CB Newsletter - Summer 2015 by Chionesu Bakari

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

“Building on the Foundation”

Summer 2015 vol.2 issue 05

Namaste, Welcome back, and thank you again for taking time to review and reflect on our activities. We have just completed our 10th summer program, and in honor of the past 10 years we made a momentous 10-day trip to visit colleges and sites in Texas. Following that we traveled internationally to Ontario, Canada to have some fun and take in the wonders of Niagara Falls. Our travels were right on the heels of our glorious Annual Gala which celebrated the staff, our young men, and the special 3 who completed their rites of passage and will begin college this September. After a great 9th year (serving over 63 young men and their families) we are looking forward to starting our 10th Fall season. This past year the young men were enriched with a curriculum of skill/character development and decision making skills. Our summer highlights were definitely linked to our visits and workshops. During our 10-day trip to Dallas and Houston Texas, we stopped in Virginia and Little Rock Arkansas, toured several colleges, received two exclusive tours at the Houston Astros stadium and at the Houston Museum for African American Culture, and met with the artist Najee Dorsey. In Dallas we collaborated with mentor and leadership coach, Darren Robinson, and the young men gained key leadership tips from a workshop he led. As a result of this successful encounter, we are exploring opportunities to bring CB to the Dallas area. We send a special thanks to the Pastor Rickie Rush of IBOC (Inspiring Body Of Christ Church) for making our very own Jordan “Butter”, the Assistant Pastor for the day during our visit. Service was wonderful and our young men found the sermon inspiring and motivating. Our Annual Black Male Empowerment Day this year included a line-up of professionals; Shaquelle Shannon, designer -Kevin Young; both sons respectively of partner & supporter, Rev. Lesley Shannon and CB Dir. of Operations Victor Young. In addition we were honored with Reverend Eli Wilson, several law and fire enforcement professionals, which included fathers of our young men. These men were gracious enough to share their career and life decisions with the young men. This experience left our CB young men with powerful impressions of the men that visited and the potential career options for the future. Our summer months were made possible through the collective efforts of John, Dante, and Quintin, past ROP graduates who are currently on staff. They exhibited excellent planning and leadership skills. I am extremely proud of their development and growth. We will have fun in the sun on our 3rd CB Caribbean 8-day cruise sailing from New York to the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. When we return we will close out the summer session with CB’s Annual Family Day BBQ on August 22nd. I INSIDE THIS ISSUE look forward to everyone coming together for great food, fun and a good time. Stay tuned for some great surprises during CB’s upcoming year. Mark your calendar for June 10, 2016, as next year’s Gala event is sure to be the biggest Gala ever with so many blessings to celebrate including the rites of passage of an additional 8 young men completing the process before they proceed to college. Thank you as always for taking the time to read our newsletter. Please enjoy the stories inside on the new families, a recap of the Gala, our letter from a young man on giving back and becoming a staff member and lots of pictures from our summer adventures. Horace L. Moore, Founder/Executive Director

DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

CB TRAVEL ADVENTURES - TEXAS & CANADA -

WE CELEBRATED! 4TH ANNUAL GALA AND RITES OF PASSAGE 4 CB ALUM GIVES BACK

CB'S NEWEST FAMILIES

UPCOMING 10TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

CB Summer Travel -Texas & Canada One of the foundational components of Chionesu Bakari is providing unforgettable experience that expose the young men to the world beyond their neighborhoods, schools and immediate environment. This was again experienced during this 10th year summer program where the young men journeyed on a ten day tour of visiting colleges, museums and other sites in Houston and Dallas Texas. If that was not enough, CB continued their adventure traveling to Ontario, Canada to take in the majestic Niagara Falls. Houston Artist, Najee Dorsey , uplift the young men with inspiration to go after their Dreams

Despite extreme temperatures reaching over 100 degrees, the trip to Texas was a huge success. Highlights included visits to The Shrine of the Black Madonna history museum lead by Vincent Edwards; to Minute Maid Park, home to the Houston Astros where they toured the 100,000-seat baseball stadium and the opportunity to walk on the field and sit behind home plate; touring Houston University and HBCU'S Texas Southern University and Paul Quinn College; a visit to the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) where they met Artist, Najee Dorsey who spoke about his artwork in his gallery and inspired the young men to chase their dreams and do what makes them happy. Najee will be creating a painting for our 10th Anniversary.

