As an educator and a product of the educational system within Silicon Valley, I feel that the need for this program is extremely necessary for the ongoing enrichment of the lives of African American students in the areas of preserving the knowledge of history and culture through the advancement of technology. The self-esteem of our youth is directly related to the self-values and that they have in the rich knowledge of this history and extending to their modern roles and mentors. It is so important that the youth of today can see evidence of who they can be and have the technological foundation and skills to compete in society to accomplish those goals.
PRIDE Museum has my full support as they seek a non-profit status and external funding. The implementation of this program is imperative to the youth of Silicon Valley. They are our future innovators. They are our future leaders. Any program that can provide the tools needed to succeed and lead in through the use of computers and internet is insurmountable for our leaders of tomorrow. The exposure that it will give in technology in an area that boasts to be the technological capital of the world can not only benefit youth but the community as a whole.
Sincerely,
Tanika A. Mason
Education Specialist, BA, MA
Youth participating in PRIDE Museum gain the advantage of exposure to a variety of applications used for studying and developing technology and science. PRIDE Museum executes their programs using all available resources to implement prearranged tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities at public/private venues and volunteer face time with industry professionals. The youth organization is energetic and inquisitive, constantly on the move in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area, traveling in a cohesive and well-disciplined group.
As a supporter of PRIDE Museum and a member of the US Air Force Reserve, I am particularly pleased to inform youth and parents that the United States Armed Forces is a viable option for a secure technology career and future. For many years, the military has been a primary route for technical training for African Americans and continues to produce one of the largest bodies of technically trained workers.
When youth are dedicated to the purpose of exploring innovation through the careful program designs of PRIDE Museum, the odds increase for their future success. The strengths they develop in organizational camaraderie and technical and scientific knowledge provide them with additional life skills to become valuable assets to their families, community, and society.
Sincerely,
Anthony L. Winbush
Law Office Superintendent
Office of the Judge Advocate General, Travis AFB
I am the parent of a tech-savvy teen who is familiar with every electronic apparatus in our household. And like most teens, he understands the fundamental capabilities of his personal cell phone, gaming devices, laptop, etc. I am excited that PRIDE Museum has developed programs for youth that will lift the covers from those mechanisms and reveal the technology used to develop them. PRIDE members will hear industry leaders discuss emerging technologies before they reach the marketplace, tour technical and scientific facilities, visit museums and Fortune 500 companies. PRIDE Museum will inspire my teen to develop a technical imagination and expose him to the wonders of Silicon Valley.
I fully support the efforts of PRIDE Museum as they seek a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status and external funding to implement a program designed to provide exposure to the learning tools of technology for students from elementary through high school.
In conclusion, I believe strongly in any and all programs that promote and ultimately advance their thirst for knowledge in computer technology. I worked all my professional life in business applications and information technology. Technology is the lifeblood of every company and we need our young people to embrace it to further advance this country’s competitive position in the world economy. I’m 200% behind PRIDE Museum and the indelible mark it will make in the community for decades to come.
Sincerely,
David B. Jones
IT Director – Business Applications
The Clorox Company
The PRIDE Museum will function as a nonprofit organization in which its mission is to Preserve, Research, Involve, Develop, and Enrich the works of African American technology innovators through exhibits and programs for youth in the Silicon Valley community. This museum is unique in its existence as it has identified and will involve schools, colleges, corporation, and civic organizations in its education initiatives. The PRIDE Museum will not only advance technology education in Silicon Valley, but it has potential to become a hallmark organization serving a public charity need, which can be replicated in other communities throughout the United States.
It is a privilege to support the PRIDE Museum as they apply to receive nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) to assist in funding and development. I fully support the efforts of the PRIDE Museum without reservation.
Sincerely,
Eugene Harris
E7E Museum Development, LLC
I have first-hand knowledge as an educator of the need of this type of historical technology museum. Students lack knowledge about the origin of technology or the impact their own communities have had on the development of the technology they use today. PRIDE Museum, through exposure to historical artifacts and hands-on programming, will impact students in unimaginable ways and even inspire them to further the charge of technological development that our country so needs.
