13th Annual Manhood Youth Development Foundation
Parents and community members attended the 13th Annual Manhood Youth Development Foundation Celebration at the Santa Fe College Blount Center at 530 W University Ave. on Sunday to honor and give words of wisdom to the young men of the program.
The boys and young men that were celebrated during Sunday's ceremony were: James Freeman, Kyle Cheesborough, Aiden Dorsey, Emanuel Harmon, Elijah Harmon, Elijah Johnson, Zephaniah Sheppard, Ky'el Rowe, Brian Dykes, Charles Smith Jr., and Jayce Neal.
The theme of a celebration was titled, "Past, Present and Future: From Boys to Men."
Charlie Jackson, founder of the Manhood Youth Development Foundation, said the reason he created the program was to give male youth the physical, mental, and educational support they need to succeed.
Through his research, Jackson said that most of the behavioral problems he witnessed with male youth such as suspensions, arrest, and dropping out of high school primarily came from fatherless homes.
"We needed to reach back to help these young men," Jackson said.
He thanked the participation of the families in the program.
"When you have support from the parents, you will remedy a lot of the problems," Jackson said. "This is a home problem. I'm very proud to have the opportunity to be a part of the development of these young men.
"There will be roadblocks in life and they provide you with a learning opportunity by coming up with an alternative to getting things done," Jackson said. "We're not going to let nothing hinder them from getting exposure."
Temarius Sheppard, Jackson’s nephew, is a supporter of the program by being a chaperone for events and being a mentor to the participants.
Shepphard and each participant gave a brief explanation on the different events they were part of during the 2024 year at MYDF.
They visited historic locations in Selma and Montgomery, AL and Memphis, Tennessee; and visited Camp Blanding in Starke, FL.
"It was a soul changing experience," Sheppard said. They were grateful and I was grateful to be a part of it. Being able to be in the spaces allowed the young men to be present to where history happened."
Parent Felicia OdiorAgabi, mother to James Freeman, said Jackson is a blessing to the boys and the community.
She shared how her son lost his father this year and the male support and the program has helped him get through the grief.
"The mentorship is very important," OdiorAgabi said. "Having people he can talk to is a blessing to have. He [Jackson] is very dedicated and he has a heart for the children."
OdiorAgabi said Freeman started the program when he was in the fifth grade at Caring and Sharing Learning School and will be entering the 8th grade in the fall.
"The program helped my son blossom and it taught him public speaking and self-worth," OdiorAgabi said.
They were speeches from members of the parent support group: Mia Holland and Kizzy McCray-Sheppard.
The master of ceremony, Pastor Johnnie Jones III of Fountain of Life Church, said MYDF is a reflection of the quote, "It takes a village to raise a child."
"When you are a part of this program it does not mean to be dedicated to one child," Jones said. You are a part of the village. We are cheering for you."
There was a panel discussion of men from different generations to give advice and share life lessons to the male youth.
The panelists were Al Oliver, a retiree in Lake City; Davin Woody of Bosshardt Reality; Malcolm Kiner, the COO of Gainesville Housing Authority; Christopher Morgan, and Nyquan Morris-Hooks.
Morgan and Morris-Hooks were past participants of the program.
Morris-Hooks is a junior at the University of North Florida majoring in biology and Morgan attends Santa Fe College and will be transferring to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University to study journalism.
The panelists gave the male youth advice such as not falling into temptation, being a leader in your life, making the right decisions, and making a change in the world.
"Prepare yourself by getting an education, orbey getting a trade, and seek to make a difference in this world while you're here," Oliver said.
Article via the Gainesville Guardian written by Voleer Thomas
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The 13th Annual Manhood Youth Development Foundation celebration highlighted the importance of mentorship and community support for male youth as they navigate life's challenges. Spearheaded by Charlie Jackson, the foundation aims to provide crucial physical, mental, and educational guidance to boys from fatherless homes. Mentorship plays a vital role in shaping young men's lives, facilitating essential life skills and boosting their public speaking and self-worth. The event featured inspiring stories from participants, detailing their experiences at various historical sites, reinforcing their sense of identity and purpose. Panel discussions with seasoned men from different generations offered timeless wisdom, emphasizing the need for education, leadership, and positive decision-making. Participants learned about setting life goals and making impactful changes in their communities. With support from parents and community members, the foundation's efforts are a testament to the power of collective involvement in raising future leaders. This celebration not only acknowledges individual achievements but strengthens the bond between families and the wider community in supporting boys on their journey to manhood.
