cont'd...CB Welcomes New Young Men and their Families
Latoya Rogers and son, Dion
Welcome new CB family Rogers/Oliver! 15 year old Dion joins CB with mom Latoya Rogers, who works for NYPD School Safety. They were exposed to CB through their membership at St. Paul. Mom initially discussed the program with Colin Kilkenny. She then suggested to her son that he reach out to one of the Elders and inquire about becoming involved in the program. They joined us this past October. Dion’s noble promise is enhanced by an entrepreneurial spirit and musical talent. Dion has formed his own hat business and was a participant in the Black and Gold Marching Band as a bass drum player. He has learned to play the steel pan and also taught himself to play the piano. To boot, Dion has an ear for music and can play different parts of a song just by hearing them. Mom says Dion is a very outgoing, helpful and considerate young man. As a family, Latoya, Dion and sister, Emani can be found shopping, bowling, at a movie or dining out. Latoya was very pleased to discover that any shyness that she had was quickly diminished by the family atmosphere at our first parent meeting of the season. Latoya already appreciates the family atmosphere and the additional positive male role models and peers that are here for her son. “I hope that the program can be a blessing in my son's life. I hope that he develops bonds that will last a lifetime.”
Earline Franklin and grandson, Justin
The CB Family welcomes Earline Franklin, grandmother and guardian to 9 1/2 yr old Justin. Justin has one sister and other siblings on his fathers side. He was recommended to CB through his Aunt Cheryl by former parent, Kimberley Register. Ms. Franklin describes her grandson as a smart fast thinker who is "busy", wants to know everything, loves music and likes to dance. She knows that CB helps young men and their families and prays that the men and mentors can do the same for Justin. Justin has attended Cultural Art Academy Charter school since Kindergarten. His favorite subject is Math because he likes numbers and learning different ways to solve problems. He admits that Yes, he loves music and loves to dance and he also loves football and basketball. He already loves meeting with the other young men and spoke of learning about hygiene, how to conduct yourself and speaking up, wearing clothes in the proper manner, and treating people how you want to be treated. Justin comes from a big family - his grandmother had 14 brothers and sisters. Getting together and talking, laughing, joking, cooking and just simply enjoying each other is what they like to do. Ms. Franklin is retired after working 43 years at St. Mary's Hospital Clinic. She helps out with taking care of her grandchildren. She would be happy to help out with CB in any way possible.
Marcella McMurrin and son, La'Kei
Introducing Marcella McMurrin and her 14 year old son, La'Kei. La'Kei attends Grover Cleveland High School. He is interested in fashion, photography, and plays on the basketball team. Together, Marcella and La'Kei enjoy everything from having fun at home by dancing in the house, to going to the movies. Marcella and La'Kei also enjoy traveling and have been on 7 or 8 cruises! Marcella attends Mount Pleasant Baptist Church and heard about Chionesu Bakari from a friend who is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Marcella is a single parent and states that there are not a lot of men in her son’s life. She has hopes that participation in Chionesu Bakari, would help her son continue to grow into an even better person as he moves toward manhood. When asked is there was anything special she would like to add about her son, Marcella paused briefly and then replied: “He knows who God is. ” Welcome Marcella & La'Kei! 7