Chionesu Bakari Program For Young Men “Guiding Light of Noble Promise”
“Moving Forward”
November / December 2013 issue 005
A Word From The Director I’d like to begin this letter by thanking all of those who came out to support the First CB Movie Night viewing of “The Best Man Holiday.” It was a great night of camaraderie, laughter and fun bringing our families and supporters together to continue to assist Chionesu Bakari. Undoubtedly we’ve had an amazing year! In addition, a special heartfelt thank you goes out to the all of the Parents/Guardians and supporters who contributed their time and effort toward the success of all CB events. We look forward to more Family and Friends events in the coming months, and the continued growth of our program. We have adjusted our programming for our February 2014 trip. We will now travel to North Carolina and New Orleans from February 15-21, 2014. In North Carolina, CB Alumni will be our hosts and lead visits to the colleges they attend. The college visits will include Shaw University, Johnson C. Smith and Winston Salem State University. The CB alumni led tours will be a potent model of possibility for the young men. In New Orleans we will expose the young men to the culture, colleges and lifestyle of the Big Easy. Our California Trip will now take place in late June 2014. In this issue, we highlight the profiles of the Staff of CB who work, often behind the scenes, ensuring the success of CB programs and activities. The staff’s depth of experiences and dedication are vital to the program. Without their passion for developing the potential of Young Black Men, the execution of the mission and vision of CB would not be possible. Take a moment and get to know the CB Staff. You will also read a letter from a CB Alum in his first year of college, meet the new CB young men of 2013-2014 and share in two heart-warming stories of the Gift of Life in this Holiday season. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Wonderful and Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you in 2014. Namaste Horace L. Moore, Director
Profiles & Insight from CB Staff Integrity, commitment, and passion are vital leadership characteristics necessary for Chionesu Bakari to fulfill its mission of saving and developing young black males. Horace L. Moore, Founder and Director of Chionesu has brought together a staff that fully embodies these qualities and more. Come inside and meet Elder Victor Young, CB Assistant Director; Elder Vaughn Curmon, CB Special Services and Outreach; Mr. Keir Nelson, CB Special Events and Outreach; and Ms. Monica Britton, CB Administrative Support. Each one of these staff members brings the wealth of their career and life experiences, along with a passion for the success of our Young Black Men. Take a look as our staff members share an overview of their roles within CB; their backgrounds and experiences; and reveal their hopes and well wishes for CB this Holiday Season.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME
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PROFILES OF CB STAFF
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LETTER FROM COLLEGE
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WELCOME 2013 YOUNG MEN 4 THE GIFT OF LIFE
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CB FAMILY FUN
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CB 2013-2014 CALENDAR
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Chionesu Bakari Staff Profiles Elder Victor Young CB Assistant Director
Keir Nelson CB Special Events and Outreach
Elder Victor Young, Assistant Director, has been with the program since the beginning. He guides the young men of Chionesu Bakari in developing life skills that will help them to be confident and respectful men of integrity whom people can trust. His teachings for the young men focus on three areas: 1) Spiritual development – giving them a foundation in Bible study and prayer, so that they know how to apply God’s word to their lives; 2) learning their history and culture; and 3) training their bodies to be physically fit.
Mr. Nelson is totally committed to being the Special Events & Outreach Coordinator of Chionesu Bakari. It affords him the opportunity to mentor the young men on the discipline of public speaking, share his personal experience of the significance of being a part of a brotherhood and pledging a fraternity. His responsibilities range from assisting with assembling presentations, providing tutoring, helping the young men with diction, enunciation and clear self-expression, and just helping out by doing whatever is needed. January will make 7 years that Chionesu Bakari has been blessed with Mr. Keir Nelson’s contributions.
