CB Newsletter October-November 2015 by Chionesu Bakari

Chionesu Bakari Program For Young Men “Guiding Light of Noble Promise”

October/November 2015 vol.3 issue 01

10th Anniversary Namaste, I am thrilled to kickoff our 10th Anniversary Season, with exciting events and surprises planned to celebrate and salute our 10 years of achievements in our mission to cultivate strong young men and gear up for our bright future ahead. First I would like to welcome the new young men and their families that have joined the program this fall. We are thrilled to serve each young man and their family and expand our reach with members that believe in our mission to reclaim, rename, renew, and recondition young men. Starting the year off with Unity, in October our CB Families and their sons traveled to Washington, DC to be apart of the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March. I am hopeful that this invaluable experience creates a deeper unity of purpose amongst us and encourages our young men and parents to be engaged, mindful and thoughtful of the challenges many in our communities face. Most recently CB was graciously honored with a benefit Art Auction – Painting it Forward. This benefit, founded by Fedrecia Hartley of ZION Gallery, was an excellent opportunity to create and support the art of Community Leaders as Artist Apprentices, including Rev. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor, St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Senior Pastor Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church and Council Members Robert Cornegy and Jumaane Williams among many others. The parents, young men and I send a heartfelt thank you to Fedrecia Hartley and her team, Ora Coleman, Charlene Dougall and Community Leaders, that felt it not robbery to give of their time and sow into the lives of young men through Chionesu Bakari. On the heels of the Painting it Forward event, I was excited to be a contestant in Stars of NY Dance, founded by Cheryl Todmann, along with other local Leaders. Not only did I have a great time, performing my perfect scoring 70s to 90s routine, but the event also exposed a wider audience to Chionesu Bakari, many for the first time. Congratulations, to Rev. David K. Brawley the winner! I would also like to give a BIG shout-out to Ming Dunn of Synergism School of Dance, my Choreographer and Dance partner! Community Service learning has been a prominent component for our young men these last few months. The young men volunteered at several locations recently, including Painting it Forward, and Stars of NY Dance events. I am grateful they have these opportunities to develop the value of giving of themselves. With many events and surprises in store for the young men and parents this year, for now, I will share that the young men are planned to travel to New Orleans during their mid-winter break in February 2016, and then in April 2016 we will have our first parents/sons retreat ever. As a near final note we, will officially co-theme this year, the year of expansion. I am thrilled that we have launched a pilot of “CB in Schools” starting with 4th graders in CS21 in Bed-stuy, Brooklyn, and will start chapters of CB in Dallas and Virginia this summer. As always, I am grateful that you took the time to get to know Chionesu Bakari and read what we are doing to support transforming the lives of young black men. Enjoy this issue, and keep your calendars marked for 6.10.16…our spectacular GALA!! In Gratitude Horace L. Moore, Founder/Executive Director

INSIDE THIS ISSUE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

CB IN SCHOOLS

PAINTING IT FORWARD BENEFIT 3 STARS OF NY DANCE

CB FAMILIES UNITED MILLION MAN MARCH

A YOUNG MAN SPEAKS

CB'S NEW FAMILIES

UPCOMING 10TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Men are growing in Brooklyn - CB in Schools Nelson Mandela once said "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead". A vision was received in 2006 and a seed was planted in Brooklyn. Seeds take time to grow but after being fed, watered, fertilized, nurtured, and given light, you see gradual changes and when it blossoms, everyone recognizes its beauty. Well.....Chionesu Bakari has blossomed, spread it's limbs and is now making a significant difference in the lives of twenty-five 4th grade young men at PS/CS 21 - Crispus Attucks Elementary School in Bed-stuy, Brooklyn, NY. Executive Director and Founder, Horace L. Moore spoke about this being an opportunity to plant seeds into the young men in the hopes that this program blossoms the same way the year round program has blossomed. No doubt it will, as there is a solid partnership where Principal Frazier, the teaching staff and parents are all on board with the expectations and goals of the program. Though the young men currently only meet once a week for a few hours, they too are in sync as they eagerly learn and focus on the key components of the curriculum -- Character Development, Decision Making, and Skill Development. Several of the young men and parents have already shown interest in joining the summer program. Vaughn Curmon, Director of Special Services, who works with the young men commented that this is a "new experience" for the young men and noted how interesting it is to see them "crying out for [male] leadership in an environment where you generally see young men being taught predominately by women not of color". Goals for the program include the young men becoming more actively involved in school in the hopes of taking on more leadership roles and having more direction and focus in what they'd like to do in life. Mr. Moore's vision for the future is that CB is in schools in every major city across the country. Chionesu Bakari is poised for significant growth with this strategic plan to expand the program in schools, thus expanding the number of young men and families that they serve, and enhancing and extending the support they provide. Through collective efforts, they are empowering and reclaiming our under-served young men, renewing and reconditioning their minds, thus providing them with the necessary tools to tell their story in a positive way. Founder Horace L. Moore (l), Vaughn Curmon (r) with 4th graders in PS/CS 21