I fully support the efforts of PRIDE Museum as they seek a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status and external funding to implement a program designed to provide exposure to the learning tools of technology for students from elementary through high school.
In closing, I believe that any program that strives to help our students better understand their role in the country’s technological future and introduces new and productive ways of using their computer, internet, and various mediums will benefit the community and our society overall.
Sincerely,
Alicia Jackson
Educator
Culver City Unified School District
Extensive travels abroad and opportunities to interact with corporate executives, educators and students, and discuss their knowledge of contributions to their communities and countries highlighted how ill prepared myself and contemporaries of my generation were to converse about African American contributions and accomplishments while growing up.
A program of this type and magnitude would benefit all. While exposing more to the achievements of African Americans, it would also instill pride and stimulate interest in new concepts and technology.
I fully support the efforts of PRIDE Museum as they seek a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status and external funding to implement a program designed to provide exposure to the learning tools of technology for students from elementary through high school.
In conclusion, I feel any programs that strive to help our students better understand their role in the country’s technological future and introduce new and productive ways of using their computer and internet will benefit the community at large.
Sincerely,
Delbert E. Poole
Ret. MSGT, USAF
Telecommunications & Electronic Cryptographic Equipment Repair Superintendent
I have been involved with the African American Museum here in Antelope Valley, and know, first hand, what a value such a museum has to offer a community. A museum can attract and influence students at all age levels. A museum provides positive input to the individuals in the community. We have had Engineers from Lockheed and Boeing speak to the students as well as the parents in our community. The benefits to the community of the Silicon Valley would be too numerous to mention here.
I am in total support of the goals and objectives of the PRIDE Museum as they seek a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status and funding to implement such an important program. The program will provide an awesome learning experience in expanding educational perspectives on technology, science, history and art for African American Youth and the community in the Silicon Valley. We have recently seen how knowledge of technology has changed the course of a country (Egypt).
Today’s students are familiar with the tools of technology, but it is important that they also understand the history and the implications for the future.
Sincerely,
Marion A. Murray, Ph.D.
Marriage Family and Child Therapist
The PRIDE Museum strives to highlight African Americans in technology and spark interest in youth in this high growth, high paying field. The museum will also provide educational opportunities that will highlight the contributions of diverse cultures to technology.
I fully support the efforts of PRIDE Museum as they seek a nonprofit 501(c)(3) status and external funding to implement a program designed to provide exposure to the learning tools of technology for students from elementary through high school.
Any programs that strive to help our students better understand their role in the country’s technological future and introduce new and productive ways of using their computer and Internet will benefit the community at large.
Sincerely,
Lupe Aguayo
Resource Development
Community Services and Employment
PRIDE Museum is a nonprofit organization committed to expanding educational perspectives on technology and science for African American youth in Silicon Valley. The vision and eventual fruition are clearly the culmination of years of thought, research and expertise on the part of the founder, Pamala Springs, her commitment to the Silicon Valley community and passion for the benefits of and innovation of technology. I too share this vision to advance the technology education for youth. My technical career, professional affiliations, and history of philanthropy have afforded me an opportunity to inspire and mentor youth concerning their future roles as industry experts, community, and world leaders.
PRIDE Museum, with its stimulating youth programs and inspired partnerships with educational, technical and scientific professionals, embodies the formula of a winning outreach organization. Collaboration is one of its core values and fulfilling a commitment to community, volunteerism, and philanthropy will add to the success ratio for youth in the technology-enriched Silicon Valley. These strong attributes have led PRIDE Museum to maintain a much-admired, extensive, network of support.
As a 20-year technology manager, I have noticed that employees who are most successful and passionate about technology are those whose families, extended families or their “village” (their mentors, school teacher, etc.) have helped instill the importance of technology in every part of their lives. The PRIDE Museum is that village and is clearly the epitome and culmination of many years of preparation. It is a foundation for success, and with Pamala, the BOD and Advisors, I know that the PRIDE Museum will be the stalwart and model of technology innovation and will touch and be an enriching part of the lives of millions of young adults.
Sincerely,
Warm Regards,
Jacqueline Anderson
PRIDE Museum | Inspiring a new generation of youth to explore careers in technology and science 