Elder Young is also one of the spiritual leaders of the Program praying and sharing bible scripture with the CB Parents. Elder Young is very proud of the work he does with CB; Elder Young was born in Harlem, raised during the school year in Brooklyn and spent every summer growing up with family in North Carolina, where he knew everyone in his community. This is how he learned the importance of having manners and developing positive relationships with people, skills he encourages in the young men. Elder Young joined the Marines six days after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn and he served for six years, attaining the position of Chief Administrator. His professional career included more than 17 years at one company in corporate America. When his company relocated to North Carolina, he stayed in New York and used the experience he had gained volunteering at his children’s schools over the years to obtain a permanent position in education. Elder Young is currently a paraprofessional for special education. In addition to his career in education and leadership in CB, Elder Young takes great pride in his family…Cassandra Ann Young, his wife of 27 years, his four adult children and three grandchildren. Elder Young’s vision and prayer for CB are to see the organization grow to have a relationship with all schools in NYC and for it to continue to be a parent and family support system. With an eye to the future, Elder Young has identified three buildings in Brooklyn that would be excellent facilities for CB. He asks that all CB parents come to him first when they need assistance, and that they pray for the future of the program and continue to “Trust The Vision”. By Sharon Swain
Mr. Nelson has been faced with a multitude of responsibilities in this role and his myriad of skills, expertise, education and knowledge have made him more than capable of excelling in them all. A graduate of The State University at New Paltz, Mr. Nelson has a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Management, has worked for the NYC Housing Authority for 23 years as a Director of a Senior Center in Brooklyn and as a Community Coordinator working with children and senior citizens in theatre and communications. A phenomenal public speaker with a successful acting career and a passionate love for theatre, Mr. Nelson has received many accolades on stage. In spite of this, and all of his other accomplishments in life, Mr. Nelson says that he is most proud of the fact that GOD has never given up on him. Mr. Nelson grew up in a two- parent household and remembers being a part of the Boy Scouts and other similar organizations, but there weren’t any programs like CB! CB is a profound gift that leaves him wondering where the world would be if this program existed back then. In the very spirit of this holiday season, one of Mr. Nelson’s prayers is for Chionesu Bakari to finally have a building of its own. “This building would serve not just to house the program and its many great activities but is also symbolic to the continuous building within the program that transforms our young men. A building of our own would further enable us to take the world by storm.” By Charisse Smith
“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.” - Nelson Mandela 2
CB ALUM MANAGES ACADEMICS, FOOTBALL AND FUN AT WALSH UNIVERSITY
Letter from a Young Black Man CB Alumni, Byron King Jr., writes of his experiences during his first semester at Walsh University in Ohio. Byron shares how he carried the Chionesu Bakari brotherhood and skills with him while he managed academics and his responsibilities as Wide Receiver for the Walsh University Cavaliers.
in-part, because when we traveled this was one of our responsibilities. CB workshops in finance and managing my money during our away trips prepared me to budget properly while at college. Juggling papers, study time, and my football responsibilities have put my time management skills to the test constantly. However, I can say I have been on time for classes/meetings and have still been able to set time aside to have a little fun. Thanks to Chionesu Bakari, I have the skills to prioritize my time and organize my life sufficiently and I accomplish these tasks on a regular basis.
I can honestly say I consider my first semester of college a success! I got a One of the great things sense that I went into college a lot more prepared about Chionesu Bakari that “ One of the great things about than most of the other students. Remembering I value are the strong bonds Chionesu Bakari that I value are the the Chionesu Bakari workshops provided me the created with the other young strong bonds created with the other preparation for my college experience. Most of men that I now call brothers! young men that I now call brothers! ” Do we keep in touch? Yes, those workshops involved time management skills, which has helped me juggle my time and and I know if I need any one finances. Thanks to Chionesu Bakari I appeared of them they will be there for to be a lot more equipped to handle the immense respon- me and vice versa. It feels great to be a part of an organization sibility of being on my own. While away at school handling where you can always come back and talk to the staff for any my chores of laundry and meal preparation came with ease kind of support. I truly want to thank Mr. Moore and the staff for all their support. By Byron King Jr.