In the Interlude of Jay Z's Black Album (2003) he used the analogy of "a tree that grows in Brooklyn among the steel and the concrete with all its glorious branches and leaves, one day it too will pass on its legacy through the seeds it dropped to the ground and as the wind carries these seeds throughout wherever they might take root, a new life will begin for each one of them as they stand as a monument to the one that came before.â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x160; Men are not only growing in Brooklyn amongst the weeds of poverty, elevated school dropout rates, crime, homelessness and unemployment, but the "wind" has scattered these seeds in Chicago and Georgia and they're growing there too. Mr. Moore is ecstatic that even more seeds are being planted in Dallas and Virginia and the legacy of Chionesu Bakari will be passed on through these seeds that have been sown. Chionesu Bakari is living up to its motto of being more than just a program, and with it spreading in schools, it's becoming a way of life. ď Ž By Paulette Bailey

Painting it Forward! ART AUCTION BENEFIT FOR CHIONESU BAKARI When one person’s dream helps another person’s vision to grow, all you can say is Wow! On Sunday, November 8, 2015, Ms. Fedrecia Hartley, Founder of ZION Gallery hosted the Painting It Forward Art Auction to benefit Chionesu Bakari. It was a magical night culminating the artistic efforts of over 15 national and community leaders, as Artist Apprentices. These leaders gave of their time and collaborated with renown world artists to create Original Painting by Founder/Exec. Dir. Horace L. Moore beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Community leaders included Rev. & Mrs. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor of St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Senior Pastor of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, NY Council Members Jumaane Williams and Robert Cornegy, FDNY Lt. Ella McNair, Brooklyn Judge Robin Sheares, Mr. Robert & Francis Henry of Frank R. Bell Funeral Home … and many others. To say the Auction was a success is an understatement, proceeds going directly to Chionesu Bakari programming are still coming in, beyond expectations.

Art Auction guests, Fedrecia Hartley, founder Painting it Forward (r)

Mr. Robert & Francis Henry, Frank R. Bell Funeral Home Artist Apprentices

Najee and Akeem, CB Rites of Passage Young Men

Fedrecia, a proud lifetime resident of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, deferred her love for Art for many years, paying for it with her health. “I remember it as though it were yesterday”, said Fedrecia, as she recalled the beginning of each week being plagued with pain from severe migraines. That finally ended 13 years ago, when she stepped out on faith, leaving her tenured position in one of NY's prestigious universities to follow her dream of opening her very own art gallery. Even through challenges, once Fedrecia gets an idea in her mind, she won’t stop until she sees it through. As a long time supporter of Chionesu Bakari, believing in the value it provides to young men, including her nephew Brandon who is a member, she set in her mind a way to give back that combined all her passions and would bring together like minded Artists and Community Leaders for a worthy cause.

Brandon, CB Young Man

Susan T. Rodriguez, CB Dir. of Communications/Parent Liaison, Victor Young, Dir. Of Programming

Artists came from as far away as Milan, Italy and as close as Bed-Stuy, including Fedrecia herself to join in. With sentiment, echoed by many of the “Artist Apprentices”, CB Founder/Exec. Dir. Horace Moore reflected that his painting experience was "therapeutic, insightful, and fun." The idea of auctioning the art and donating the proceeds was a no-brainer for him. "The event brought a greater appreciation of artists to a broader audience. It was wonderful seeing the guests come together as a community, to interact and engage in viewing and bidding on the beautiful art pieces that were created."

The lives of the Chionesu Bakari young men will be enhanced by this effort. They along with their parents, and the staff want to send a profound thank you to Ms. Fedrecia Hartley and her co-directors, Ora Coleman and Charlene Dougall and team for this major undertaking and for the sharing your gift of 3 Art.  By Antoinette Miller

