Born with glaucoma, given up for adoption, blind by twelve, a high school drop-out ... all this spelled long odds for an African-American kid in New York City. But, the odds-makers didn’t know Dennis Holston. Dennis who is now 30 and resides in Manhattan, boot-strapped his way to a successful life as a computer teacher, radio host/producer and artist recruiter. He mentors two teens through Mentoring USA and I Mentor. Now in his third year at the helm of a national nonprofit, Holston’s leadership is making inroads into the sighted world for blind entertainers, a vital step for improving acceptance and opportunity for all blind Americans. 
 
Currently in his second term as president of the Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind (PAD/NFB), Dennis is dedicated to expanding opportunities for blind entertainers. In 2002, when he was elected Treasurer, PAD was floundering. he became president in 2006 and combed the nation for promising blind recording artists and persuaded eighteen to donate original tracks and covers to “Sound in Sight.”, The CD, a cross-genre compilation, features acclaimed blind musicians including Florida Idol finalist, Seria Chatters (Tampa), Just Plain Folks Album of the Year finalist, Brooke Fox (Brooklyn) and internationally acclaimed percussionist Jimmy Fontanez (Albany, NY). Proceeds from the sale of that CD support the Mary Ann Parks Performing Arts Scholarship. The fund memorializes PAD’s secretary, master’s candidate and prominent NFB leader, who died at thirty in a traffic accident on her way to do volunteer teaching.
 
"Seventy percent of working age blind Americans are “un”employed," says Dennis. "Only ten percent of blind kids are taught Braille despite strong Braille literacy/success links. There hasn’t been a new, blind American superstar in decades. The only famous blind woman most of us know is Helen Keller, who died over fifty years ago. These are not strong stats for this community. It's been my goal to draw attention to the tremendous contribution blind people make to our world, especially the creative community."
 
Dennis understands the importance of a strong media presence in advancing his message.

"Other minorities have made inroads with the media," says Dennis. "It's time that blind Americans get noticed."

Dennis worked on the campaigns of current NYC Mayor Bloomberg and former NY Gov. Spitzer.  Not surprisingly, he persuaded NY Gov. David Paterson, also legally blind, to establish the first ever “Blind Entertainers Week.”
 
“I have always wanted to be a mentor,” says Dennis, who recently re established contact with his birth family, “I felt that I had a lot to offer young black teens, but I was afraid that the blindness would get in the way. When I got my first kid in 2006, I realized that the blindness didn't matter. These teens are just glad that an older man is there to turn to.”
 
Dennis, who writes songs blending pop, R&B and rock, has also had a profound impact on the blind performers he located. Many have taken on leadership roles in PAD.

"Brooke Fox is vice president. Beth Allred, a decorated University of Wisconsin (Madison) opera student, is secretary. Seria is on the board of directors along with Mindy Jacobson (NYC), the first blind woman cantor. Harvard grad and acclaimed vocalist Lisa Ostrow (Boston) is the scholarship coordinator," says Dennis. "These are inspirational people doing incredible things. They are a success in by blind and sighted standards."