Elder Vaughn Curmon CB Special Services and Outreach Vaughn Curmon, Coordinator of Special Services and Outreach for Chionesu Bakari is a native of the Bed Stuy section of Brooklyn, New York. As the oldest of 3 siblings Vaughn was working at 14 and understood the importance of managing responsibilities and being accountable. Raised by his mother, with an estranged father self-reliance guided his positive and sometimes challenging journey through manhood. Ultimately the challenges he faced, coupled with attending the “Million Man March” in 1995, led him to join St. Paul Community Baptist Church (SPCBC) where he is now an Elder. Then in 2008, he became a part of the leadership of Chionesu Bakari. At SPCBC, he shined as a leader, team collaborator, and youth mentor. In 2001, Elder Curmon was appointed to Armor-bearer for the then Assistant Pastor David K. Brawley. The role requires the highest levels of integrity and commitment in support of the Pastor. As a result of his service, Elder Curmon was handpicked, by Pastor Emeritus Rev. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Pastor David K. Brawley, and the Board of Elders to be a part
of The Board of Elders at St. Paul. For the last 12 years Elder Vaughn Curmon has selflessly served in his roles for the Pastor and The Board of Elders. All while progresing through his now 26 year career with NYC Transit Authority. By his side is his wife Jestine, and their 2 daughters Jazmine and Javonni. As the Special Services and Outreach Coordinator, Elder Vaughn Curmon supports the young men by acting as proxy on behalf of their families at their sons’ schools. Elder Curmon’s role provides support for the young men in the face of potential bias, or as a positive African American male mentor, providing correction and encouragement. In addition, he has taken on family mediation when necessary as unresolved issues with the young men arise. Elder Curmon is also responsible for extending the mission of CB to external organizations. As a liaison with different community organizations and schools, he continues to coordinate volunteer opportunities for the CB Young Men. In addition, he leads workshops based on CB programming of brotherhood to the various age groups. Elder Curmon is committed to being a guide and mentor to CB young men. His hope for CB is that the next group of CB leaders will come from within the young men today, carrying the torch forward. “We are products of our environment, if your environment wasn’t healthy, loving, nurturing, we must create that for the future of our children” By Susan T. D. Rodriguez
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Meet The CB 2013-2014 Young Men & Families Young Man: Jalen Bridges Age: 12 Parents/Guardians: Thomas Bridges
Young Man: Nazir Warren Age: 8 Parents/Guardians: Nga & Katwona Warren
Why CB? The Bridges desired a brotherhood for Jalen. As members of St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Jalen’s parent’s observed the CB Young Men in the community when bringing their daughter to Freedom School this past summer. Based on everything they witnessed, the Bridges trust that Jalen is in good hands and that CB has his best interest at heart.
Why CB ? The Warrens were impressed with the way the Young Men of CB carry themselves in the church as well as in the community.
Young Man: Kahlil Gravenhise Age: 8 Parents/Guardians: Royston Lancaster & Monique Gravenhise Why CB? Ms. Gravenhise wanted to ensure her son had positive strong male mentors to help guide him. She was impressed after seeing the young men of CB perform and speak several times at St Paul’s in 2012 and decided to look into the program. Her research led her to believe, that CB is capable of guiding Kahlil through the many stages of manhood.
Young Man: Dennis Hedgepath Age: 14 Parents/Guardians: Delisa Mead-Hedgepath Why CB? Ms. Mead-Hedgepath liked what she saw in the young men of CB when she would see them speak or perform at church. Delisa felt the program would be great for Dennis to be with young men that are doing positive things.
Young Man: Ryan White Age: 12 Parents/Guardians: Alana Bernard Why CB? Ms. Bernard, heard about the program from the principal where she works. She felt CB could be instrumental with helping Ryan face some life issues.
Young Man: Keith Paul Reche Age: 17 Parents/Guardians: Evetta Gaines Why CB? Ms. Gaines likes CB because the program diligently works at ensuring its young men are headed in the right direction. * We also welcome Victor Floyd Jr. and his family to CB.
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Information provided by Terri Butler, Latoya Kittrell, and Charisse Smith
Chionesu Bakari Staff Profile Young Man: Preston Kilkenny Age: 8 Parents/Guardians: Colin and Nicole Kilkenny Why CB? Colin and Nicole Kilkenny want Preston to embody responsibility and learn that he can overcome the struggles, take on difficult projects and confront his fears during the ups and downs of childhood. The Kilkennys believe CB will augment his transition into young adulthood and help him process the lessons learned aiding in his success.
