Letter from the Publisher

Role Models

HERE AT OCALA MAGAZINE, we have made a commitment with our monthly “Charity Spotlight” to focus on some homegrown charitable organizations, and in this issue I’m proud that we are writing about two local gentleman who are using their talents and influence to make a difference in the lives of young people here in Ocala. Jamie Gilmore, Jr., and Eddie Rocker are two brothers who were high school football stars at North Marion High School and both left Ocala to play in the college ranks – Gilmore at Temple University in Philadelphia and Rocker at Florida A&M in Tallahassee. Upon finishing their playing careers and earning their degrees, Gilmore and Rocker could have done what most of do by embarking on careers in faraway places. These two men, however, chose a different path and what a blessing that is for us here. Gilmore recently told Ocala Magazine that he had not planned on returning to Ocala after graduating college because he did not see any opportunities for him. He believed this, though, because he was never exposed to what society had to offer outside of athletics. But come back he did after realizing there was a whole world of people and connections of which he was unaware.

This inspired the two brothers to make sure that young boys like him became aware of all the opportunities they can pursue in life, that there is more out there to aspire to than just football, baseball or basketball.

Gilmore and Rocker started KutDifferent, a 501c3 non-profit that mentors boys, particularly African American boys. As African American men and athletes, Gilmore and Rocker stand as perfect role models for these kids, many who don’t have a strong male presence in their lives.

The beauty of what Gilmore and Rocker do is reaching out to kids before they get into trouble and develop habits that will limit their potential – theirs is a proactive, preventative method. The kids in their program are taught to present themselves in confident, self-respecting ways – they dress nicely, walk and sit with good posture, engage a firm handshake, look people in the eye when speaking and speak clearly with proper annunciation of words. These are the ways of men and are a good step toward becoming a mature adult who will be of benefit to himself and society.

These may seem like cosmetic things, but these outward mannerisms can assure they will be the first ones to get those internships in the future. No matter what else is on the resume, an employer is going to be most impressed with the person who speaks confidently and carries himself like an adult, as opposed the mumbler with his pants hanging low.

They are exposing kids to the many roles they can play in society, roles in manufacturing, agricultural and technological industries, as well as services and government. For many of these kids, the only thing they have been intimately exposed to in terms of careers is dribbling a basketball or catching a football. Gilmore and Rocker are helping them discover there are other dreams more worthwhile to pursue.

Because it is September, I want to wish a happy birthday to my dear mother, Sharon Glassman. I thank God every day that I am blessed to have been reared by such a fantastic lady. Here’s to many more birthdays, Mom!

KutDifferent kids on a tour

PHILIP GLASSMAN, PUBLISHER