CB Leader, Vaughn Curmon with CB Young men on a Houston college tour

When traveling over a weekend, the young men always visit a church on Sunday and this trip was no different. They loved their visit to the Inspiring Body of Christ Church where Rickie G. Rush is the Pastor. When you enter the IBOC church, the aquarium in the main lobby is an amazing sight. The church motto says "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men" and is prominently displayed above the tank which is filled with hundreds of brightly colored fish from all over the world and from the deepest part of the ocean. The majority of the young men remarked that their visit to IBOC church was a CB Young Men at Niagara Falls highlight because of Pastor Rush's interactive and engaging service, even incorporating one of the young men, Jordon "Butter" Johnson during his sermon. One last fun visit in Texas for the young men was their visit to Hawaiian Falls Water Park for a day of fun. Additionally the young men mentioned that they always enjoy eating at Golden Corral and Cracker Barrel as one big family. With certainty, trips such as this impact the social, educational, and personal development of the CB young men along with their decisionmaking process concerning attending colleges and their ultimate career choice. Chionesu Bakari, our sons, their lives, your future.ď Ž

By Paulette Bailey

Pictures by CB Young Men

The majestic Niagara Falls

Darrell Robinson, founder VOID Ministry mentor and leadership coach, welcomes the CB young men to the Leadership Workshop in Texas Behind-the-Scenes tour of Houston Astro Stadium

Jordon "Butter" assists Pastor Rickie G. Rush of IBOC CB Worships with the amazing IBOC Church

Visit to Houston Museum of African American Culture

Summer CB Youth Counselors

Texas Southern University Tour

Fun at Water Park Shrine of the Black Madonna, Houston, TX

Houston University Tour

CB Gala Celebration and Rites of Passage 2015

JUNE 12, 2015 WE BEGAN OUR ANNUAL CELEBRATION SEASON, HONORING CB STAFF AND YOUNG MEN CULMINATING THEIR RITES OF PASSAGE

Chionesu Bakari's 4th Annual Gala, was an elegant Black tie affair, held at the LaGuardia Marriott in East Elmhurst, NY on June 12th. It as a night to come together to honor and celebrate 9 years of CB's "Entrusted Ones", the CB Staff for their successful mentoring process and leadership as well as the major achievements of our young men. We also celebrated the 3 high school graduates who completed the CB Rites of Passages process highlighting their commitment to their education and maturity as they embarked on their new journey to college. It was also a social media event, as guests took selfies and posted them to social media sites...#CBGala2015. It was a night of amazing guests, great food, dancing, awards and powerful words of insight and inspiration. Founder/CEO of Eagle Academy David C. Banks, was our revered keynote speaker addressed the graduates with words of wisdom on their being trailblazers and opening up doors for their younger brothers coming behind them. He spoke to all young men of how God, in his infinite wisdom, broke the mold when he created them and that it's their responsibility to be proud, strong and confident in all that they do because we expect nothing more than greatness from then. Mr. Banks saluted staff, guests, families, and founder Horace L. Moore and encouraged all to continue to support our young men. After all awards were given out, the night ended with a formal dinner and dancing. CB's young scholars, their families and our guests proved they know how to party!!! This was an awesome event in celebration of 9 years of blessings. ď Ž By Tosca Myers, Charisse Smith

Rites of Passage for 3 CB High School Graduates

Visit us online for more amazing pictures

CB Founder/Exec. Dir. Horace L. Moore and Keynote Speaker David Banks, Founder/CEO of Eagle Academy

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to thank CB Founder/ Exec. Dir., Horace Moore for the invitation to share in a wonderful and humbling experience at the 4th Annual Chionesu Bakari Gala. This was my first time attending and I must admit my heart is still full of gratefulness. The CB Program reminds me of a Hands-on Life Bible of instructions that develop AND prepare Young Black Men for the battlefield of Life. Horace, the staff, and parents instill a sense of value, honor, and a double dose of Vitamin D (Determination) into the mind and heart of these Young Men which encourages them to accept their greatness and rightful position in the kingdom of God."

