Chionesu Bakari May/June 2016 Newsletter by Chionesu Bakari

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

May/June 2016 vol.3 issue 06

Celebrating 10 Years

INSIDE THIS ISSUE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

INSIGHT ON THE FOUNDER & EXEC. DIRECTOR HORACE L. MOORE

INTRODUCING THE RITES OF PASSAGE GRADS 2016

5TH ANNUAL GALA PICTURES

CELEBRATING CB IN SCHOOLS

TEXT TO PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT

UPCOMING EVENTS

Namaste, I am still coming off the exuberance of our 5th Annual Gala held on June 12. I am overjoyed and more than thankful being honored along with the Rites of Passage graduates and the achievements of Founder Horace L. Moore awarding a group of our our young men. It was an evening I hold in treasured CB youngest members in CS 21 Brooklyn. memory and I hope our guests will be inspired to take action. It was a night of tremendous memories. I am especially thankful to our generous sponsors, the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Maimonides Hospital, St. Paul Community Baptist Church, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, the MALIK Foundation and the Eagle Academy Foundation NY. The speakers of the night highlighted the successes of CB and charged our guests to continue the necessary vital work for the young men. I am grateful to Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood - Mt. Pigsah Baptist Church, Rev. David K. Brawley - St. Paul Community Baptist Church, our keynote Shawn Dove - CEO Campaign for Black Male Achievement, as well as David Banks CEO of Eagle Academy Foundation who was unable to attend, but was there in spirit, who share the vision. Special thanks to the speakers that made personal reflections on my journey, Mr. & Mrs Ernest Logan- Educators, my sister Jean Flores, Yvonne Robinson - CB Alumni Parent, Queen Mother Sarah Plowden - St. Paul Community BC along with Bedel Saget and Fred Underwood of the MALIK Fraternity. This year's Gala was a sold- out night and I am overjoyed that so many CB Families and Friends attended. The Gala exhibited the power of Family and Supporters coming together to lift up our young men. Also that night, I take special pride in over 25 CB Alumni young men being in attendance. As Chionesu's biggest night for fundraising, this year was made more exciting by the over 10 fold increase of our collegiate scholarships amounting to $18,000. In addition, we introduced the ease & excitement of our text to pledge initiative. The college bound CB young men awardees are more than thankful for the generosity of the collegiate scholarship sponsors which include; Erica Keller (on behalf of her late father Thomas Keller), Lori White, Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Logan (successful educators), William Calloway, and the NYPD Guardians' Association. The successful production of such a fantastic night would not be possible without the dedication of the Gala Committee members. I am grateful for the committee; Syeatta Bolden, Rhonda Hartley, Antoinette Miller, John Robinson, Susan Rodriguez, my spiritual brother the MC, Rev. Leslie Shannon, our night of coordinator, Paulette Holland and the young ladies, and the teams of people that assisted through the months; Alumni team, Lakisha Adams, DeShauna Appleton, Latasha Green and CB Staff. As we begin our summer program this July, celebrate our Founder's Day on July 9th and close out CB's 10th Anniversary year, I am Full with gratitude and charged to continue the vision forward another 10 plus years! Enjoy your summer and thank you for taking a moment to read in this issues, insights from my world as Founder/Executive Director, to meet our Rites of Passage graduates and view pictures of our beautiful Gala. Horace L. Moore Founder & Executive Director

Chionesu Bakari Program for Young Men

CB Staff Insights Founder & Exec. Director Horace L. Moore 10 years ago, Horace Moore felt a strong urge and had a vision to create a ministry of saving and developing young Black males. As a Black man that grew up in the heart of Brownsville, Brooklyn himself, Horace Moore could identify with the plights that young Black men are faced with everyday as they embark on their individual journeys into manhood.

