Like so many around the country and the world, I am both angry and saddened by George Floyd’s murder.

Unlike the many injustices that have occurred before, the murder of George Floyd has led us to a tipping point. This is evidenced by protests and vigils, not just across Central Florida, but around the world. We have witnessed a demand for change in the Black community and this demand for justice is being echoed by our brothers and sisters regardless of race, culture or creed. 

Derek Chauvin, the officer who murdered George Floyd and the three others who stood idly by must be held accountable and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. However, I also know that these individuals do not represent all the brave men and women of law enforcement. Whether local, state or federal, I have had the honor of working with many of these heroes throughout my career. In fact, officers from our very own Orlando Police Department marched and chanted alongside peaceful protesters this past weekend. While sadly, George Floyd’s murder is not an isolated incident, we must still refrain from grouping the terrible actions of a few with the kindness and bravery of the many.

As we protest the murder of George Floyd and racial injustice in general, we must also condemn the rioters and looters. These individuals have descended upon cities across the country to take advantage of peaceful protests with the goal of causing mayhem and anarchy. The damage left in their wake has far reaching ramifications and the black community is directly hurt by their actions. Small businesses, many of which are black owned, are amongst their targets. These businesses represent the backbone of our economy. They are owned and operated by hardworking Americans who are simply looking to put food on the table for their families and their employees. The despicable actions of these rioters has left their legacy of hard work in shambles. 

On a local level, the Central Florida Urban League has worked for years to bridge the gap between our community and law enforcement. Whether it is arranging for officers to meet with citizens over a cup of coffee, or honoring the legacy of the late Lt. Debra Clayton through numerous youth mentorship programs, I am proud of the strong relationship that we have built with the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Both law enforcement entities have worked diligently within our community for years to earn both our trust and respect. And I am proud of the foundation we have built together. We will continue to work alongside one another for the betterment of our community.

There is no easy solution to this crisis, but what I do know is that we must ask the tough questions and have an honest conversation with each other. The Central Florida Urban League will be working with our partners in the community to educate the public about systemic racism. We will also ensure to hold all those accountable who continue to promote discrimination or hatred of any kind.

The road forward will not be easy, but every positive action honors the memory of George Floyd and all who sadly came before him. As a society, we must begin with a common foundation: brutality, violence and discrimination towards any individual, person or group will not be tolerated. Our children will look back on our actions today as a turning point. We cannot let the murder of George Floyd be in vain. Let us honor him by using this tragedy as a watershed moment of clarity, guiding us towards a better tomorrow.  

- Glen Gilzean Jr.

The CFUL's Free Reading Program is proven to increase literacy levels in students from Grades 3 to 5 and we are proud to provide this program virtually and in partnership with the Central Florida Community Arts Academy, ensuring that our youth enhance their literacy skills in a fun and engaging way: through the arts.

To register for the program, please click here. 

Glenton Gilzean Jr.'s appointment to Governor Ron DeSantis' Re-Open Florida Task Force was recently featured in the Orlando Times:

The State of Florida has released: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery, the Report to Governor DeSantis from the Re-Open Florida Task Force.

Please click here to read the full report. 

ORLANDO, APRIL 27, 2020 – As Governor Ron DeSantis prepares to take the proper steps to re-open the State of Florida following the COVID-19 pandemic, he appointed Glenton Gilzean Jr., the President and CEO of the Central Florida Urban League to the State of Florida’s Re-Open Task Force Industry Working Group.

Gilzean joins a wide-ranging group, composed of representatives from local governments, the travel and tourism industry and community leaders. The group includes notable individuals such as Jose Cil, CEO of Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes), Josh D’Amaro, President of Walt Disney World Resort and Matthew Caldwell, President & CEO, Florida Panthers Hockey Club.

“As Floridians from all walks of life continue to live through this unprecedented crisis, I am humbled that the Governor has called upon me to represent our community as we begin our recovery,” said Gilzean. “The ramifications of COVID-19 have reached all corners of our state and I look forward to representing our community and serving as their voice as we all work together to help our state emerge from this pandemic as quickly and safely as possible.”

This marks the sixth time that Mr. Gilzean has received a gubernatorial appointment. In January 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Mr. Gilzean to the Florida Census Complete Count Committee. In 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis also appointed Mr. Gilzean to the Florida Commission on Ethics. Previously, Governor Rick Scott appointed Mr. Gilzean to the Pinellas County School Board (2012), to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) Board of Trustees (2013) and to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (2016).

As you know, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, millions of Americans are now receiving stimulus payments. Wells Fargo has announced that they will cash stimulus payment checks for non-customers in their branches, with no fees charged. For 30 days, they will also pause the collection of negative balances existing at the time when stimulus payments are deposited, allowing customers to access the full amount of their payment. 