CB Young Men perform the Katache "Warrior Dance" (choreographed by LeKai Worrell) during the Rites of Passage ceremony

Cheryl Ford, Founder / President Black Butterfly Inc.

CB Alum Gives Back, Returning as Staff Youth Liaison QUINTIN THOMAS REFLECTS ON JOINING THE FULL TIME CB STAFF I have been a part of Chionesu Bakari for 7 years now. The leaders of Chionesu Bakari and my mentor Ajani Paris have poured so much into me, in order to shape the man that I have become today, I feel it is imperative that I also share the knowledge and some of the gems given to me with the young men in the program. My early years of Chionesu Bakari gave me role models that I could count on. In each experience along the way, whenever I needed help, someone gave me something; whether it was financial, their time/counsel or a recommendation, it was a gift. I, in turn, do the same for friends, associates, and family. I give generously and share my successes with my employees and colleagues. This year, I returned to CB as a full-time staff member, in which I am the, Asst. Youth Liaison/Asst. Coordinator of Special Services. The two main reasons and the driving force behind my becoming a part of the CB staff full time is my relationship with John Robinson, a CB Alum who is now the Director-in-Training and Dakari RobinsonJones. My relationship with John is one where we gel; if you give us a task, we will figure out how to complete it no matter how difficult or how time consuming it may be. We accept each other’s counsel and even though John is older than me, he does not just shut my ideas or advice down. He listens and thinks about it before coming to a final decision. Dakari became my "little brother" when he first came into the program. He was in his shell and was one of the young men who missed their mother a lot. I remember the first trip we went away and that one night he cried because he was home sick. I told him that everything would be alright and that he would see his mom again. I shared that I missed my mom when I first went away, and we connected. Ever since then, he calls me, texts me, and when May/June comes around he always asks me “Quintin are you working for CB this summer?” and I say “yes”. The exchange would make him cheese (smile) from ear to ear knowing that I would be there and he would be with his big brother. Making the decision to take on a staff role within CB was very easy for me because there are countless relationships that I have made from being in CB and more opportunities to impact and change lives of more young men as long as I am a part of the movement. Successful people share their wealth, spread it around and it always comes back around. Call it Karma, the Golden Rule, the laws of physics — whatever your spiritual or religious beliefs — this intrinsic “law” or principle is the same. The simple act of giving creates a domino effect that is far-reaching and deeply satisfying.  By Quintin Thomas

Welcome New CB Families Eric Plowden Sr. and son Eric Jr. We welcome Eric Plowden Sr. and his son Eric Jr., who is 16, joined CB in July 2015. The family are long-time members of St. Paul Community Baptist Church. Eric Sr. has attended the church for over 41 years -- growing up he attended with his mother, who is our very own Queen Mother Sarah Plowden of St. Paul Community Baptist Church, and now attends with his own family. Over the years, Eric Sr. has seen the growth and development of the young men in CB as they transition from boys to young men. He is very excited to have Eric Jr., who lives in New Jersey, with his mother, participate in CB. Eric Jr. is a straight A student entering the 11th grade in the fall of 2015 and aspires to be a video game designer. He is also on the bowling team at school and enjoys basketball, soccer and dancing. He really enjoyed his first trip with CB and is looking forward to future CB activities. Eric Jr. has an older brother Devon (23) who is a member of the custodial staff at Imagine Me Leadership Charter School; a sister Deja (12), and a niece Mulan, who is 4. Devon was also one of the young men in the first program year of CB. Eric Sr. is a general contractor, specializing in kitchens and bathrooms and he works with the NYC Department of Corrections. He is happy to be a part of the CB family and is looking forward to sharing his knowledge and experience with the young men in CB. Ericâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer for CB -Lord, Thank you for helping me to turn these boys to young men and then into men. And keeping them safe on earth or in heaven in the mansion. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. ď Ž