As an Educator for over 15 years (9 years of teaching experience at JHS 263 (Brooklyn), 4 years teaching at Riker’s Island and 3 years teaching in NYC District 13), Elder Moore’s frustrations began to mount as he was afforded a panoramic view into some of the epic tragedies that plague our young black men, including diminishing graduation rates. He decided that he would be the change that he wanted to see, and initially explored opening a school, but his transition to teaching at The Johnny Ray Youngblood School helped to shape Elder Moore’s vision of CB. The compilation of his vision, along with the support of Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, the CB’s staff and the commitment of 30 young men along with their families, and Chionesu Bakari was born! This program has been immersed in the goals of saving young men from the ages of 8 – 18 years old by reclaiming, renaming, renewing and reconditioning their minds ever since. As the Founder & Executive Director, Elder Moore, as he is also referred to being recently installed as Elder at St. Paul Community BC, is responsible for overseeing and executing the vision of CB for the benefit of the young men and their families alike. He ensures that this wholistic ministry engages the entire family in the mission of growth & development. It is taught and exercised that every moment is a teaching moment, not just for the young men, but also for the families and the mentors alike. Elder Moore is also engaged in identifying new opportunities for the staff in other venues of education and mentoring, along with expanding CB’s brand recognition and visibility. The main goal at this point is to expand program nationally, so that young men across the country can benefit from its’ fruits.

including weekends, winter recess, summer vacations and some holidays too! Not to mention, all the school visits for parent-teacher conferences and conflict resolution, or the multitude of graduation ceremonies that he attends, and there have been hundreds over the past 10 years with CB’s 100% high school graduation rate!!!!! Elder Moore said “the goal is and has always been to make sure our young men feel important, that they understand that they deserve to be heard, to ensure that they are educated and articulate, and that they learn to express themselves without being perceived as angry. The development of productive individuals, that are God fearing and future leaders is all in the work.” As Elder Moore reflected on CB, where it started and where it is now, he admitted that there is a sense of pride to see the young men when they first walk through the doors of CB, (many at 9 or 10 years old) and to watch them grow up into these phenomenal beings. It is a true testament of all that is sown into them by the collective of CB staff and families.

When probed for additional thoughts/feelings, Elder Moore said, “I would be remise if I did not take an opportunity to thank the parents/guardians for trusting us with their young men, and for all of the work and efforts that they have poured into CB. Our prayer intercessors keep us covered in prayer year over year and they are invaluable. CB staff ’s love, dedication and commitment to fulfilling our intentional and direct mentoring efforts is immeasurable in it’s worth. Last but certainly not least, my deepest gratitude goes to Rev. Dr. Johnny Ray Youngblood, Rev. David K. Brawley and to Elder Moore, an Educator with over 27 years of our community at large for continuously supporting the experience is living the calling of this ministry placed dream that is now a reality.” on his life. After all, how else can one explain why a We honor, celebrate and thank God for Elder Moore’s person goes straight from their job working with young vision, leadership & perseverance over people all day and dedicates their free time with even the last 10 years to see it through!!! 3 more young people? That is what Elder Moore does, By Charisse Smith

Introducing CB's 2016 Rites of Passage Graduates This year, we proudly present our Rites of Passage Graduates who have surpassed our success rates with 100% High School and College enrollment. This is a powerful group of young men who each earned multiple college acceptances. When the prospects for college are fleeting for so many young men, we are humbled by our young men who have embodied the CB principles and will be transitioning successfully to college. The CB Rites of Passage(ROP) process is a rigorous 12 month phase that culminates their passage to man-hood. The key components of the Rites of Passage process are; group and individual accountability, academic achievement, self discipline, positive character and decision making , leadership development and various skills development .

Congratulations to CB's 8 Rites of Passage Graduates! Shareif Daniels, joined Chionesu 5 years ago, in the Summer of 2011, and now at age 18 completes the ROP process. An avid football player, he graduates from Midwood H.S. and is all set to matriculate at Johnson C. Smith Shareif Daniels Renamed: Kimya Tendaji Bakari University in North Meaning: One who is quiet, calm and makes Carolina where he things happen and is of noble promise will major in Sports Management and minor in Sports Medicine. (He was accepted into 5 colleges but thought JCS to be the right fit). He describes himself as caring, motivated, determined and ready to become a man. "I'm ready to be independent not dependent and to come from underneath my mother and I have learned many things from my CB mentors including some that my mom, as a woman couldn't teach me. Some things I've learned are; never to judge people based on their appearance because you never know their situation; always carry yourself in a respectful way and take responsibility for your actions; look presentable at all times because you never know who you will meet and also, never be afraid to speak out and speak up." In speaking about the ROP process, Shareif said that bringing everyone together and breaking the "cliques" has made the bond between the ROP brothers stronger. They have learned to work together, make decisions together, stick together and trust 4 each other enough to know that what happens in ROP, stays in ROP.