Young Man: Janoah Harrison Age: 14 Parents/Guardians: Heidi Cox Why CB? Heidi was exposed to CB through her daughter’s dance program Cradle & Rock at St. Paul’s. She watched the young men perform at the baby dedication and the Rites of Passage Ceremony, which peeked her interest. Rhonda and Wayne Hartley’s association with CB validated her interest in the program for her son.
Monica Britton
CB Administrative Support Monica Britton, has been the Administrative Support for Chionesu Bakari since 2008. Monica became a part of this organization because she saw a need for her skills in administration and social media, and knew that they would be important as the program continued to grow. Additionally her godson, Marcus, who was generally shy at the time, was in the program and she wanted to make him feel comfortable being around other young men. Monica is also a member of the Social Media Committee within CB and oversees the work they do. She makes a conscious effort to stay back and allow the parents to let their creative side shine through and helps by adding her finishing touches when necessary. Monica shared the following on why she remains committed to CB, “I started working with St. Paul Community Baptist Church in 2006 which was the same year that Chionesu Bakari started their summer program. As I watched the young men, I knew that this was a different program. Mr. Moore’s level of commitment to the program makes me that much more committed. It’s not about him, it’s about his individual, personal passion for the program and the young men, and there is nothing that he won’t do to help them. It’s great to see a Black Man that has had no previous connection to them become so committed to them and that’s great.” Her prayer request for Chionesu Bakari is for the organization to be able to continue to grow outside of Brooklyn and New York City and to be able to incorporate what is being done. “It would be great to “mass-produce” the program all while keeping the same vision and principles in tact, kind of like what Geoffrey Canada has done with the Harlem Children’s Zone. It would be great to do that with Chionesu in other states,” said Monica Britton. “It’s an important work that has been done for the past several years so something is being done right, but other young men need to be able to experience this and have the same opportunity with the same results in other parts of the country.” Monica Britton graduated from Westbury High School in Westbury, Long Island. She then attended The State University at Albany where she attained a BA in English, while minoring in Communications. Prior to her current role at SPCBC as Director of Communications & Special Projects, Monica held several Regional and National Marketing Leadership roles in Universal Motown Records, EMI Music Distribution and Virgin Records America. Monica has been awarded for her work in Industry and the Non-Profit sector. Her awards include, Woman of Inspiration by The Positive Community Magazine; Named one of the top 50 Black Women in Entertainment (#22) by Black Noir Magazine; Featured in Black Enterprise and Urban Network Magazines; and Finer Woman of the Year by Kappa Epsilon Zeta of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. By Paulette Bailey
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IN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THE STORIES OF THE ULTIMATE GIFT RECEIVED FOR TWO CB FAMILIES
The Gift of Life Pam, I’d like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your story with us. AM: How did you learn that you needed an organ transplant? PW: I’d never really been sick before but in 1988 I began to develop a rash and bloodshot eyes. I attributed it to being exposed to various eleAccording to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 30% of those currently awaiting organ donations are African American. Yet in 2012, only 20% of all transplant recipients were African American, with 17% of all deceased donors being of African American descent. Despite these daunting statistics, Chionesu Bakari is blessed to have not only one parent who is an organ transplant recipient, but two! This season we shared our family values, traditions and what we are most grateful for and although we came up with many new ideas, we all agreed that the gift of “LIFE” topped everyone’s list. During recent moving interviews with Pamela Watson and Wayne Hartley they shared part of their miraculous stories with us. Pamela mother to 17yr. old Marcus, was diagnosed with a condition called Sarcoidosis. No one knows what brings on the onset of Sarcoidosis, but it is a disease caused by small areas of inflammation. It can affect any part of the body but is most common in the lungs called pulmonary sarcoidosis. In serious cases such as Pam’s, sarcoidosis can affect the lungs’ ability to move oxygen into the bloodstream.