Chaka and L. Fatima Phaire and son, Chaka Cai We welcome Chaka and L. Fatima Phaire and their son Chaka Cai, who is 12, joined the program in July 2015. Chaka and Fatima are both employed by the NYC Department of Education as a social worker and an administrator, respectively. Their interest in CB was peaked after witnessing a transformation in current CB members, Saleh and Nazir, as well as some of the other young men that completed the program. Chaka felt his son would benefit from the male guidance and mentoring he would receive through the program. Additionally, the fact that CB is a christian-based program affiliated with the St. Paul Community Baptist Church was very important to Chaka and Fatima. After researching other mentoring programs, the family collectively decided that none of the others could compare with CB. Fatima found the program to be timely, culturally relevant and believes CB will expose Chaka Cai to more history, culture and educational opportunities. Fatima believes CB is an experience that Chaka Cai will cherish for years to come. Chaka Cai,who is entering 7th grade this year, enjoyed his first trip to Texas with CB, especially the college tours. He is on the wrestling team at school, plays football and soccer, enjoys video games and is starting to learn chess from his dad. Fatima and Chaka Cai loves watching football and basketball and the family loves playing board games, watching movies, dining out, going to the theatre and reading books together. Chaka and Fatima immediately felt a special bond with the group at their first parent meeting. Their prayer for CB is that the program will continue to grow and expand its reach in the community and throughout the world. They both look forward to serving the program in whatever capacity that they are needed. ď Ž

Patricia Davis, Michelle Davis and son Tyheir Walker We welcome Patricia Lee Davis, mother of Michelle Davis and grandmother of CB young man Tyheir Walker, age 13. Patricia Davis's connection with CB and founder, Mr. Horace Moore, grew from her 30 year membership of St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church. In addition, Patricia is the sign language interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing members of the church. She has also been an educator for the past 25 years and is currently a freelance interpreter for the Department of Education. Michelle Davis, mother of Tyheir and daughter, Ava, has devoted the past 2 years as a medical office assistant. As active members of CB's home church and working connection maintained with Mr. Horace Moore through an after school program and it was easy to be exposed to the successful work of CB and felt that her grandson, Tyheir would benefit. Tyheir is a deep thinker and is very protective of his little sister. He has a passion for music and writing the spoken word. His wish is to have a studio where he can create beats and rhymes. He enjoys the weekly trips with his mom to Sam Ash, where he is exposed to different musical instruments to help him experiment his love for writing rap and creating beats. As a family they enjoy nature and spend at least 2 times a week at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Spending time together, walking the bridge or enjoying a meal of Tyheir’s Food Network version of Sweet Wings (deep fried in pancake batter) are some of the things they enjoy as a family. Tyheir is somewhat introverted and quiet however his brilliance shows through his writing. "We felt Tyheir needed exposure to other young men & male mentors to help him develop. We firmly believe it takes a whole village to raise a child, and we are fortunate that God blessed us with the extended village in the form of Chionesu Bakari, the first organized program of this magnitude."  We also welcome new family, Michelle Thomas and son Elijah. Due to family commitments we were unable feature Michelle and son this issues. Please look forward to learning more about them in our next issue. Family Profiles by Terri Butler and Sharon Swain

More Photos from around CB's 4th Annual Gala

10th Anniversary Upcoming Events November 2015 Dance with Stars (NY) CB & Exec. Dir. Horace L. Moore

August 2015 End of Season - CB Family BBQ October 2015 10th Anniversary Fall Session Begins

April 2016 Parent & Son Retreat June 2016 June 10 5th Annual Gala

October 1 Parent Meeting October 2 Fall Program Begins

June 12 Rites of Passage Ceremony

October 10 CB Family Trip 20th Anniversary of Million Man March

July 1 - August 12, 2016 CB Summer Program

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

Visit Chionesu Bakari Online Learn More about our Program Support Young Black Men! www.youngblackmanonline.org @cbyoungmen @Chionesu Bakari

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.