Transforming Lives: The Success of Youth Leadership Academy

By: Dennis Wright

FT. LAUDERDALE – Each year the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale continues to advance the organization’s mandated programs, the Four for the Future initiative, which includes Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment. Through our Youth Leadership Academy, we have had the opportunity to witness many lives improve dramatically.

Let me share with you the story of Jerome. Jerome joined our first Leadership Academy three years ago as a sophomore in high school. Being raised by a single mom and the oldest of three children, Jerome was not sure of the direction his life would take. In search of positive male role models to help guide his path, Jerome signed up for our Leadership Academy.

Over the past three years, we have enjoyed watching Jerome grow. He has become a mature and responsible young man. He is a leader at the academy, at school, and at home. Jerome is now attending college on a full scholarship and working towards a degree in Criminal Justice. Jerome credits his success to his loving mother. He also thanks the men in the 100 Black Men organization. They gave him good advice, new experiences, and positive role models of male leadership.

In addition to Jerome, we have over 50 young men from all areas of Broward County, registered in our Leadership Academy. These young men are at various stages in their lives and are seeking positive male influences and leadership.

The 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale continues to work to help make a difference in the lives of young men. Our Youth Leadership Academy keeps growing with each new session. The good news spreads throughout our community. Recently, judges have started appointing young men to our Leadership Academy as an alternative to the penile system.

As you can imagine, running such a Youth Leadership Academy program requires a great deal of time from our volunteer staff and funds to supply materials needed, as well as provide scholarships for our graduating youth.

Normally, the 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale would host a Gala to raise funds for this worthy cause; however, in light of the economic times that we are experiencing in America, we deemed it would be more cost effective to send a donation letter to our friends and supporters. This reduces all overhead costs and ensures that 100% of your tax deductible contribution goes directly towards helping young men like Jerome.

Today, you can make an immediate difference in the life of a child, by sending the most generous gift you can. I sincerely hope we can count on you for assistance.

Funds can be sent to:

100 Black Men of Greater Ft. Lauderdale
10097 Cleary Blvd, Suite 302
Plantation, FL 33324

Or for additional information please contact our office, at 954-519-0002 or via e-mail: [email protected]

Thank you in advance for your support!

With grateful appreciation,

Dennis Wright
President, 100 Black Men of Greater Fort Lauderdale