Furthermore, Wells Fargo is suspending residential property foreclosure sales, evictions, and involuntary automobile repossessions. On a case-by-case basis, they are offering fee waivers, payment deferrals, and other expanded assistance for credit card, auto, mortgage, small business, and personal lending customers who contact the bank. To support workers, they are providing cash payments of up to $1,600 to front-line employees, and expanding benefits to assist impacted employees.

 More information is available at their COVID-19 resources and support page. 

Fifth Third Bank has made the decision to suspend all in-person community outreach through May 31^st. However, the bank has made many virtual options available to the community. 

Please see below for links to all their virtual resources:

eBus related virtual tools: 

Financial Empowerment Mobile (eBus) Financial Education Modules

eBus Financial Empowerment Brochure

Adult focused financial education learning:

Financial Tips - COVID 19 Infographic

EmpowerU Overview

Workforce development tools:

NextJob Job Seekers Login

NextJob Job Seeker Toolkit Flyer w/ Access Link

Youth Resources (k-12 Digital Lessons for Remote Learning): 

Family Portal Customer Resources

Family Portal

True Health is a non-profit community health center that has been serving low-income, uninsured, underinsured, and underserved populations in Central Florida since 1977. True Health operates 7 health centers throughout Orange and Seminole counties. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we offer a sliding fee scale to those that are uninsured, we accept Medicare and Medicaid, and over 25 major health and HMO insurance plans. Primary care services include Adult and Pediatric Care, OB/GYN, Behavioral Health, Dentistry, Podiatry, pharmacy, laboratory, and X-ray services.

True Health is now able to provide many of our services via Telehealth and Teleconference for new and established patients.

Appointments can be scheduled for the following reasons:

·       Suspected COVID-19 

·       Medication Refills/Change 

·       Lab Results 

·       Bronchitis 

·       Weight management 

·       Heart burn or acid reflux  

·       Blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid, seizures

·       Allergies, rashes, pinkeye, sinus pressure, mild allergic reaction

·       Animal bites, insect bites, burns, cuts and wounds

·       Seasonal Flu to include: cough, congestion, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, nausea/vomiting, fatigue, runny nose, cold, upper respiratory infection, 

·       Migraine/headache/dizziness, hot flashes

·       Irregular or delayed periods/cycles

·       Pain – any extremities (leg, arm, foot, back, etc.) 

·       OB/GYN 

·       All Gyn Consults  

·       Podiatry exams to include: lower limb pain (calf down), medication refill, diabetic management & screenings

·       Dentistry – emergencies only 

·       Behavioral Health

In addition to telehealth, we are also able to provide phone enrollment assistance for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (Food Stamps), KidCare, and Marketplace enrollment. To make an in-person or telehealth appointment, or to request phone enrollment assistance, please call 407-322-8645 or visit mytruehealth.org

 True Health is conducting testing for COVID-19 at our sites as well as at pop up sites in partnership with Seminole County and the Florida Department of Health. Please see below for details:

Testing at a True Health facility:

If traveling to one of our health centers we ask that you call first at 407-322-8645.

Testing at a pop-up sites:

True Health has partnered with Seminole County and the Florida Department of Health to provide drive-up or walk-up testing throughout the Seminole community! You DO NOT have to exhibit symptoms!

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

-Government issued I.D

COST?

-It's FREE! Patients with insurance should bring insurance cards

APPOINTMENTS?

-No appointments necessary!

For more information, please call us at (407) 322-8645 or visit PrepareSeminole.org.

The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is providing state and federal resources to communities, businesses and Floridians.

In coordination with state and federal partners, resources are available to assist employers and individuals impacted by the state’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Governor DeSantis also has filed emergency legislation and regulations to provide further support to Floridians during this time.

Beginning this week, CareerSource locations across the state will be providing paper applications and assisting Floridians with submitting their Reemployment Assistance applications. Visit www.CareerSourceFlorida.com for information and center locations. 

·     In Central Florida, please see: https://www.careersourcecentralflorida.com/coronavirus-support/

·     **FedEx is offering free printing and mailing of Reemployment Assistance paper applications at over 100 storefronts across the state.

·     Additional applications can be downloaded at www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19. 

Additionally, to make it easier for Floridians to receive Reemployment Assistance, Governor DeSantis waived:

 ·     The waiting week, so individuals can claim their very first week of Reemployment Assistance. 

·     The work search and work registration requirements so individuals filing for Reemployment Assistance are not required to register in Employ Florida or submit information on a biweekly basis regarding the employers that they contacted each week while the state mitigates the spread of COVID-19.

Please click here for Department of Economic Opportunity Reemployment Assistance Application for Services.

If you are having trouble accessing the online application, please download a Florida Reemployment Assistance Application and mail to:

The Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act would provide $377 billion to help prevent workers from losing their jobs and small businesses from going under due to economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program would provide 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100 percent federally guaranteed loans to small employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency.

Click below for more details: