United Way African American Initiative Celebrates Progress of Young Men
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago hosted its African American Initiative Annual Celebration at the DuSable Museum of African American History to showcase the outcomes and the young men who are taking part in the initiative.
Students in the initiative told their own stories of success—how they are improving their grades, lending their voices to reduce violence in their neighborhoods and making plans for their futures. One hopes to be a doctor, another the president of the United States. A third defined success as being a good husband and father.
The students were also encouraged to continue working toward their dreams by host Leah Hope, reporter at ABC7; Israel Idonije, defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and new member of the United Way African American Senior Advisory Committee and Tim King, president and CEO of Urban Prep Academies.
The reception featured the collaborative efforts of all those involved in giving youth the tools for success. Particularly honored were Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, sponsor of the event and the 2007 challenge grant sponsor, as well as the lead African American Initiative agencies: Teamwork Englewood, Centers for New Horizons, Metropolitan Family Services, O.N.E. and YMEN & Lawndale Christian Health Center.
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Click here to learn more about the United Way African American Initiative .
