OIC News Release: Former Seattle Seahawk headlines Black History Month celebration in Yakima

See the following for text of a news release issued by Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Washington regarding Black History Month celebrations in February:

We are thrilled to announce that Shaquem Griffin, a former NFL player and motivational speaker, will join us to share his inspiring story throughout community events! The series of Events is supported by OIC of Washington, Yakima Downtown Rotary, Central Washington University, Blaine and Preciosa Tamaki Foundation, Ms. Ester Huey, and Eric Silvers State Farm.

Griffin, a former Seattle Seahawks linebacker and the first player with one hand to be drafted in the NFL, is widely recognized for his resilience and determination in overcoming adversity. His journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and his story continues to inspire individuals around the world.

Event Schedule:

  1. Community Dinner with Shaquem Griffin

Date: February 12, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: OIC Henry Beauchamp Community Center|1211 South Seventh Street, Yakima, Washington

Join us for a community dinner where he will share his remarkable journey, lessons learned, and his message. This event will allow attendees to connect with Griffin and be inspired by his story of overcoming challenges. To register, go to https://forms.office.com/r/pXKcAwYgjn or call 509-575-6114.

  1. Young Leaders with Shaquem Griffin

Date: February 13, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Location: OIC of Washington|815 Fruitvale Boulevard, Yakima, Washington

OIC of Washington is hosting a special session with Shaquem Griffin to empower the next generation of leaders. This event will be specifically tailored for young leaders ages 18-45. To register, go to https://forms.office.com/r/pXKcAwYgjn.

  1. Rotary Luncheon featuring Shaquem Griffin

Date: February 13, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Location: Yakima Rotary (Downtown)|10 North Eighth Street, Yakima, Washington

Following his session with young leaders, Shaquem Griffin will speak at the Yakima Rotary Luncheon. If you would like to attend, the cost to attend is $19.00, and lunch is included; email yakimarotary@yakimarotary.org to secure your spot.

OIC Black History Month with GENIUS POTENTIAL EPIC RAP BATTLES of Black History!

To close out Black History Month, in collaboration with Yakima Valley College: Diversity Series and Robert Trimble Consulting, we will be hosting the Black History Luncheon with Genius Potential doing Epic Rap Battles on February 27th from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Yakima Valley College Conference Center at 1704 West Nob Hill Boulevard, Yakima, Washington. To register go to https://forms.office.com/r/b1xTDMYHUE.