Stars of NY Dance FOUNDER/EXEC. DIR. HORACE MOORE, COMPETES WITH LOCAL LEADERS IN A "DANCING WITH THE STARS" COMPETITION TO BENEFIT DANCE SCHOOLS IN AND AROUND NYC. On November 13th, the 6th Annual Stars of New York Dance competition honoring Brooklyn Borough President, Eric L. Adams was held to a sold-out crowd supporting dance and the arts. The dance competition, founded by Cheryl Todmann, pairs New York City civic and community leaders with professional dancers from dance schools around the city. Judges, this year included Troy Blackwell-Cook, Head Wardrobe Supervisor for Dancing with the Stars Live in Horace L. Moore and Ming Dunn of Synergism School of Dance Vegas and Ann Tripp, News Director for WBLS/WLIB Radio amongst others. Our very own Founder/Executive Director Mr. Horace L. Moore participated in this years' competition. What a way to begin CB's 10 year Anniversary! Mr. Moore and his dance partner, Ming Dunn, (Synergism School of Dance) performed clean cut moves with high energy, intricate foot movement, twists and turns all while paying homage to the 70s and 90s era. They were the FIRST couple to earn a perfect score from all five judges. Other Civic & Community leaders who showcased innovative and creative dance routines included finalist and winner Rev. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor, St. Paul Community Baptist Church, finalist Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna, Ambassador Suzanne Johnson Cook, Presidential Advisor, Joseph C. Grant, Jr. Dir. of Arts and Culture, Office of NY Council Member Robert Cornegy, Jr, Audrey Edwards, Writer/Fmr. Exec. Editor of Essence, Charles Cooper, Coach of Claver Youth Basketball and Consultant, Michelle McClymont. Each "Dancing Star" and their partner gave their all in their creative, passionate performances and wowed the crowd with their numbers. At the top of the show there were performances youth dancers of Creative Outlet who essentially benefit from this charitable event. They showcased the talent that is cultivated through the many dance programs that have and will benefit from what Cheryl Todmann has produced. Congratulations to Rev. David K. Brawley for his routine which transported us from Prom to The Savoy! in Harlem We are ultimately proud of the crowd pleasing favorite, our Founder/Executive Dir. Horace Moore. Congratulations!  By Tosca Myers

CB Families United 20yr Anniversary of Million Man March On October 10, 2015 the Young Men of Chionesu Bakari and their families united on a historical journey of pride and solidarity, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the first Million Man March in Washington, DC. The “Justice or 20th Anniversary Million Man March, Washington , D.C. Else” march brought people of African descent from across the country together to reflect on the current challenges in communities of black and brown peoples, speaking on external and internal housekeeping issues affecting families of color, support the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement and mobilize a plan of action for the future. The unity of CB families was wrapped in the bright clear sunny day that began at 4:00 am, at St Paul’s Community Baptist Church (SPCBC), Brooklyn, NY where approximately 400 people, (both SPCBC and CB members) gathered aboard buses to travel down to Washington DC. It was a powerful sight to see so many conscious, Black Young Men and their families step off those buses in CB’s infamous black and orange attire and travel via DC Metro to the Smithsonian Station for the kickoff at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building and the National Mall. The day was filled with a buzz of positive energy, motivating messages and collective pride that inspired our young men to remain committed to self, family and community development.

The takeaway... Respect, Support, Uplift, Inspire and Love one another. 

By Charisse Smith

CB ROP Alum Speaks from College JERMAINE SIMMONS, CB RITES OF PASSAGE ALUM REFLECTS As a young man who has spent the last 9 years with Chionesu Bakari Program for Young Men, I can truly say that I have made a transition from being a child to being a young adult. Now in my first semester of college at Suny Broome, Binghamton, NY, I feel prepared and even thought it to be easy at first. CB has given me excellent life pointers which will help me be a successful man. In particular, CB mentors and my CB brothers have given me good advice on what I should do in college, as a student. What I have found to be the most difficult after months have passed, was being away from family and friends. Particularly, not being able to hang out with those who I care so much about has definitely been challenging. My short time away has taught me how to appreciate those that care, more. I look forward to my upcoming visit home. See you soon  By Jermaine Simmons

Photos from the Millions Man March, Washington DC, 10.10.15

CB Welcomes it's Newest Families Ricky & Natasha Lopez and son, Treyvon Treyvon and his parents Natasha and Ricky joined CB in July 2015. Treyvon is 11 years old in the 6th grade. They also have three daughters ages 6 to 19. Treyvon loves soccer, jujitsu and karate. He also loves politics, black history and believes in the quote “those who don’t know their past are destined to repeat it”. The Lopez family are members of St. Paul Community Baptist Church where Ricky is part of the security team. They discovered CB through St. Paul’s. Ricky was impressed with the confidence in the young men of CB and the positive male role models. Natasha and Ricky have already noticed that, since joining, Treyvon is more protective of his mother. He is also becoming more independent, even ironing his uniforms for the week. Ricky, who is from Belize, works in maintenance at a local college. He enjoys playing soccer and likes to talk with young black men, hoping they can benefit from his experiences. He also loves to cook and does most of the cooking for the family. Natasha who enjoys sewing is studying to be a licensed practical nurse. She attended her first parent meeting and was pleased to see the parent involvement. The family’s prayer for CB is that it will continue to exist to serve more young men and stay based in the church with continued parent involvement. 

