Family Fun Day 2011
TAKE MARQUEL’S PLEDGE IT ONLY TAKES 3 SECONDS TO SAVE A LIFE!
MARQUEL’S PLEDGE is a community campaign to reduce celebratory gunfire in DeKalb County and throughout Georgia. This initiative was conceived following the death of Marquel Peters on New Year's Day 2010. As he sat next to his mother, 4-year-old Marquel Peters was struck and killed in church by a bullet believed to have been fired by a New Year’s Eve reveler. The stray bullet came through the roof of the sanctuary of the Church of God of Prophecy and struck Marquel in the top of his head.
MARQUEL’S PLEDGE is two-pronged. First, in an effort to prevent additional tragedies from occurring due to this dangerous and reckless behavior, the county is encouraging ammunition dealers to refrain from selling bullets on the days leading up to the 4th of July, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays. Secondly, the county is working with citizens, neighborhood groups, community organizations, churches, and businesses, to educate their neighbors, community and patrons about the dangers of celebratory gunfire and to encourage citizens to refrain from this dangerous practice, which we now know could lead to serious injuries and fatalities.
MARQUEL'S PLEDGE – Individuals
In honor of Marquel Peters, I pledge to stop celebratory gunfire on the 4th of July, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays. By encouraging members of my community to refrain from using gunfire to celebrate, we make our county safer for all.
In addition to taking MARQUEL’S PLEDGE, I want to encourage the Georgia State Legislature to enact stiffer penalties for those who are charged with engaging in celebratory gunfire in our community.
MARQUEL'S PLEDGE - Businesses
I pledge, in honor of Marquel Peters, to refrain from or limit the sale of ammunition two days prior to the 4th of July and New Year’s holidays. By encouraging my customers, family and friends to refrain from using gunfire to celebrate, we make our county safer for all. In addition to taking MARQUEL’S PLEDGE, I want to encourage the Georgia State Legislature to enact stiffer penalties for those who are charged with engaging in celebratory gunfire in our community.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PLEDGE IT ONLY TAKES 3 SECONDS!
Youth V.I.B.E. Mentoring Program Marks 15 Years in South DeKalb
Forget cutting grass and working at fast-food joints. Youth V.I.B.E. intern Gilbert Raux, 15, is spending his summer calling senators and state representatives, learning new computer programs and helping members of his community in any way possible.
Those are the kind of opportunities Youth Vision Industry Business Empowerment has been providing Metro Atlanta youths like Raux for the past 15 years.
"They really have your back. The things they have shown me like financing and culinary skills, I know I wouldn't be exposed to those things anywhere else," said Raux, who joined Youth V.I.B.E. this year at DeKalb Transition Academy in Decatur, where he is a rising sophomore. "I think this is the best youth program going. Any youth would enjoy it."
Youth V.I.B.E. was born from a venture between Aramark Corporation and Supreme Fish Delight as Supreme Fish Delight Vice President Waleed Shamsid-Deen discovered that many youths who were looking for jobs at his food service operations during the 1996 Olympic Games were not capable of completing the employment application or interviewing properly. As a result, Waleed, along with a group who shared his vision, decided to develop a program that would help youths to succeed in business.
In June, Youth V.I.B.E. marked its 15-year anniversary with a "Crystal Campaign" fundraiser to celebrate more than a decade of fulfilling its purpose—exposing youths to the skills and experience that teach and encourage business leadership.
"We help more than 500 kids a year, and all of us here love doing it," said Youth VIBE Executive Assistant Adeidra Washington. "Whether we're teaching SAT prep or abstinence before marriage, it really is a rewarding experience to work for an organization that really cares about our youth."
Youth V.I.B.E. hopes to raise $150,000 through its Crystal Campaign to assist with its operations and programs, which include after-school activities, Youth Empowerment Day, a female empowerment retreat and Capitol Day.
All Youth V.I.B.E. programs are provided to Metro Atlanta high school students free of charge Mondays through Thursdays during the school year. Some of the program's free after-school sessions include business skills such as financial literacy, mentorship, cooking, arts and crafts and the art of dance.
This year alone, Youth V.I.B.E. assisted 400 students at five Metro-Atlanta high schools. The program's office is located at 5240 Snapfinger Park Dr. in Decatur.
For more information or to donate to the campaign, call 770-593-8800.
Article by Joshua Smith originally appeared in On Common Ground News.
