FOR BREAKING N EWS VISIT www.qns.com MARCH 31, 2016 • The Queens Courier 35 Young Men Strong’s 100-100-1 Benefit Luncheon was a Smashing Success By Brianna Ellis Founder/CEO and publisher of THOUGHTS magazine Nijaah Howard received an outpouring of support for Young Men Strong’s 100-100-1 Live Auction Benefit Luncheon. The fundraiser was hosted by Senior Pastor Dr. Katherine Corbett of New Life Christian Center in Hempstead on March 12. Nearly 200 guests attended the live auction that rewarded ten African- American males for their hard work and outstanding achievements. Howard describes, “The premise of this event is to celebrate men of color. To recognize and honor all of their beautiful accomplishments, despite all of the tribulations they might have undergone.” The luncheon raised about ten thousand dollars to build the Young Men Strong Mental Health Clinic and Mentoring Center for Minority Males and increased THOUGHTS magazine subscriptions. The Young Men Strong brotherhood organization and THOUGHTS magazine strive to motivate black, Hispanic and other ethnic males, ages 18-65, to express themselves and boost their self-awareness. YMS offers a forum for education, empowerment, motivation and respect. The event took place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as Howard gave an introduction followed by a musical prelude by the Barlett Jazz Ensemble. Keynote speaker and Master of Ceremony Bishop Andrew C. Lewter is the Senior Pastor of Hollywood Full Gospel Baptist Church in Amityville. He was the first honoree and presented the “Doing the Work” Men of Integrity Award to founder Mark Appel of the Bridge Multicultural and Advocacy Project. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy L. Goosby presented 30 honorees with a Certificate of Recognition. Senior Pastors Corbett and Eddie Bernard received the 2016 Presidential Award. Founder and CEO of Destiny Designers University Dr. Stacie NC Grant honored the father of slain victim Sean Bell, Mr. William Bell with a Special Recognition Award. A tribute was given to other African- American men who were victims of police brutality; Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Kimani Gray, Jordan Davis and Ramarley Graham. Pastor Corbett conducted the presentation of “Invest in Yourself” and gave the Protégé’s of Promise Award to ten young men, ages 13 to 17. Widow of Clyde Anderson, Loretta Anderson helped YMS sponsor brand new suits for the recipients. As they modeled the sharp attire, singer Jamal Brown performed “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” That Suits You founders Gerard Kersey Jr. and Xavier Porter donated ties to the young men as well. Additional sponsors included Target, Macy’s, Walmart and BJ’s Wholesale Club. YMS has an ongoing partnership with Alpha Phi Alphas for four years. Howard presented the “Doing the Work” Women of Valor Award to the prominent Victoria Schneps- Yunis. She is the founder of Schneps C o m m u n i c a t i o n s and Publisher/CEO of numerous weekly community newspapers like the Queens Courier, Brooklyn Home Reporter, The Ridgewood Times and El Correo. Schneps, who also runs niche magazines, websites, events and social media, was one of the first sponsors to donate a monetary contribution towards the luncheon. Howard embraces Schneps as her business mentor and elaborates, “I admire her character and professionalism. She is strong, intelligent and compassionate and has helped me to strategically execute our next moves for Young Men Strong.” Spiritual encouragement was expressed by Minister Shermaine Secasa of the Brooklyn Christian Center. Long Island District 22 Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages concluded the event by providing statistical data about minority youth and their lack of education. Afterwards, fellowship time commenced and over 50 brand products and special handcrafted baskets for men were raffled by Ms. Dorine Davis. Howard reflects, “It brought joy to my soul to know that we could have a day to just celebrate them and appreciate who they are. All the peace, love and unity in that room and men teaching boys how to tie their ties...These are the kinds of images we want to capture and promote in THOUGHTS magazine and the Young Men Strong organization.” Howard also closed with her signature saying, “When we strengthen our boys and men, we stabilize our girls and women.” For more information about the YMS organization, email ymenstrong@gmail.com. YMS WOMEN OF VALOR HONOREES THE BAND Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages YMS Men of Integrity Dr. Jesse Turner Councilwomen Dorothy L. Goosby Bishop Lewter
QC03312016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above