy Museum in Riceboro, GA, where Dr. Martin Luther King and his colleagues planned important civil rights campaigns.

Dr. Billy Jamerson, chairman of the Museum Board of Directors says,"Young folk have always been important for our community and Earl, educated in local public schools, is an example of how properly prepared youth can impact Savannah and the world."

A small number of scholarships are available for youth unable to afford the $100.00 registration. Applications are available at the museum and must be returned by July 1, 2010.

For more information, contact Richard Shinhoster at 912 308-3812 or Wilmotine Brisbane Ellis at 912 236-1457.