Star Commonwealth Advisory Board

Last week I was ask to be part of an youth advisory board at Star Commonwealth Now I was wasnt sure about this because Ive havent been part of anything like this but after reading what the program was about(preventing and diversion for youth 7-17 yrs old to prevent entry into the juvenile justice system) I had to attend the 1st meeting. After sitting and listening to all the positive things everyone had to say Im tickled to death about being part of what I think is going to be a wonderful panel.
I want to give a shout out to the women who suggested that I be part of this and even though Im not sure if they  want me sharing their names I want to say THANKS for giving me the opportunity to sit among this panel and sharing my opinion. #reachingouttotheyouth

Dr. Matthew Blount College Professor and Educator of 30 plus years

Writes: Looks like you are doing some great work with kids still. I am impressed keep up the great work we need more young men such as yourself working with our boys.

Davida Mallory single mother

Writes: This is a very inspirational organization that I am more than proud to back....keep up the spectacular work Roy ;-)

Jerome Chandler an executive at 5LINX enterprise

Writes: Dude you a beast! Thats what I like! people think you gotta be "Super bishop Gods Annointed" to make a difference, but just being someone who cares and does something is enough...

Week 2 Burton International

  Monday started off a little rough, mainly because of two boys who just wasnt buying into the mentoring idea. They felt that they didnt need it and they could change when they wanted too. These boys were disruptive and really just acting out BIG time to the point I wanted to choke them. I also had two boys come up to me and ask to be in the class because they felt that they needed direction. WOW!

. Tuesday: I ask my cousin (Alfonzia Bell) to come in a speak with the group about his experience being behind bars for 8 years and how it has affected his life today and what he missed out on. I knew my cousin would do ok but I was really blown away with his speech. I almost teared up listening to him and seeing how engaged the boys were. Al spoke about making the right decisions, respect and why you dont ever want to go to prison. Shout out to you cuzo for reaching out to the youth and I love you boy!
 Wednesday: I had a the group to myself again and decided to talk about being a man and what did they think being a man is. I also gave the boys free will to say whatever (even if the wanted to use profanity). This way I knew I would have there attention but there were some guidelines and restriction. At first the boys were VERY immature but after Juan who is one of the boys thats a pain in my butt told the class to chill out I knew I had their attention. I had there attention so much 90% of the boys didnt want to leave and didnt leave, so we talked more. I knew alot of the boys in the class lack a man in their lives but what I didnt know was that most of them DISLIKE their fathers(Pretty sad).  Most of the boys agreed that part of the role of being a man is to protect and provide. We talked about how being a man was to educate the young boys and not to be disrepectful to females. What a GREAT day Wednesday was!!!
Thrusday: Mr. Gaddy was able to be there so it was a little different but always good. Mr. Gaddy has a different style or should I say way of communciating but so affected. We didnt have a classroom so Mr. Gaddy worked on some drills with the boys as I sat down with one other young man to discuss why he shouldnt be in the class. I really think the boys are starting to buy into the class because when we said have a good weekend and the boys were asking why cant we meet on firiday's. I cant wait until next Monday(week 3).

Week 1 Burton International

Last week we encountered a lot of challenges with the group. Some boys are just knuckle heads, others are just followers, some are  seekers of attention and then some just got dealt a bad hand. On Tuesday right before I left the building two of the boys were getting suspended but I spoke with the AP and she lifted the suspension. One of the boys even got shot but through it all I believe we got through to a few of them and its only been 4 days. I cant wait until week 2

First day of the movement

Today was my first day of the movement. Me and Darryl Gaddy of Victory Development met with 22 boys at Burton International in Detroit, Michigan for one hour and we will be meeting Monday-Thursday for the entire year. We have some challenges but with any success story there's bond to be a struggle or two.