CB Welcomes it's Newest Families cont'd Michelle & William Thomas and son, Elijah

Elijah, 11 years old and his parents Michelle and William joined CB in July 2015. They were introduced to CB by alumni parent, Yvonne Robinson and ultimately enrolled after seeing CB offered the young men positive male relationships which they desired for their son. Elijah participates in karate, is in the choir and an usher at their home church, Greater Bibleway Temple in Brooklyn. Elijah is currently interested in a career as a CIA Agent. This past summer traveling with CB, was Elijah’s first time away from home and he enjoyed both trips. The family’s prayer for CB is that it will continue to grow and expand its reach, and maintain an emphasis on Christian values. "With all the negative seen in the world today, not all youth have the opportunity to have role models like Mr. Moore [and staff]." Both Michelle and William work in law enforcement. Michelle enjoys event planning and is also a Sunday school teacher instilling in her students a pride for education. She is looking forward to completing her Masters in Public Administration degree in December 2015. William likes to counsel young people to help them understand and avoid the challenges they face as youth. 

Deshauna Appleton and son, Ace

Ace and his mom, Deshauna joined CB in October 2015. Ace, who will be 11 in December, attends 6th grade at an Uncommon charter school in Brooklyn, NY. He loves to play basketball, enjoys swimming, martial arts, and participates in the chess program at school. He is a comedian who loves to dress and dance. He has also done some acting…playing “the Beast” in a school production of Beauty and the Beast. Ace and Deshauna love to travel and they enjoy family time at home and attending the Dine in Movie theatre in New Jersey. They spend a lot of time with family on Long Island, especially holidays. Deshauna is currently a residential property manager who also worked for 16 years as a recreation therapist in a nursing home and hospital. She is an experienced event planner who loves to cook, enjoys photography and is an enthusiastic fundraiser. Deshauna looks forward to using her talents to support the endeavors of the program. Ace and mom both enjoyed their first CB meetings. Deshauna considers it divine intervention that her friend, Trina Hall, introduced her to CB. She believes the program will expose Ace to positive role models and help him learn to make the right choices. Her prayer for the future of CB is that the program will continue to grow and expand so that more young men can have the opportunity to participate in CB. 

Latricia Allen, Tracy Henderson and son, Rodney

Latricia, Tracy and son Rodney, 12, were introduced to the Chionesu family as members of St. Paul Community Baptist Church and a by CB alumni member. As a family they enjoy going bowling, playing basketball together and dancing. When not in school Rodney is a player on the Marcy on the Rise basketball team. Although Rodney has not yet embraced a love for math he enjoys reading, he is very smart and just an all-around fun and active young man who loves sports. Latricia, or Trice, as she prefers to be called, expressed that thus far in CB, Rodney has already become more focused and has started to come out of his shell. She shared that based on interactions with the Chionesu parents through parent meetings and team communication, that she is beginning to open up more. She enjoys writing poetry, and so we look forward to her sharing more. Her prayer for the Chionesu Bakari empire is longevity. Latricia, is a Security Officer and Tracy works for Transit.  6

Patrick Fagan and son, Cyonce Patrick and Cyonce, were introduced to CB through Patrick's Malik fraternity brother and work colleague, Shamari Akil and joined the program this fall. Patrick appreciates the strong male character traits CB is reinforcing, for instance, making sure all young men to wear a watch. Patrick understands that this is the man’s jewelry and an item of manhood. He also has found value in the lessons/discussions from parent workshops, especially having because they are led from a cultural perspective. Cyonce, 13, attends Frank McCourt High School, to excel in his art of writing. Cyonce likes to read, has a creative mind and loves to write. His passion for reading provides him with a vast vocabulary and knowledge that makes him well versed to comfortably express himself. The Fagan's prayer and wish is that Chionesu Bakari is sustained and transcends throughout time, reaching the doorsteps of those who need it and is blessed financially in every way for the growth and expansion of the program to continue to mentor young black men. Patrick Fagan is married to Anetta Li-A-Ping, with 3 children, the eldest Kiante, age 21, Kagame, age 20 and Cyonce, age 13. Patrick is employed as a Senior Manager for human resources administration in finance within the Dept. of Ed. 

