Mentors 5000 Role Models stay true to vision

MAINTAINING EXCELLENCE

THE 5000 ROLE MODELS OF EXCELLENCE STILL STRONG 28 YEARS LATER

Since the start of the pandemic, the 5000 Role Models of Excellence have not missed a beat. The program offered online training in etiquette and financial stability, and virtual field trips. The Mentors practiced social distancing with appearances at Dolphin Stadium and learned how to apply for college and financial aid. The 5000 held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., breakfast virtually and distributed food to those in need.

While serving on the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson noticed a pattern of young minority boys either being incarcerated, entering the drug trade, or dropping out of school. Not willing to sit back and allow society and poverty to destroy the lives of our children, Wilson began to challenge the men of Miami-Dade County to intervene in the lives of “at-risk” youth.

Thus, in March 1993, initiated by the School Board of Miami-Dade County, the 500 African American Male Role Models of Excellence was born. Wilson’s vision gained immediate response from the community and continues to serve as a major force in the transition of raising young boys to become men. In 1994, the name was changed to the 500 Role Models of Excellence Project. Given the increased enrollment of mentors and students it is now recognized as the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project.

Adult Role Model men are trained to salvage “at-risk” youth, who are considered candidates for society’s endangered species list. Young males ages 9-19 are paired with successful professional adult volunteers, who provide advice, guidance and educational assistance.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is a dropout prevention, mentoring program committed to closing the minority male achievement (access) gap by guiding minority male students along a carefully charted path through grades K-12 and college or ensuring the attainment of other post-secondary credentials, and increasing their employability in higher wage, high skills jobs within high demand industries.

VISION

Each minority male student will graduate from high school, go to college, vocational school or the military and be positioned to become a contributing and self-sustaining member of society.

GOALS

Our goals are designed to ensure that the youth of Miami-Dade County are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will able them to thrive in mainstream America, while instilling in them self-confidence and self-respect.

Goal #1: Place at-risk boys in supportive relationships with positive and successful men in the community who they can emulate.

Goal #2: Systematically educate program participants about the consequences of succumbing to societal pitfalls and expose them to positive alternatives to self-destructive behaviors.

Goal #3: Provide a program infrastructure that will empower adult community Role Models to assume responsibility for preparing young men to effectively deal with the challenges and struggles that threaten their success.

PHILOSOPHY

"It takes an entire village to 'educate' one child”. – adapted from an African Proverb

We believe the entire community must be involved in the process of changing the direction of our youth.

Report from the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Program

CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER COMES TO LIFE ON STAGE

Orlando Community Arts, Inc., (OCA), returned to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Disney Theater, Saturday, November 27, 2021, to present “Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker,” with Title Sponsor Orlando Health. More than 2,500 people attended the performance with ONYX Magazine as of the many sponsors. The production of "Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker" is to E.T.A. Hoffmann's "The Nutcracker" what "The Wiz" is to "The Wizard of Oz," an urban adaptation of a classic. What is amazing about this performance is that many of the performers/cast are local community youth who have never had professional training, however, through their God-given abilities and the support of OCA, they have produced a performance that rivals any Broadway show. "Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker" has become an anticipated holiday performance for children of all ages. Executive producer and Author of Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker Beverly Page works tirelessly to bring the story of Clare and her mystical dreams to life. Throughout the year, OCA works with creative students in programs that help build self-esteem, artistic creation and healthy curiosity—and give them a special bond that unites them forever. OCA embodies a developmental approach to arts education that considers the physical, emotional, and artistic interest and capabilities of all children. Page creates each Clare and Chocolate Nutcracker dolls for the community. She and her husband, Mayor Ernest Page, have hosted this event since 2012.

Photos by Brion Price

Rich Black, second from left, along with his family; Orange County School Board Member Vickie Felder, center; and U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, along with her family, attended the event.

Beverly Page, with microphone, is the play’s executive director and story author.

KIDZ HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!

Christmas in City of Orlando’s Parramore Kidz Zone & Holden Heights Kidz Zone was a huge success! Thanks to the PKZ/ HHKZ staff, partners, and many others, the program was able to provide 400 plus children and organizations our zones support with a little bit of the Holiday spirit. Children received gifts, bikes, food, crafts, music from a live DJ, and were able to participate in many more holiday activities! A big thank you goes to the following sponsors and supporters: Regina Hill District 5 Commissioner, District 6 Commissioner: Bakari F. Burns, Orlando City Foundation, Orlando Magic, African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, Wheelzy, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection, House of Sweat Orlando, AshBritt Environmental, Hope for More Foundation, My Designer Homes, Daughters of Zion, ONYX Magazine, Nike, City of Orlando Economic Development, Orlando Police Department and IBERIABANK!

Photo courtesy of City of Orlando

Bikes and jerseys were among the kids’ favorite things this year. One young man got in the holiday spirit with face painting. Orlando City Commissioner Bakari Burns, District 6, second from left, with City of Orlando Children and Education Manager Brenda March, second from right, with representatives from Sponsor Wheezly. ONYX MAGAZINE 41