In honor of Black History Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters is partnering with the City of Houston’s Ronald C. Green during the month of February for the 28 Mentors in 28 Days campaign to raise awareness of the need for African American male mentors in Greater Houston.Big Brothers and Big Sisters Moarket Manager Sparkle Anderson and dedicated Volunteer Charles Washington discussed the initiative and experience on Conversations with Nnete.
Joining him in this effort are Houston City Council’s Jolanda Jones and the Houston Black Law Student Association along with local fraternity members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
By targeting area political, business and community leaders, colleges, churches and other service organizations, this grassroots initiative will help to impact the life of at-risk children throughout the Greater Houston area.
Last year alone in Greater Houston, Big Brothers Big Sisters had approximately 1500 matches of a Big Brother or Sister to a Little Brother or Sister. Of those 1500 matches, Big Brothers Big Sisters served nearly 700 African American boys, but, there were only 100 African American Mentors. These numbers are staggering and this must change.
Studies have shown that kids with a Big Brother or Big Sister are less likely to start using drugs, less likely to skip school, less likely to engage in underage drinking, less likely to lie to their parents, more likely to have healthy relationships, self confidence and a sense of the future. So, we know that as a black community, we have to engage and empower the youth of today to reach their highest potential!
The campaign’s main purpose is to engage more African American male volunteers and encourage them to complete and return an application.
Visit www.bbbstx.org/28days for more information.