Lakisha Adams and son, Christopher Lakisha Adams was introduced to CB through current parent LaTasha Green and was attracted to the program's rites of passage component for her son Christopher. She was looking for a program which provided strong male mentorship and guidance through Christopher's development. Lakisha was further pleasantly surprised when attending a meeting to re-connect with a child-hood friend. With 2 months under his belt in CB, Christopher enjoys the young men's workshops and even acknowledged the expectation of accountability that the mentors instill in the young men. Lakisha believes in the wholistic focus the CB program embodies - focusing on the young man as well as the family. Being an advocate for parent engagement she is supportive of parent workshops and is especially reminded that many parents need a place to heal, reflect and learn. A lifelong native of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Lakisha has 3 children in total Shavonne, 13, Shameer, 18 and Christopher. Lakisha works as a Program Evaluator with the ACS Children Services and has a consulting business and a growing blog on topics of parenting, Brooklyn, culture and everything in between. 

Kendra Brown and son, Jaire Jaire, 11, and his parents Tyrone and Kendra Brown have been frequent visitors to St. Paul over the last 10 years and experienced Chionesu and its growth from their visits. Kendra shared,“I appreciate the role models, [in CB] that are presented for my son. I am very pleased that he is able to gather with like-minded men as well as his peers in order to discuss and develop his own ideas about manhood.” Jaire has shared with his parents that he enjoys hearing about the life experiences of he mentors and discussing important issues with the other young men. He has already made new friends. Jaire is empathetic, intelligent and extremely loving, he also is involved in music, dabbling in music composition and production and is a member of the Brooklyn United Marching Band Kendra’s prayers for the future of Chionesu is, "to be able to continue to reach hundreds of young men CB New Family Profiles by Terri Butler , Tosca Myers, Susan T. Rodriguez and Sharon Swain

because of the need for safe places to grow and explore while looking up to strong men who will guide them." Tyrone Brown is the Exec. Director of an after-school/ community program. Kendra is an Administrative Assistant. As a family they enjoy traveling, archery, and movies. 

10th Anniversary Upcoming Events

Dionne Williams and son, Jason

Dionne a lifelong member of St. Paul Community Baptist Church had the benefit of being a member of youth groups from a young age in the church and having strong mentors to guide her development. When Jason moved to middle school, Dionne knew it was time for CB, desiring for Jason the similar experiences of mentorship, positive [male] role models and support she had while growing up. Jason is also an only child and she wanted an extended family [brotherhood] that he could count on. Jason, 10, attends Philippa Schuyler middle school and is happy most when he is writing, drawing, and reading stories about mythical creatures. Although, adjusting to all his new CB brothers, so far Jason enjoys CB and appreciates the young men's workshops for the lessons they are learning.

April 2016 Parent & Son Retreat June 2016 June 10 5th Annual Gala June 12 Rites of Passage Ceremony July 1 - August 12, 2016 CB Summer Program

Dionne truly enjoys the parent workshops, valuing the aspect of coming together with like minded parents. "It's been helpful to see a group of parents forming a community looking to raise their sons in positive successful ways, especially as Jason get's older." She knows that she can reach out to parents for assistance or an ear when needed, which is a blessing to have.

More special events for our 10th Anniversary will be announced throughout the year. Visit our website for the latest information on events.

Continued expansion and growth are what Dionne hopes for CB. She looks forward to lending her finance talents to assist in whatever way has the most impact towards her hopes for CB.

Learn More about our Program

Dionne is the Associate Director of Accounting (covering approx.10 schools) for the Uncommon Schools charter school organization. She also consults with educational non-profits.  We also welcome Tiffany Cobb and son Ohaj. Please look forward to learning more about them in our next issue.

Visit Chionesu Bakari Online Support Young Men! www.youngblackmanonline.org @cbyoungmen @Chionesu Bakari

Credits

Executive Director Horace L. Moore Newsletter Team Susan T. D. Rodriguez Paulette Bailey Terri Butler LaToya Kittrell Antoinette Miller Tosca Myers Charisse Smith Sharon Swain

CHIONESU BAKARI, a Swahili phrase meaning “Guiding Light of Noble Promise,” is engaged in the ministry of saving and developing young black males by reclaiming, renaming, renewing and reconditioning their minds. We strive to motivate young black male children to think critically and prepare their minds and the minds of their respective parents/ guardians for the men they will grow to become.

This newsletter is published by: Chionesu Bakari Program for Young Men 859 Hendrix Street Brooklyn, New York 11207 Phone: 347-708-2008 info@youngblackmanonline.org www.youngblackmanonline.org Available online at www. youngblackmanonline.org/news.