CB Newsletter April/May 2015 by Chionesu Bakari

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

“Building on the Foundation”

April/May 2015 vol.2 issue 04

A Word From The Director What a powerful few months it has been leading up to our Gala on June 12, 2015. Through the influence of social media, I have connected with some of the top leaders around the country focused on improving the lives of black male youth to discuss improvement strategies for our young men. In this issue you will read more about the Black Male Youth Summit in Newark, NJ that I attended along with Shawn Dove, CEO, Campaign for Black Male Initiatives and Stephen Powell, Exec. Dir. Young Men of Color Initiative, Mentoring, USA. In addition, I attended several mentoring workshops this month. Each event, refreshed my passion for serving the young men of CB and increased my urgency to do more. As part of our mission of renewing young men’s minds, we teach that there is a need for them to give of themselves as part of their purpose in life. These last two months have been all about community service at CB. In this issue we share some of the events CB participated in including: A Musical Tribute to the women of St. Paul Community Baptist Church; Volunteer Youth Facilitators at a Single Parenting Workshop; participation in a community fair in Brooklyn and a performance of the awesome Warrior’s Dance for an Anti-Gang and Violence showcase. As with many non-profits, fund-raising is integral to sustaining programming, and finding fun ways to raise money can be challenging. In April, our CB parents rallied together, sold tickets and hosted a 70’s flashback “party with a purpose” (raising money for CB). The party was a huge success with everyone getting into the “groove” with costumes and dance moves. The CB Family and Friends fun times didn’t stop at the 70’s however, as parents, sons and friends came together the 2nd Friday in May for a night of games and fun. Then on Sunday, 5/17 we gathered to walk in the 30th Annual Aids Walk with 76 CB Strong for those living with and fighting for an AIDS cure; many of which are in the neighborhoods we serve. As the 2014-2015 CB season winds down, we look forward to our Summer session. This summer the young men of CB will take college and historical tours through Dallas and Houston, TX, Little Rock, AK, and parts of Canada. Look out for images and updates via our social media outlets. Lastly I am immensely proud to announce CB’s college graduates this year, Robert Winter / Johnson C. Smith College, (one of our 1st 30 members) & Kennedy Hines / Shaw University. We also have 3 high school graduates, Ishmail Muhammed, Jermaine Simmons, and Leon G. Townsend, respectively, they will be attending, Johnson C. Smith, Suny Broome College and George Mason University. We salute each of you as you move onto the next phase of your lives. INSIDE THIS ISSUE I sincerely look forward to seeing each of you at our beautiful Gala night of honors and celebration on June 12, 2015. This spectacular event honors 9 years of entrusted Chionesu Bakari Staff, 2015 Graduates and Distinguished Service Partners. We are proud to have Special Guest, David C. Banks, President & CEO Eagle Academy Foundation as our Keynote Speaker. As always we are continually grateful for your time and support and hope that you enjoy reading about the young men and the organization’s activities in this issue. www.gala.youngblackmanonline.org.

DIRECTOR’S WELCOME

CB CONNECTING NATIONALLY

CB GRADUATES 3 CB COLLEGE GRADUATE MOM & SON SPEAK

70'S PARTY 6 FAMILY GAME NIGHT

Horace L. Moore,

YOUNG MEN'S SALUTE TO WOMEN

Founder/Executive Director

CB UPCOMING EVENTS

Namaste...

CB Connecting to National Black Male Youth Initiatives In February 2014, President Obama announced the `My Brother’s Keeper initiative. The initiative is to address the continued gaps seen in boys and young men of color in order to help them reach their full potential. Upon hearing this announcement our very own Founder and Executive Director Mr. Horace L. Moore became even more excited about his role in the realm of mentoring.

President Barak Obama signing order for the My Brother's Keeper Initiative.

"Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. Building on what works, when it works, in those critical life-changing moments." - Pres. Barak Obama (l-r) Shawn Dove -CEO. Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Horace L. Moore - Founder/Executive Director Chionesu Bakari, Stephen Powell - Exec. Dir. Young Men of Color Initiatives - Mentoring- USA

