Mothers honored at Saturday success academy
Javeair Brown is anxious to escort his mother to her seat.
Special to the Outlook
The young men who attend the Saturday Success Academy sponsored by the 100 Black Men Tallahassee Area, Inc. (100BMOTA) had an opportunity on Saturday, May 7, to show some love for their mothers, grandmothers, guardians, and even a principal, while showcasing the dining and etiquette skills they learned in one of their Saturday sessions. They had to set the table and serve their loved ones a delicious lunch. As each mother arrived into the cafeteria at Griffin Middle School, she was presented with some flowers and a card and then escorted to her table by her son or grandson. Principal Gwendolyn Lynn-Thomas was escorted by two of her students, who attended the Saturday Academy.
Although the luncheon was the highlight of the day, the young men began the session at 10:00 a.m. by working on computers using a program called the Wells Fargo Hands on Banking. Funds for the sessions were obtained as a part of a grant from Wells Fargo. Eric Friall, president-elect of 100BMOTA, spearheaded the grant process, and works with the mentees as they progress through the program.
While they were working on computers, their mothers were meeting with members of 100BMOTA who reiterated what the goals of the organization were and the purpose of the Saturday Success Academy. President Ronald M. Joe, Sr., shared highlights from some of the Saturday sessions and gave them a heads up about its Summer Success Academy which will take place in August. Joe said, “This is a fantastic way for us to reinforce with the parents of our mentees how important it is for us to garner their support and cooperation as we mentor these young people. We want the parents to know what we are doing, how we’re doing it, why we’re doing it and ask them to reinforce the skills at home. We believe in our motto -What They See Is What They’ll Be.” Besides Joe and Friall other members attending who shared in the discussion with parents and dished up the food, were, Ralph Byrd, Juan Collins, Wilbur Johnson, Howard Knight, Ernest J. Lane, Torrece Porter, and Eric Shannon. The meal was prepared by Catering with Care.
The group meets at Griffin Middle School two Saturdays a month through the generosity and cooperation of Griffin Principal Mrs. Thomas and the Leon County School Board. For more information about the Saturday Success Academy, contact Ray Mobley, Vice President for Mentoring at 850-445-7423 or President, Ronald M. Joe, S. at 850-766-2210.