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PW: Our entire family was impacted. My husband worried about me and what the outcome of my medical crisis would be. Marcus was not focusing in school like he should’ve been and the girls were nervous in their own way. Even today, they still have some nervousness around my health especially if they hear me coughing or looking tired. AM: I understand the hospital called you several times to come in for a transplant, only to find out that the organs weren’t viable?
PW: Yes, I actually was called seven times bements in “ 99% of people don’t know the fore there was a viathe air and impact of not being able to breath. ble match. Sometimes figured it People can’t imagine how many while the organ is harwas allervested the doctors regies. After breathes it takes to live in a day.” alize that it may not be visiting my the best match for you doctor I reand that’s what hapceived my diagnosis and I was prescribed pred- pened in my case. nisone. I was in in remission and the AM: How has the organ transplant imsymptoms would come and go, but as proved your quality of life? time passed my condition worsened. PW: 99% of people don’t know the imI began to have frequent lung & nasal pact of not being able to breath. People infections, so my doctor referred me can’t imagine how many breathes it to a Pulmonary Specialist for an evalutakes to live in a day. My life is 100% ation. At my first meeting my oxygen improved, I’ve been sick for 5-6 years. level was so low they wanted to hosMarcus, my son, knew me healthy, but pitalize me. Soon I needed oxygen full the girls only knew me as being sickly. time and had a bout with the H1N1 flu. Life is awesome and I do a lot now. I’m Eventually, I couldn’t walk more than currently attending Fordham University 10-20 feet and ended up in a scooter. full time, pursuing a degree in psycholAM: What did you experience emotion- ogy and I’m doing fun things with the ally when you learned that you’d need kids that I wasn’t able to do before the transplant. a transplant? PM: When I learned that I’d need a transplant I was scared and anxious and didn’t know how it was going turn out, but I knew that I had to exercise my faith in God. I was mostly concerned about my children Marcus, Michelle, and Victoria who were respectively 16, 10, and 11 at the time. AM: How did your illness impact your family?
AM: Many people are hesitant about becoming a donor. Some believe they won’t get the same quality of care in the hospital if they consented to be a donor. What would you say to the community regarding becoming an organ donor? PW: Doctors and hospitals are not in the business of taking a life, but to save a life. People need to know that organ
donations save numbers of countless lives. Unless you have a religious belief, I say give and let somebody else live. I’m so grateful to the unselfishness of the family who donated my lungs, had it not been for their generosity and compassion, my children may have only known me as always being sickly. I’d also say the love and support from family and friends have helped me get through it. My family rallied around me and helped me tremendously. The prayers, love and support of my church family St. Paul Community Baptist Church, (Brooklyn, NY); the Deaf Ministry, Chionesu Bakari put me more at ease during this ordeal.
decline without any apparent reason. I had a lack of energy and became winded after simple tasks like tying my shoe. I went to several doctors to figure out what was happening. The first doctor I visited told me I had asthma and gave me a pump. The second doctor I visited told me I had an upper respiratory infection and gave me antibiotics. To no avail my symptoms didn’t improve, I was extremely tired and had shortness of breath. I decided to seek another opinion and it was this time that a chest x-ray revealed an enlarged heart. AM: What did you experience emotionally when you learned that you’d need a transplant? WH: More than anything, the idea of not knowing what to expect was frightening. I was a newlywed and my son wasn’t 2yrs old yet. AM: How did your illness impact your family? WH: I was in the hospital A LOT and it was touch and go for a while. During this time my wife had to take care of our year old son, work and visit me regularly. My friends and family were concerned and prayed for my family and I continually. It was a very emotional and