Recently, Mr. Moore had the opportunity to partner and attend several Summits on Black Male Youth, led by Mr. Shawn Dove. Shawn Dove is the CEO, Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA), www.blackmaleachievement.org. CBMA is a national network that seeks to ensure the growth, sustainability, and impact of leaders and organizations committed to improving the life outcomes of Black men and boys. Mr. Moore, attended the The Black Male Initiatives breakfast in Newark, NJ. Mr. Moore, Mr. Dove and Mr. Stephen Powell, National Exec. Dir. of Young Men of Color Initiatives, Mentoring USA came together for a powerful meeting of the minds on black male youth strategies. Mr. Dove's goal in leading these summits is to bring attention to young black males. It is his belief that their success relies on them getting a healthy start and entering school ready to learn. They must be reading at grade level by third grade, graduate from high school ready for college and career and be able to successfully enter the workforce. Keeping kids on track and giving them second chances is key to making this possible. If one didn’t know any better you’d think this initiative took a page from Chionesu Bakari. During the National Black Male Youth summits across the country discussions take place on how to make sustainable opportunities for our young people real possibilities. Often time young men are present and share their experiences. In addition, experts from private and public sectors also attend, many who have already been active in the role of mentoring. When asked, Mr. Moore expressed that it was quite refreshing to share and learn what other organizations were doing around the country. He further stated, "it was refreshing to see black men stepping up in under-served communities to stand in the gap for so many young men who at times have limited options." It is his hope to work along with My Brother’s Keeper initiative to expose the program to a new venue in mentoring. By Antoinette Miller

We are thankful that President Obama saw the need for this initiative and hopeful for its growth. 

Congratulations ! 2015 Graduates CB High School Graduates... Off to College! Ishmail Muhammed, is off to college! Ishmail's next 4 years was decided, during a tour of Johnson C. Smith U., NC and with the support of graduating Senior and CB Alum, Roberto Winter. Johnson C. Smith University, welcomes Ishmail as one of the Class of 2019 !

Jermaine Simmons, with the support of CB and his proud parents and family is ready for his transition from high school to College. Jermaine will be attending Suny Broome College !

Leon G. Townsend, has decided on the perfect match to spend his next 4 years. Leon is off to the George Mason University - Mason Life Program. Leon's lively spirit and readiness for the world is sure to light up the campus.

CB Middle School Graduates... Next stop High School! Reggie K. Huggins, will be attending Williamsburg H.S. for Architecture & Design in Fall 2015

Malachi Ramdeen, will be attending H.S. of Sports Management in Fall 2015

Rahnell Texsara, will be attending the Grand Street Campus - Math & Science Program in Fall 2015

CB College Graduate Mom & Son Speak CB ALUMNI ROBERTO WINTER AND PARENT JULIE WINTER We are living in a time where statistics show that young black males have the lowest high school graduation rate throughout the nation. A large number of our youth are being raised in single-parent households and are living in communities where there are not a lot of role models. Like any other single parent raising a young black man in these days and times where living to age 18 is an accomplishment, Julie Winter wanted her son Roberto to grow up, go to college and be successful. Her advice to him was not to be afraid to go out and explore life, go after what he wanted, not to limit himself to Brooklyn and to use the opportunities given to him to explore his talents and give the world what he had to offer.....but it hasn't been an easy road. Roberto Winter joined Chionesu Bakari in June 2006 and was one of the first 30 young men to start the program. Julie's expectations from the program was for Roberto to have a mentor, gaining views from a male perspective as his father was not in his life on a consistent basis at that time, and for her son to gain a brotherhood as he is an only child. Chionesu Bakari had the male presence and perspective that he needed and he learned a lot while in the program. Though he and his CB brothers are now separated by state, there is a bond and a brotherhood that can never be broken. They still keep in touch through calls, texts, and social media, and when he returns to Brooklyn, NY they connect and pick up where they left off. Julie expressed that there were many times over the years where Roberto was very challenging -- times when he wasn't focused, times when he was just skating by, when he didn't listen, when he wasn't working to his full potential, when he was suspended from school, how he attended three different high schools (but still graduated on time). There were times when Roberto thought he knew everything and didn't want guidance from his mother, times when he struggled because he didn't get the attention desired from his father -- and so much more. Roberto and his CB cohort even struggled within the program, to the point where they did not complete the Rites of Passage portion because they couldn't handle the expectations and commitment needed for the program. His group was challenged often with the distractions of teenage years; social life, partying, instead of the focusing on the activities within CB. Roberto barely graduated from high school but it was while on a college tour through a program, (You Can Go To College Now, led by Sister Shirley Dye and Dorita Wiggins Clarke), introduced to his family by Founder, Horace Moore that he received the opportunity of conditional acceptance to Johnson C. Smith. His acceptance was the beginning of a change on his life journey. When asked about what advice she would give to parents who may have experienced or are going through some of the same challenges that she went through as a single mother, Julie said, "never to give up on your child no matter how bleak it may look, even if you have to push and push and push some more." Roberto refused to be a statistic, he beat the odds and by the grace of God proudly graduated on May 17, 2015 with his Bachelor's degree in Community Health. On the day of his graduation she shared, ".....I'm soooo

