LOS ANGELES–On Monday, September 12, 2016, Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, Concerned Black Men leadership and mentors hosted the Sheriff’s “Teen Dialogue” with 25 middle school youth, ages 11 to 14 at the second annual “Back to School” event at the historic Hall of Justice in downtown Los Angeles to challenge and inspire them to graduate from high school and pursue college or a career.
“My father would often say, ‘education is the great equalizer. His words inspired me when I was the same age as today’s youth at our back to school event. Education opens doors and opportunities which is why the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is committed to help these students make good decisions,” Sheriff McDonnell said.
The Sheriff was joined by members from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD) Black Peace Officers Association (BPOA), Steve Carlston, NBC President and General Manager, and Emmy winner, Consumer Investigator Randy Mac. After the roundtable discussion, the youths received backpacks filled with educational supplies. The backpacks were donated by the LASD and contain:
- Notebooks
- LASD Pens, Pencils and Rulers
- Earbuds
- 1 GB flash drives
CONCERNED BLACK MEN NATIONAL OVERVIEW
Concerned Black Men National (CBM) was founded in 1975 when five Philadelphia police officers sponsored social events for youth at risk of gang violence. Their vision was to fill the void of positive Black male role models in many communities by providing mentors and programs that affirmed the care and discipline that all youth need, while providing opportunities for academic and career enrichment. While the vision of CBM’s founding members has expanded to include children and parents nationwide, the philosophy of men offering themselves as positive role models to children has remained CBM’s mission for more than a quarter of a century.
CBM provides guidance, support and encouragement to children through three service divisions – Youth & Prevention Services, Parent & Family Services and Volunteer & Mentoring Services. LASD & the Black Peace Officers Association will participate in the CBM CARES program, which is a school-based mentoring program for middle school youth.
The CBM CARES Los Angeles chapter program provides mentorship to young boys in the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Charter Schools.
For more information about the program, please contact Mark Anderson, President of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Concerned Black Men organization (323)868-0299 or visit http://cbmla.org/.