Wayne Hartley father to 13 yr. old Brandon and 21 yr. old Wayne Jr., has been blessed three times “ I’m a testament of faith. Many over. Wayne’s story like Pamela’s people whom I didn’t even know is truly a miracle. Wayne was diprayed for me. My life is not a agnosed with a condition called coincidence but a gift and I have to Cardiomyopathy. The disease fulfill my purpose. ” weakens and enlarges the heart. Cardiomyopathy makes it harder for the heart to pump blood and deliver it to the rest of the body. extremely hard time in our lives. The Ultimately, it can lead to heart failure. idea of a not getting an organ in time Wayne learned that he’d need a heart was overwhelming. transplant in February 2002 and the most amazing and miraculous thing AM: I know first hand that you were happened, he received his new heart not just blessed with one organ but not long ago you had a need for another three day later on Valentine’s Day! organ. Tell us about that: AM: Wayne, thank you for giving of your time to share your miracle(s) with us. WH: Often times other organs are afHow did you learn that you’d need an fected as a result of the different medication given for the initial transplant. organ? In 2011, not only did I need a kidney WH: In 2001 my health rapidly began to transplant but a pacemaker as well. It was definitely
one of those times that it paid off for me to be the only son and youngest of eight children. My sisters were tested to see if they were compatible and thank God my sister Jackie tested positive and gave me another chance at life by donating her kidney. I also received a pacemaker. That was a real big deal for me, because I realized many people especially African Americans don’t receive the organs they desperately need. AM: Many organ recipients say they believe they’ve taken on some quality of their donor, have you ever experienced anything out of the ordinary in that way? WH: I think my donor had skills in the kitchen. Prior to my surgery I never cooked or baked, now I am an EXCELLENT baker. I sell cupcakes as well as cakes and enjoy hosting dinner parties where my fine cuisine is featured. AM: How has the organ transplant improved your quality of life? WH: I am blessed to see my children grow up and remain in a successful marriage. I was able to retire from the NYC Department of Corrections and enjoy more time with my family, friends and develop my cooking skills. Without a doubt, I’m a testament of faith. Many people whom I didn’t even know prayed for me. My life is not a coincidence but a gift and I have to fulfill my purpose. I am still unsure as to what that is – but I try daily to live right. I never want to miss my purpose by not obeying God. It is crucial that our community gives back. Surely, I have been blessed beyond measure with all of the surgeries that I’ve undergone. Without the love of God, and an excellent support system of family and friends, I would’ve never made it this far. I’m grateful! By Antoinette Miller
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CB Family Fun @ The Movies
CB Coming Events
The CB Family sold tickets to our extended family and friends to join us in viewing “The Best Man Holiday” on Friday November 22nd. I’m proud to say the theater was packed to the gills! We held a raffle for two great prizes: a 40 inch flat screen TV and a $175 gift card. Congratulations to our winners!
December 2013 Holiday Calendars - $20 per calendar
All week I saw comments on Facebook from people about how great the movie was and how it took them through all types of emotions. As I watched the movie sitting among CB family and supporters I couldn’t help but notice some of the principles and topics discussed many times in our CB parents’ workshops being played out in the movie. Trust, respect, love, forgiveness and family. As we saw in the movie, forgiveness plays a major role in relationships and the biggest breakthrough comes for the forgivers once they open themselves up to forgive. You’ll never know all that you are missing out on by holding on to distrust and not forgiving others. Our events are also an opportunity for our supporters to learn more about CB and our goals and visions. Pamphlets and pens along with a warm smile were given to our guests as they entered the theater. There is always laughter, fun and an underlying commitment to growing our program! I always enjoy our CB events because I get to mingle with the other parents as we work together to make the event a success. By Tosca Myers
January 2014 MLK Jr. weekend Annual Bowl-a-Thon February 2014 02/15 - 02/21 North Carolina & New Orleans Trip June 2014 06/06 - Annual Gala Tickets $125, Black Tie California Trip June / August 2014 CB Family Cruise Summer Session Begins Please check our website for the latest information
Visit Chionesu Bakari Online Learn More about our Program & Support Young Black Men! www.youngblackmanonline.org
Credits
Editor Horace L. Moore Newsletter Team Susan T. D. Rodriguez Paulette Bailey Monica Britton Terri Butler Latoya Kittrell Antoinette Miller Tosca Myers Charisse Smith Sharon Swain
WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR See you in 2014!
This newsletter is published by: Chionesu Bakari 859 Hendrix Street Brooklyn, New York 11207 Phone: 347-708-2008 info@youngblackmanonline.org www.youngblackmanonline.org This newsletter is also available online @ www.youngblackmanonline.org
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