proud of him, I feel like a chapter has closed both in his life as well as mine.....a new beginning is approaching and I'm nervous because I don't know what's going to happen..will he get a job? ..how long will it take him to find a job?. Student loans and the fact that Florida, where his father lives, is where Roberto wants to start this new journey. Though she is scared, she believes in Roberto and trusts that God will take care of him. She hopes he stays positive and focused on his goals and even when tough times come, he never gives up. "Pray....Prepare... then Proceed..(words used by Alvin Ailey dance company) That's what I wish for him." This sentiment we too, can use in our own lives when we are being challenged -- pray about it, prepare for the answer and proceed with instruction.

Roberto Winter CB Alum & College Graduate "Life ain’t been no crystal stair," and along the road of life you will encounter obstacles and roadblocks. It’s what you do during these times of adversity and the choices you make that will determine the outcome of your journey. You may get diverted at times but as long as you don’t stop, be prayerful, patient and persistent, you will push through and find your way back on the right path. Roberto Winter is one of the first 30 young men to join the Chionesu Bakari mentoring program in 2006. In corresponding with Roberto about the program he remarked that Chionesu Bakari is a very informative program and that sometimes you don't understand the simple lessons being taught in that moment. He said the impact that Mr. Moore and Elder Young had on him was the understanding that the decisions you make today will determine your future so you need to make wise choices. Some of the life lessons that he recalls learning were the importance of responsibility, leadership and family and that when in a tough situation the smartest decision is the best choice. Some advice that Roberto would like to pass on to his younger brothers is to ".... listen to your parents, be your own person...... you can't depend on everyone so learn how to survive on your own, keep a wrist watch and always be open to new things". As far as college goes, he said to "....stay focused on school from the very beginning and keep going no matter how hard things seem." On his graduation day he remarked that this was definitely a great accomplishment for him and that he is proud of himself for completing his undergraduate studies in four years. Looking back to the four years prior, he really had a lot going on and couldn’t foresee this happening. Though his father and grandparents are his biggest supporters, he said that most of all and without question he owed this to his mother who is his main lifeline and that without her, he didn’t know how he would have survived in school. He felt that he owed her this especially due to all of the past troubles that he put her through. She is so proud of what he has done. When asked if he would have done anything differently, he said he would have continued to get his degree in STEM majoring in biology. Roberto plans to attend a physical therapy graduate program in either Florida or North Carolina. He definitely wants to continue to build and grow from this big accomplishment. Chionesu Bakari is mentoring our young men, reclaiming and renewing their minds and disproving the statistics one young man at a time. No, life ain't been no crystal stair, the road hasn't been easy but each hurdle and obstacle has been worth it for this outcome. We salute Roberto for this accomplishment and look forward to the next chapter in his story.  By Paulette Bailey

CB 70's Flashback Party with Cause Friday April 24, 1970ish was the hippest night that Chionesu Bakari has ever hosted. CB was visited by the Black Panthers in the house that night, Mack Daddy, otherwise known as CB Dad, Colin Kilkenny, strolled through and scooped up the best dressed contest prize. There were afros galore, glittery minis and plenty of long hanging gold chains. This was all for fundraising, for the programming within Chionesu Bakari. Annually CB Parent's engage in fun ways to raise money, this our 2nd party was a success, CB members and friends showed up and showed out with vinyl boots and bell bottom pants, in the spirit of a great time, with everyone in the 70's mood. It was great to see the everyone dressing the part and having a good time with friends and family. Thank you to the 1970's coordinator CB Parent, Millicent Forson-Smith, she and her team. Don’t miss the next one! 

