We Got Us Young Mens Development Program

What's happening, People?

Since January 2021, in response to recent carjackings and other violent acts in our neighborhood, a number of men banded together to began to be a protective and deterring presence in gas stations around Bronzeville, Chicago. Every single Saturday afternoon since, no matter the weather, a growing group of these concerned men have posted at these stations, under the name "Watch Guard" and the tag #WeGotUs, doing the work standing up for our community in the way we should.

But being a deterrent is not enough. As we've bonded as brothers and discussed the blight of our communities we've agreed that part of this issue stems from the lack of resources, opportunities and cultural awareness to which we are intentionally subjected. Any group of people, particularly in America, when denied those basic necessities over an extended period of time, even generationally, become more likely to be involved in criminal actions and behavior in a way of gaining what their living environment denies them. While correcting that systemic issue is going to take time, we realized in the moment we are capable of helping to make that correction amongst ourselves.

I proposed that we create a young men's summer camp to guide young brothers, 16-24, who may fall prey to the systemic traps and prey upon others to a higher sense of self-awareness and expose them to opportunities that they may not otherwise see. In building strong young men, we build a stronger community and help to secure our own futures generationally. This is not at the exemption of our young women. We all subscribe to the belief that a nation can rise no higher than its woman but we also know that men must guide men to not only know what it is to be a man but also how to uplift women. We are those men.

To that end, we created "We Got Us Young Men's Development Program" in an effort to provide our participants with economic skills they can carry for life (Khari B.), physical training as an emotional outlet to learn basic self-defense and discipline (Marquinn McDonald) and, most importantly, cultural lessons to teach them to respect, know and love themselves and their communities (FX Nozakhere & Tez Straughter). These three parts will work in concert to shape the men that any community needs for its health and protection. We have partnered with an agency who is supplying our participants, paying them to be in the program and supplying some structural needs. However, funding for our instructors and guests is not a cost they were able to cover.

I am coming to you to ask that you assist in covering those particular costs. The men are devoting six weeks of their time to this unique program. What I'm asking for is merely a financial thank you to these gentleman for their devotion to this project. They already volunteer time regularly protecting and building our community in different ways. I'm hoping that you will see the value in our service, contribute to this endeavor and share this fundraiser with those in your social circle.

Your donation will provide for our work as instructors/guides, honorariums for our guest speakers - accomplished women from related industries, an imbedded licensed clinical therapist who specializes in the mental health needs of Black males (AJ Deloney), and for our end-of-program activity - a kind of rites of passage hiking trip. Upon completion, we will showcase what these young men will have accomplished so that you know that your investment into their beings and the community we serve was properly placed.

I hope that you will see fit to put something on this. Thank you for your attention and all that you are able to donate in advance. Please feel free to contact me with any question you might have about this fundraiser or our program.

Sincerely,

Khari B.