Earl T. Shinhoster The Earl T. Shinhoster Youth Leadership Institute will be held July 26 -31, 2010 at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, 460 Martin Luther King Boulevard.

The Institute seeks to build leadership skills within youth and to 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.

The Institute is looking for youth between the ages of 12 to 14 and those in 6th to 9th grades who want to discover and sharpen their leadership abilities. It's open to all youth without regard to race, sex, religion or social status. 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.

Youth 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.

Earl T. Shinhoster was a Savannah native and national civil rights leader, who believed we all have a role to play in advancing the human race. Mr. Shinhoster died 10 years ago on June 11, 2000 in a car accident.

“Earl worked hard to make a difference in the world. He lived what he believed and encouraged others, especially young people, to do the same,” said his sister, Margaret Shinhoster Carthon. “This Institute will carry on his vision for helping young people become full participants in their own future and ours. ”

Dr. Billy Jamerson, chairman of the Museum Board of Directors said, “Earl was once a young protégée of W. W. Law. Mr. Law was likewise a young protégée of Ralph Mark Gilbert, for whom the museum is named. In this light it is an honor for the museum to support this Youth Leadership Institute.” The Earl T. Shinhoster Youth Leadership Institute is being hosted by The Shinhoster Group, the Civil Rights Museum and the Savannah Branch NAACP.

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