Countywide : Black Teens Waiting to Excel Have a Chance

When Khaleah London of Irvine heard about a national talent competition for African American teenagers, she called all over Orange County trying to find the local qualifying competition.

The closest one, she eventually learned, was in Beverly Hills. She entered the dance contest and won. The next year, she won fourth place nationally.

Now, two years after she first heard of the national event, the 19-year-old, her mother and a friend are organizing the first such competition in Orange County.

Set for April 27, it is open to African American high school students with talent in the performing arts, visual arts, sciences (including computer programming and mathematics) or humanities (including music composition and poetry). There are 25 categories in all.

“Our task is to let African American students in this county know that we have a vehicle where they can showcase their talents and scholastic achievements,” said London’s mother, Kersena London.

The Londons and Melva E. Minnis of Rancho Santa Margarita and the local NAACP recently formed the Afro-Academic Cultural Technological and Scientific Olympics, Orange County chapter. It will sponsor winners of the contest at the national competition in in Charlotte, N.C., this summer. Winners will receive gold, silver and bronze medals and scholarships.

The national event was created by the NAACP almost three decades ago to promote academic excellence among African Americans and spark a desire to succeed.

“You’re recognized for your brains and abilities,” Khaleah London said. “It is such a positive experience, where the competitors gain a great sense of pride in our culture and feel good about ourselves.”

James H. Tippons, president of the local NAACP, said that because the African Americans who live in Orange County, 2% of the population, are so scattered, the competition is “an opportunity for connection.”

“So often we talk about the kids in trouble or the athletes, but very rarely is there anything said about the academic achievers,” he said.

Anyone interested in entering the local contest is invited to a meeting at 6 p.m. Saturday at King Elementary School, 1001 Graham Lane in Santa Ana. London and several medalists will perform.