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New mentoring group offers 'new beginning' for young men
Too often we expect our youth to know about things in our history that they haven't experienced. It is our responsibility to teach them about our heritage and struggles. We can't assume they know or expect them to read and learn it from history books because some cultural history isn't documented. In some cases our young men have not learned to tie a necktie or properly greet a person with a simple handshake. They may not understand that their word should be their bond and is associated with their character and integrity. In many cases, there are no male role models in the home and it is very difficult for mothers to teach a young male to be a gentleman. With this being the year 2007- 08, we have agreed that the number seven will represent completeness and the number eight a new beginning. Our older male role models must commit themselves to A New Beginning in the Best Direction for our youth. This group and other key men of our community plan to form a social gentlemen's organization to train young men to be productive community citizens and positive role models. This will secure our investment and promote strength, courage, competence and a vision in these future male leaders. Group attends play August Wilson's "Jitney" is a play that most of us have never heard of or seen, but 22 of Jackson High School's young men from the 9th to the 12th grades have seen it. Anthony Ezell recently took the group of young men to Montgomery, to the Alabama State University campus to see the play. There were four other chaperones accompanying the young men on the field trip. They were Asberry Daffin, Thomas Williams, Eddie Bennett, Malcolm Conley and Bobby Harmon. The story takes place in the early fall of 1977, in a cab station of Pittsburgh, Pa. Integration and interracial problems were beginning especially with relationships between young men and women. These relationships are still sensitive today, 30 years later. The main character's son, after being falsely accused of rape, was sent to prison for killing his young lady friend. The father blames him for his wife's death because she dies shortly after he is imprisoned. The son has served his prison sentence and is being released. Another part of the story is about a typical couple with a baby and their struggle, against all odds, to make a loving relationship work. Parts of this story can be seen in many of our lives today. The Jackson High School men were the most well-behaved and best-dressed group to attend the play. They represented their school, family, community and themselves very well. All the chaperones were proud to be a part of this group of fine young men.
Tickets for the play were provided by Anthony Ezell's ministry Copy M Ministries.
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