Youth VIBE's 2nd Annual Female Empowerment Retreat
Youth V.I.B.E. hosted its annual Female Empowerment Retreat April 30th and May 1st. Fifteen program participants from DeKalb Transition Academy, The Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, Towers and Martin Luther King, Jr. High Schools enjoyed a weekend of cultural activities. Students attended the Alliance Theatre performance of "Looking Glass Alice" and participated in a special after-show "talk back" session with the cast of the play. With the assistance of Jennifer Long, education coordinator for The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, the young ladies participated in an art-walk through the West-side Arts District. The students had the opportunity to visit The Emily Amy Art Gallery, The Sandler-Hudson Art Gallery and see the "Substitute Teacher" Exhibit at The Atlanta Contemporary Art Center. In addition, the Ladies of Youth V.I.B.E. were invited to the personal studio of artist/teacher Nancy VanDevender to discuss how she creates custom art, wall paper and upholstery. The two-day retreat ended with lunch at The Lobby at The Twelve Hotel at Atlantic Station. The ladies met author/entrepreneur Tracey Nicole and discussed teen dating violence and participated in an etiquette class with inspirational speaker, author and entrepreneur, Angela Lewis. Youth V.I.B.E. would like to thank The Alliance Theatre, The Atlanta Contemporary Arts Center, Nancy's Pizza, Kroger, Grady Health Systems Rape Crisis Center and everyone that contributed to the success of our Female Empowerment Retreat.
Youth Empowerment Day 2010
Towers High School
Youth V.I.B.E.'s Youth Empowerment Day, held February 24th at Towers High School focused on the music industry. A panel of seasoned and experienced music industry executives including: Dee Dee Murray from Murray Media Music, Inga N. Willis from The Mogul Group, Lonnie Deadwyler from Solar Dgital Music, Portia Kirkland from Chenoa Entertainment, Mia A. Welsh from Zone 4, Inc., and Pacino Malcolm from Kingsmen Republic spoke to students specifically about character development and relationship building. Youth Empowerment Day 2010 at Towers High School was hosted by Beyonce Alowishus from Hot 107.9 FM Radio Station. Students were amazed by the variety of positions available throughout the music industry which could allow them the opportunity to express their talents without being an artist. Students asked executives questions related to establishing themselves in the business and what you need to know once you have the job you desire. The panel inspired participants to dream beyond the stage. Food for the event was provided by Supreme Fish Delight.
Youth Empowerment Day 2010
Mohammed Schools of Atlanta
Youth V.I.B.E. hosted Youth Empowerment Day at The Mohammed Schools of Atlanta on Wednesday, March31st. Youth V.I.B.E. participants were honored to be addressed by 2007 NBA Hall of Fame Inductee, Mr. Harry Flournoy. Mr. Flournoy was the captain of the University of Texas at El Paso (Texas Western ) Miners and made history when his team won an NCAA Division I National Championship with the first ever all African-American starting lineup under Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins in 1966. Walt Disney released the major motion picture "Glory Road" based Mr. Flournoy's life and success he achieved along with his team mates. Mr. Flournoy discussed how having good character helped he and his team mates overcome many obstacles including racism of the 60's. He encouraged students to stay in school, strive for greatness and take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them. Food for Youth Empowerment Day at The Mohammed Schools was sponsored by Supreme Fish Delight.
Day at the Capitol 2010
Each year Youth V.I.B.E. hosts its Annual Day at the Capitol. This year's program, held on Wednesday, March 10th included students from Martin Luther King, Jr. and Towers High School and Friday, April 2nd for students from DeKalb Transition Academy. Students had the opportunity to tour the capitol, meet Governor Perdue, tour his office and get their picture snapped with him! Lunch was provided by Subway and Chick Fil-A. Senator Emanuel Jones, along with State Representatives Rahn Mayo, Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield and Billy Mitchell spoke to students about their duties as elected officials. Business owner/entrepreneur Darryl Armstrong of EZ Brand USA spoke to participants about his experiences working with government agencies and his transition from working at NIKE to starting his own business. Youth V.I.B.E.'s Day at the Capitol was sponsored in part by the office of Representative Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield.
Youth V.I.B.E. Announces our 2008-2009 Scholarship Award Winners!
Youth V.I.B.E. strives to encourage our youth to continue their education and be proactive with their plans and dreams for a better future. Several applicants were asked to submit an essay addressing their educational and career goals and in the end, two students were awarded $500.00 scholarships. Santories Byrd, a senior at Avondale High School, and Mark'Quest Ajoku, a senior at Cedar Grove High School were selected as this year's Youth V.I.B.E. Scholarship recipients. Youth V.I.B.E. congratulates Santories Byrd & Mark'Quest Ajoku and we wish them well in their endeavors!
Poetry Café at Avondale High School
We are always looking for more opportunities to allow or students to broaden their horizons, stretch their creativity and try something new. This year, Youth V.I.B.E. students held their 2nd annual Poetry Café on April 12th. Students enjoyed dessert and refreshments while sharing their own original poetry during an open mic session. Students who had never read a poem in public did so for the first time and aspiring poets had the opportunity to try something new in open mic competition. The winner of the Youth V.I.B.E., open mic was Chanile Hines from Avondale High School. A special thank you to "She Speaks" for assisting to make this event a huge success.
|
