MIAMI – Hundreds of South Florida residents interested in mentoring African-American youth joined 100 Black Men of America, The Michael Baisden Show and The National Cares Mentoring Movement for an interactive training and resource fair on December 12, 2009.
100 Black Men of America Chairman Albert E. Dotson, Jr.; Nationally syndicated radio personality and best-selling author Michael Baisden; Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine and The National CARES Movement Founder/CEO Susan L. Taylor; 100 Black Men of America Chairman Emeritus Thomas W. Dortch, Jr.; State Senator Frederica S. Wilson; Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr. Walter Richardson; Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson; Big Brothers, Big Sister of Great Miami Vice President Gale Nelson and Anheuser-Busch Vice President Johnny Furr were presenters during the 2 hour training and informational workshop.
“It is essential that we not only identify new mentors but we also train and educate them about the need and the solutions to making a life-long difference in the lives of our young people. This weekend is an important step in changing the lives of African-American youth in this city – and this country,” said Dotson, who serves as Chairman of the 46-year-old organization that provide mentors, educational and leadership opportunities for youth. “We’re looking forward to expanding our efforts with Michael Baisden, Susan Taylor, State. Rep. Fredericka Wilson, Bobby Hall and so many others who are committed to making a difference.”
During the program, 100 Black Men of America Chairman Albert E. Dotson presented “Mentoring The 100 Way”- an in-depth educational seminar used to train the 100’s 10,000 members/mentors internationally.
“It’s very simple: We’ve got to get involved in these young people’s lives as early as possible,” said Baisden, whose afternoon radio show airs between 3pm and 7pm on South Florida’s HOT 105FM. “We can’t wait. We all have to step up, do our part or get out of the way. Our young people need us.”
Partners for the National Mentoring Training Day included: 100 Black Men of America Inc., The Michael Baisden Foundation, National CARES Mentoring Movement, New Birth Baptist Cathedral of Faith Intl, Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church & Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 100 Black Men of South Florida, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, 5000 Role Models of Excellence, Broward County CARES Circle, AM 1490 WMBM, HOT 105 and The Design Group.
State Senator Frederica S. Wilson
The 100 Black Men of America is working with Baisden and others to get more faith-based organizations involved in mentoring programs around the country. Currently, more than 1,000 children in Miami are on a waiting list to be mentored, officials said. At Saturday’s event, several local churches participated, including New Birth Baptist Cathedral of Faith International, Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church and Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
At the event, Baisden announced the launch of his “Save Our Kids” program, a cross-country tour that begins in February 2010. Additionally, Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson issued a proclamation recognizing National Mentor Training Day.
Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Susan Taylor, Mayor Shirley Gibson and Michael Baisden
Dotson said this past weekend’s events is a precursor to the 100 Black Men of America annual conference that will take place in Ft. Lauderdale in June 2010. For more information, call 1-800-598-3411or visit www.100blackmen.org.
