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Is There a Heaven For a Gangsta?
LOYALTY
Loyalty is what we are Keeping it real is how we do Staying true to the game And keeping it official With those who keep it official with you. Tough times don’t last long But tough people do Many shall come but the chosen are few We chose the game The game doesn’t choose you But if you don’t stay loyal To those who stay loyal to you Ain’t no guarantee That you’ll make it through So let our word be our bond And our bond be our life I will give my life before my word shall fail My honor is what keeps my soul From burning in hell. This truth I give from me to you Play the game fair And to thine own self Be true. It is my sincere hope that You take head to the wisdom Of those who came before you Enabling you to side step The follies of youth. I present to you My truth.
DEMAR TYSON
NO KIDS LEFT BEHND
No Kids Left Behind is an organization built on the foundation of love, respect and unity. Witnessing firsthand the lack of resources in the East New York Com- munity, I knew then that I had to make a commitment that there would be NO KID LEFT BEHIND. Whether a child is feeling neglected, bullied or just can’t fit in, I resolved there will always be a place for them.
My name is Keith Watkins; I am CEO and founder of No Kids Left Behind. I’ve been working with the youth in the East New York Community in Brooklyn NY for 26 years. I organize and facilitate basket- ball, football and baseball tournaments. we also teach fundamental skills that go along with these sports, we separate clinics and workshops. we developed and implemented life skills and conflict resolution workshops for the youth and adults. I also serve as a liaison for the 75th precinct and the PSA#2 police officer.
I established No Kids Left Behind in 2012, without funding to meet the overlooked demand of keeping our youth off the streets and giving them a place where they can be productive. The staff of No Kids Left Behind is trained and has experience as youth development prac- titioners. They are qualified to work with the youth. I began this organization by starting out with a Flag Football Tourna- ment for boys and girls 11-14 years of age that consisted of 6 teams and 66 participants. Over 70 participants registered for this tournament and since that first day on September 28, 2012, the number of participants has increased. We also started a dance program in 2012 that served 60 boys and girls from preschool to middle school. African dance, Tap dancing and Stepping were offered. The program has grown and is currently serv- ing 130 youths in the community and the numbers are respectively growing.
Furthermore, we provide a range of activities that incudes arts and crafts, dance, stepping, Double Dutch, and other recreational activities. We have an extensive sport program including bas- ketball. Football, baseball, street hock- ey, lacrosse, volleyball, tennis, track and field and soccer.
At this time, I have two overall goals to expand No Kids Left Behind. Firstly, I would like to broaden and strengthen the program offered by providing ad- ditional activities that will reach more youth. Secondly, I would like to expand services offered to meet the needs of the participants in the community beyond af- ter school programs and summer camps.
In closing; We provide the youth with education, homework help, recreation, workshops, conflict resolutions, team building skills and communication skills through enrichment activities. These trainings and workshops will provide the youth with positive outlooks on everyday life circumstances.