CB Serves at Single Parent's Conference Development does not stop for Chionesu Bakari families. Right on the heels of experiencing a fun filled blast from the past at CB’s 2nd Annual “70’s Party”, many of our parents participated in a series of workshops at “The Joy of Single Parenting Workshop Conference”. This Conference was skillfully developed by The Adelaide Sanford Institute and Dr. Angela Moses, hosted by WBLS’ Ms. Ann Tripp, and facilitated by experts in their respective fields like our very own Mr. Horace Moore. The conference took place on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Boys & Girls High School in Brooklyn, NY. Not only, was this an opportunity for our parents to benefit from a smorgasbord of informative workshops to select and develop from, but it was also an opportunity for many of CB’s young men and some of our parents to participate in community service. CB’s young men dedicated their day and demonstrated some of the effects of being a part of the program by speaking to participants about CB’s mentor program and they helped ensure that each workshop ran smoothly. Participants walked away feeling refreshed, renewed and enlightened on a number of topics. CB Founder/ Exec. Dir Mr. Moore facilitated one of the powerful sessions, "Boys to Men: Lift them up where they belong." Mr. Moore's reflection was that “single parents need to be heard on issues like fear, abandonment, trust, forgiveness, obedience, decision-making, etc. There is a real need to incorporate the African Proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” CB Youth Liaison, John Robinson, coordinated the CB Young Men as youth Facilitators for each workshop and said,“it was a great opportunity to help out and give back to the community by serving at this seminar. This community service project was time well served.”. 

CB Young Men Salute Women with Performance, Music and Soul On Sunday, March 29th we were delighted to experience a presentation from Chionesu Bakari, in celebration of Women’s Month. The Chionesu Bakari Young Men (CBYM) performed a timeless tribute that spanned decades. These young men were sharply dressed, in their signature black suits and orange bow ties as they wooed the women of St Paul with heartfelt and lively renditions of songs dedicated to each jewel group and their decade of life. The young men graced the stage, some as soloist and others as replicated groups to lip sync and dance, to the soulful sounds of music that touched our hearts through the years. CBYM sang Pharell’s ‘Happy’ to the Pearl Collective, (young woman under the age of 18) . The Emerald Collective (women age 18-29) enjoyed Miguel’s ‘Adorn’ while the Amethyst (women age 30 - 39)were serenaded with ‘Turn out the light’ by Teddy Pendergrass. CBYM replicated the O’Jays’ ,‘Living For the Love of You’ to the Diamond Collective (women age 40-49). CBYM Marcus brought a chair and rose to the stage, as he wooed one Sapphire (women age 50-59) to the tunes of. Luther Vandross, ‘A House is Not a Home’. The musical stylings and synchronized moves of CBYM’s version of the temptations ‘My Girl’ were especially for the Rubies Collective (women age 60 – 69). The Peridots, described as the jewel of promise, aged 70+ experienced an animated rendition of Lenny William’s “Cause I Love You” which was followed by ‘Unforgettable’ by Nate King Cole. All in all it was a joyful and spirited tribute, which proves that chivalry is not dead. CBYM took the time, energy and effort to show appreciation to the woman of the village. They researched songs, memorized lyrics and dance moves, set aside apprehensions, showed up and showed out! As a woman, from the Diamond Collective I can truly attest that the women of St. Paul felt celebrated! On behalf of Jewel Collective and women everywhere, Thank you!  By LaToya Kittrell

CB Family Game Night

Food, fun, laughter and quality time was the true nature and the ultimate rule at this year’s Chionesu Bakari’s 2nd Annual Game Night which took place at Brownsville Academy High School. There was lots of food, great music, and a multitude of game stations set up around the room so that our CB family and friends could challenge each other to musical chairs, video game tournaments, card games, checkers, bean toss, computer games and a slew of board games. The night ended on a high note in preparation for the AIDS Walk, as CB families that registered to participate with the group received their AIDS Walk “CB” t-shirts. What a great night of family time and fun! 

CB Walks in 30th Annual AidsWalk NY

Upcoming Events June 2015 June 12th - Annual Gala Tickets $125, Black Tie Summer Session Begins July 6, 2015 - August 15, 2015 August 12 - 20, 2015 CB Family Cruise

Celebrate with Us! The CB 4th Annual Gala Celebration Honoring "The Entrusted Ones, " the committed mentors, staff and 2015 Graduates & Distinguished Service Partners on June 12, 2015 New York LaGuardia Marriot Hotel, East Elmhurst, NY www.gala.youngblackmanonline.org Special Guest & Keynote Speaker ~ Mr. David C. Banks, CEO/Founder Eagle Academy Foundation "The Entrusted Ones" Present CB Staff Victor Young - Asst. Director Vaughn Curmon - Coordinator of Special Services Keir Nelson - Coordinator of Outreach & Activities John Robinson - Youth Liaison Dante Leary - Asst. Youth Liaison Susan T. Rodriguez - Parent Liaison/Communications Coord. Past CB Staff Melissa Beech Monica Britton Charlene Caldwell Hakikah Shamsiden Introducing New CB Staff David Nelson Quintin Thomas

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.

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

@cbyoungmen @Chionesu Bakari

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.