CHICAGO - s4story -- Former television executive producer, Tenisha Taylor, is hosting the 3^rdAnnual  Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation(ETSF) Gala and Silent Auction on Saturday, July 27^th 7 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago – Oak Lawn.

ETSF provides mentorship and scholarships to African-American male students impacted by Chicago's gun violence. The foundation, named after Taylor's father who was killed on Chicago's Southside, is awarding 23 scholarships this year. The foundation has awarded more than 50 scholarships since 2017.

"My father was murdered just blocks from where First Lady Michelle Obama grew up," says Taylor. "His life was tragically snatched by teenagers who lost their way. We must give these young people hope and opportunity, something to live for," she adds.

Taylor's work in the community has caught national attention in a short period. Nationally syndicated journalist Roland S. Martin is serving as the gala's honorary chairman. "When my friend and former CNN colleague told me she was launching this foundation, I was in full support," says Martin. "The need to provide a way forward for young black men who don't have the resources to go to college is much needed. This type of support makes it possible to have stronger black families in the future," he adds.  Alderman Greg Mitchell and Radio Personality Crazy Howard McGee are also lending their efforts to the cause. "As a proud Grambling State University Alumnus, I am especially proud that several of the young men have chosen to attend HBCU's such as Howard, Fisk, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Alabama A&M and Central State," says Alderman Mitchell. "I have no doubt that each of these impressive and talented young men will achieve great success and one day mentor, empower and encourage those that follow in their footsteps."

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Hoover Coney, Jr., a rising Junior at Chicago State University, will receive the scholarship for the third year in a row. "The Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation helps young black men like me to afford college. Being a black man in America, I look around and, unfortunately, I see that black men really don't go to college. They either go to jail or they are dead, so I'm one of the lucky ones," says the nursing major.The full list of scholarship winners and their colleges/universities is available at www.eztaylor.org.

The star-studded July 27^thgala will be hosted by NBC 5's Art Norman. Other sponsors and partners include Tito's Handmade Vodka, Zip Car Chicago, GN Bank, Miss Jessie's, Chicago Public Schools, Dunlap Security and many more.

To schedule an interview or request media credentials contact: Kayla@PerfectPitchMediaGroup.com.

To purchase tickets to the gala or to learn more about this year's winners visit: www.eztaylor.org.

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