Marcus Watson, one of the distinguished gentlemen completing the Rites of Passage stage of Chionesu Bakari. Marcus is 19 years old and has been in Chionesu for nine years. Marcus currently attends Bayside High School in Queens, N.Y. As Marcus reaches the end of his High School career, he gracefully Marcus Watson prepares himself for Renamed: Shukrani Tiifu Bakari Meaning: One who is grateful, loyal and is his first year of college of noble promise at Johnston C. Smith in Charlotte N.C. Marcus has also been accepted to Florida Memorial in Miami Gardens, F.L and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Marcus stated he has had great experiences with Chionesu Bakari, during his nine years within CB, and he will take all that he has learned with him on his new journey. The Rites of Passage phase of CB can be an interesting experience. Marcus deemed it to be very challenging. He stated you have to be committed and nothing was placed before meeting with his ROP brothers. Marcus stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;no matter what, you /we had to goâ&#x20AC;?. Marcus is glad to have made it through the process.

John H. Smith III, has been in Chionesu Bakari for 8 years. He is 17 years old and attends Lone Star High school, in Texas. He has been accepted to Wayland Baptist College, Lyons C ol l e ge, Southwestern College,Bacone College, University of Saint Mary’s and John H. Smith III Langston University. Renamed: Zuberi Ayubu Bakari Meaning: One who strong, perseveres and is He plans to attend of noble promise Southwestern College to major in Sports Management. For John, the Rites of Passage process was an exciting accomplishment grounded in positivity. He valued the opportunity to go through this process with his ‘brothers’ with whom he started CB with. The rites of passage signified reaching a new and important level in his life. John has learned to be determined and never underestimate himself. He states that being a part of Chionesu Bakari has instilled, in him, many life skills. “I'm a leader, not a follower. I have to be accountable for my actions. The CB experience has helped me as a young man by teaching me to always hold my head up, to be confident, and to stay focused”. Najee Dejon Hunt, 17, has been a member of Chionesu Bakari for five years. In June 2016, Najee will graduate from Christ the King H.S. in Queens, NY. Najee was accepted to attend eight colleges and universities: Adelphi University, College of St. Rose, St. Johns NaJee D. Hunt University, Stony Renamed: Ekevu Kweli Bakari Meaning: One who is intelligent, honest and is Brook University, of noble promise. University of Maine, University @ Buffalo, Albright College and Long Island University. He will attend Adelphi University and major in computer science with a minor in acting.

When asked if he was ready to “be a man” Najee replied, “CB has given me the preparation, guidance and advice needed to tackle life, for example, they taught me the benefits of time management and how to present myself...because, the first impression is usually the most memorable.” When asked about his experience with the ROP, Najee felt it was helpful, because it allowed the ROP candidates to understand the process of commitment. They learned...you have to give your all when you commit to something. Najee reflected, "each one of us went through the process of CB. We made it to the end and now we are graduating from the ROP program, proudly!"

Najee Quick, 17 joined Chionesu in the Fall of 2007. He currently attends the Grand Street Campus of the Enterprise of Business & Technology School where he is a Junior. His plan is to attend one of his top 3 college choices which Najee Quick include Cornell, Renamed: Jali Shambe Bakari Howard and the Meaning: One who is a respected, honored leader and is of noble promise University of Buffalo where he will major in Architecture and minor in Photography Media & Film. Najee is quite mature for his age and has completed the ROP process even though he is in the 11th grade. With the knowledge he has gained over the last 9 years in the program, coupled with that from his family, Najee considers himself to be a strong leader who is always ready and willing to learn and believes that he is ready to become a man. Najee commented that he views CB as a tree with Mr. Moore as the trunk and his branches are the connections that he has with others. Mr. Moore's network & support helped him to get his first job working with young men at the Imagine Me Leadership School, then as a Counselor for CB and now as Staff member in CB. Najee doesn't have a biological brother but with Chionesu Bakari he has gained a brotherhood, a connection with his

younger and older "brothers" in the program. Without sharing too much about the Rites of Passage process, Najee shared, "at times it is a challenging process; dealing with the different characteristics, attitudes and egos but "we had to put that away and connect, communicate and talk more which forced us to build a bond that cannot be broken, a bond that will make us grow old together.

