|
"We are committed to meeting you where you are, helping you to get your GED and prepping you for the historically black college or university of your choice," Joyner wrote in the letter. Joyner has supported historically black colleges and students who attend them through the Tom Joyner Foundation. According to its website, the foundation has raised $65 million to support more than 29,000 students attending historically black colleges and universities, many of which have their roots in 19th century efforts to educate newly freed slaves. Joyner wrote that he'd only ask in return that Jeantel try to make a difference in someone's life. "Time and time again, we watch our young people get written off, tossed aside or put at the end of the line because no one wants to give them a chance," he said. Joyner has provided full scholarships in the past to others, including Genarlow Wilson, who at age 17 was sentenced to 10 years in prison for engaging in sex acts with a 15-year-old girl. Wilson's conviction was ultimately overturned by the Georgia Supreme Court, and he graduated from Morehouse College in May with a degree in sociology. ___ Online: Tom Joyner's letter: The Tom Joyner Foundation:
http://blackamericaweb.com/147347/
an-open-letter-to-rachel-jeantel/
http://tomjoynerfoundation.org/
[Associated
Press;
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.