On February 4, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC and Bigs United welcomed guests to honor and celebrate those who have displayed an unrelenting desire to instill mentorship throughout minority communities.
Danny Madden, Founder of Bigs United, strongly believes that "nothing is more important than mentoring a child." Realizing the trend of African American children dying educationally, morally and physically has motivated Madden to continue expanding the program and what it has to offer.
Staff Attorney Kelvin Davis said, "Mentorship is crucial in a competitive global world and Bigs United helps prepare youth for the challenges they will face in the near future."
I emphasized the need for more role models such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela to promote an embracing environment for youth development. Working as a CNN Commentator and Community Activist, I also highlighted the parallel relationship between financial literacy and cultural enrichment.
After sharing my memorable experience in South Africa, witnessing insufficient and devastating living conditions, I illustrated the necessity for, "Embracing our brothers and sisters to help make the world a better place for those who come behind us."
I hope to effectively evoke change through All About Business, an association of college students driven to transform the thoughts, habits, and aspirations of society to be more fiscally responsible. Since 2004, the group has held workshops at various institutions and organizations in an effort to financially empower individuals.
Duwayne Garth, All About Business Program Development Director said, "Being honored is a humbling experience and when Mack says he hasn't done enough, it was inspiring me to do even more for the community and young adults."
A token of appreciation from Bigs United was presented to me towards the end of the program and Bigs United also received a generous donation of $750 sponsored by Verizon.
Ebonie Pittman, Program associate of The Wallace Foundation said, "The speakers did a great job in articulating the challenges that face African American youth and making a case for mentorship." Madden asserts, "Mack's perspective is something we don't always think about and that's why I called him the future."
The event's networking opportunity allowed guests to discuss their efforts within the group, how to become involved, and others exchanged their ideas. Regardless if individuals chose to become members, Madden closes to say, "Mentoring is no longer a choice, it is a necessity."
Written with Octaviar Latty, Freshman at York College and Reporter for Ryan Mack's Youth Financial Literacy Group All About Business