Stephon Denzel Fagan , 17, has been a member of Chionesu Bakari for seven years. In June 2016, Stephon will graduate from Harvest Collegiate High School in New York, NY. He was accepted to attend six colleges and universities: Stephon D. Fagan Renamed: Jasiri Kibasira Bakari Brooklyn College, Meaning: One who is fearless, has insight and Buffalo State, City is of noble promise College, Medgar Evers College, Johnson C. Smith University and Shaw University. Stephon has decided to attend Brooklyn College on a full academic scholarship. When asked if he was ready to “be a man, Stephon replied, “CB taught me the responsibilities and behaviors of a man. The men in the CB program are true role models." Stephon described his experience with the ROP as “a challenging program”. He explained that “the ROP challenges you to the full extent, helping you grow and become more responsible.” Overall, Stephon felt it was a positive experience. He also noted that the ROP candidates got closer while they were going through the program. He said, “Now, we are not just friends, we are brothers...the lessons learned will definitely stick with me and I will apply them to my everyday life.”

Akeem Stanford is one of the amazing young men crossing the finish line of the Rites of Passage process of Chionesu Bakari. Akeem, 18, has been with the Chionesu Bakari for eight years. He currently attends Brooklyn School for Music & Theater in Akeem Stanford Brooklyn, NY. While Renamed: Zende Jawaad Bakari Meaning: One who is strong, generous and Akeem has been is of noble promise accepted to several schools, (Mercy College, Lincoln University, Norfolk State University Herkimer College & Morgan State), he will walk the campus of Norfolk State University come Fall 2016. Akeem’s experience with Chionesu Bakari has taught him that “change is good”. He stated, he appreciates everything he learned in Chionesu Bakari . He also appreciates the relationships that he has gained. Akeem found the Rites of Passage process to be long, sentimental and interesting. He said it was hard work, but it will pay off in the end.

Julian Beckford is 17 and attends Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. Julian has been accepted to five colleges thus far, including Lincoln University, Morehouse College, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, Long Island University at CWPost and Johnson C. Smith. Julian will be attending Morehouse College in the Fall. When asked to describe the Rites of Passage process, Julian stated that “it is a once in a lifetime experience”, one in which he believes will set him apart from others. Julian believes that being apart of Chionesu Bakari prepared him for manhood through teaching him to separate “facts from feelings” in order to help him make sound decisions. A young man of few words, helping him to stay organized and timely is another strength he attributes to being a part of the program. Julian Beckford Renamed: Jaha Kondwani Bakari Meaning: One who is dignified, joyful and is of noble promise.

ROP Profiles provided by Paulette Bailey, Latasha Green, Latoya Kittrell, and Sharon Swain.

Views from the 5th Annual Gala

Check out more pictures online at www.tr.im/cbgalahighlights

By LaTasha Green

10th Anniversary

2016 Upcoming Events July 2016 June 30 - July 1 CB Summer Program orientation July 9 CB Founder's Day Celebration

August 2016 "CB Get on the Bus" Getaway (Date & location to be Announced*)

August 13 CB Summer Program ends

We celebrate the success of our 1st full year of the CB in Schools Program! We are grateful for the partnership with CS21 and Principal Frazier and PS269 and Principal Jazmine Santiago and Asst. Principal Christine Kenny. Our youngest members in the 4th and 5th grades have shown wonderful growth in the CB values of self discipline, character development and decision making, Congratulations! End of Year Awards Ceremony at CS 21

YOU can continue the success of the uplifting work CB is doing with young men by giving in our text to pledge campagin! View online here: www.tr.im/cb10pledge and follow the instructions below!

Visit Chionesu Bakari Online Learn More about our Program Support Young Men!

www.youngblackmanonline.org

@cbyoungmen @Chionesu Bakari

Text to Pledge Now! 1. Create a new text message to the number 56512 2. Type CB10 Amount Full Name and hit send e.g. CB10 250 John Robinson 3. You will receive a text message confirming your pledge and a link to donate online or where to send a check . Msg & data rates may apply

For questions, please contact: supportcb@youngblackmanonline.org

Credits

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

Cover Picture: CB Gala 2016, Founder & Exec. Dir. Horace L. Moore, ROP Graduates & Staff

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.