Harlem embodies the title of Nina Simone’s song “To Be Young, Gifted and Black,” with a number of large youth organizations messaging the benefits of mentoring NYC youth and a large network of individuals passionate about community development. On Thursday, July 15th, iMentor celebrated the spirit of Simone’s class composition, by hosting current and prospective African-American volunteers at Harlem Lanes just around the corner from the historic Apollo Theater. The event was sponsored by prominent groups including the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Black Ivy Alumni League, the FAB network, and the JI Group.
Ellen Mahoney, Director of Volunteers for iMentor, had the opportunity to introduce special guests including current mentors Marcus Hall and Ambrose Wooden who spoke about their positive experiences with their mentees and shared personal accounts of how their own mentors impacted their decisions. Jacqueline Kidd, Area Development Director of Manhattan and Connecticut for UNCF, gave a call to action for mentors to engage students through mentoring and asked mentors to encourage their mentees to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Many attendees had a special connection to the power of mentoring and shared a bit about their own experiences. Rich A. is currently a mentor through his fraternity and learned about the event through the JI Group.
Mentors had an impact on the choices I’ve made. I want other folks to have the same opportunity. You get something out of it (mentoring). You get a new perspective and a new way of doing things."
Rich A. - event attendee
Kristin Chambliss, a former iMentor mentor and supporter, identified her natural connection to mentoring and has strived to further her connection to youth by being a student tutor to supplement her impact.
For Danielle Stewart, the theme, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” really resonated with her:
Young doesn’t mean age limit, but it means that you haven’t maxed out your growth potential yet. Being gifted doesn’t just mean intellectual. It’s affording yourself the right opportunities. As for black, it could mean anything."
Danielle Stewart - event attendee
Attended by over 130 individuals, the event was considered a success by many attendees who congratulated the iMentor staff on the first event of its kind within the organization.
I think people came away inspired especially because they heard personal stories from our mentors. People could make the connection between the work that we do and how they've benefited from mentors themselves and in turn they can give back.
Ellen mahoney - imentor director of volunteers
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