Youth Committee – Tampa Organization of Black Affairs

“Your Voice. Your Legacy. Your Future.”

Empowering the next generation of Black leaders through scholarships, leadership development, and academic opportunity.

What We Do

The TOBA Youth Development Committee exists to prepare African American youth to lead with confidence, character, and pride. Through public speaking training, leadership development, and scholarship opportunities, students gain skills that strengthen their academic performance, self-expression, and future success. Learn more about our signature programs below.

Jetie B. Wilds, Jr Scholarship

TOBA awards annual Jetie B. Wilds, Jr. Youth Leadership and Community Service scholarships to college-bound high school seniors based on demonstrated academic achievement, leadership, community service, and financial need. This scholarship was named in honor of the late Jetie B. Wilds, Jr., a former Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) board member.

Requirements

Application Requirements

Student must complete scholarship application
Principal or counselor confirmation required

Eligibility

College-bound graduating seniors
Residents of Hillsborough County
Students attending: Middleton High School and Blake High School

Scholarship Details

Four students selected annually
Minimum scholarship award: $1,000
Enrollment verification at a college or university required before scholarship distribution

Apply Here

Please click the button below to apply.

Note: Applications open for the 2026-2027 Scholarship, Fall 2026.

Youth Heritage Oratorical Contest

The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) Youth Oratorical Contest is a scholarship competition that empowers middle and high school students to develop public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership skills. The 2026 contest theme is “The Fierce Urgency of Now: Honoring the Legacy, Advancing the Dream.”

Requirements

Completed application
Require Zoom orientation attendance
Participation in three of five workshops
Attendance at the first and last workshops REQUIRED
African American Students only

Guidelines

Speech must be original
The topic/theme stated in the first sentence
Speech delivered in English
No props or costumes, no musical accompaniment” to “No props or costumes, no music or musical instruments
No AI-generated content, and a printed speech copy submitted seven (7) days before the contest

Awards

Middle school and high school students compete separately
Awards range from $200–$2,000
Scholarships awarded annually

Calendar of Events

September 19 – Orientation (Virtual via Zoom)
September 26 – Workshop 1 (In-Person), Location TBA
October 3 – Workshop 2 (In-Person), Location TBA
October 10 – Workshop 3 (In-Person), Location TBA
October 26 – Workshop 4 (In-Person), Location TBA
November 7th, 2026 from 12 PM to 5 PM – TOBA Youth Heritage Oratorical Contest and Scholarship Location: Hillsborough Community College Ybor- Performing Arts Building, 1411 E 11th Ave, Ybor City, FL 33605

Apply Here

Please click the button below to apply.

Note: Applications open for the 2026 Scholarship Program, Fall 2026.

What Our Students Say

“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Eget est lorem ipsum dolor sit. Eget aliquet nibh praesent tristique magna sit amet purus.”

- Tasha M., 11th Grade

About Jetie B. Wilds

Jetie B. Wilds, Jr. was a respected community leader, educator, political activist, and former Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) board member whose life was defined by leadership, education, public service, and civic engagement. A graduate of Morehouse College, longtime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the NAACP, community radio host of The Citizen’s Report, columnist for La Gaceta, and Senior Executive with the U.S. Forest Service, he dedicated his career to empowering communities and advancing issues that impacted the Tampa Bay area.

Through his advocacy, mentorship, and commitment to public service, Jetie B. Wilds, Jr., left a lasting legacy of inspiring others to lead and serve.The TOBA scholarship established in his honor recognizes students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, community service, and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.

Sponsorships

Keep the mission of TOBA and the legacy of Jetie B. Wilds, Jr. alive by partnering with us through your sponsorship. Your gifts help fund student workshops, venues, materials, and scholarship awards, ensuring every participant has access to a high-quality, professional experience.

Photo Gallery

View photos from the past Youth Heritage Oratorical Contests over the years!

Leadership

The TOBA Youth Development Committee is dedicated to empowering young people through leadership development, educational enrichment, scholarship opportunities, and programs that prepare the next generation of community leaders.

Chair
Mazie Murphy
youth@tobafoundation.org