POWER in UNITY.

Richard Watson and Dayvon Pinkney. Two young leaders in the Archers mentoring program in Harlem. These guys have there minds focused on there careers in clothes marketing. These two show our youth that not only can you be business minded but you also don't have to do it alone. Unity, that may be the biggest thing we need the youth in our communities to understand along with education and respect for ourselves. With much hard work these young men with not only be successful but also inspire and influence change.   

Our Friend: Richard Watson

Here is our friend Richard Watson he is 20 years old and from Downtown, Harlem. Much respect to Rich because not only is a humble and respectable young man but also a high school graduate. Currently he is working on a business plan with his close friend Dayvon in clothing marketing. Richard has 3 brothers and 2 sisters who he is an influence to. Rich did 3 months in jail now serving a 6 year probation with only 3 years left. Even though he had some hardship he did not let it down or change him. Rich gets involved with community events such as painting in his local elementary school with the children. To stay focused he visits his father on the weekends and pursuing a spot in the union in the construction business. With many goals he strives to accomplish he still wants to make more of a difference. Rich leaves with last words saying, ''if  I  change anything it will be the youth violence'' and '' be yourself and love you'' very powerful words from a youth.   

The Youth Leadership initiative.

We're back!! The Youth Leadership initiative is back with a new and previous youth members taking schools by storm. We visited Nelson Mandela school in Mount Vernon and next may be your community so stay on the look out for the youth leadership initiative!!!

Youth Leadership Reloaded.

Wednesday, March, 27, 2013 launched The Youth Leadership Reloaded!!!! Bringing back the original three alumni youth leaders Richard cuevas, Anthony De Jesus and Jeremy Smith along with our new addition Tye Wallen an employee at friends of island doing mentoring at the program. Our first field job was at Nelson Mandela alternative school. We traveled out to Mount Vernon with Dre Oba and Latoya Dobson to visit and talk with the students about our experiences along with giving advice on how to prevent themselves and there peers from traveling a similar route. As we walked into the school they were having a assembly in the auditorium where there were people representing the Youth Media group. They were talking about a opportunity for the youth to have in media as well as explaining what it was all about. Towards the end they had performances by some students from Mount Vernon high doing Hip Hop and poetry. Soon we go to the classroom. Opening with and introduction would be Dre talking about the programs history and what it stands for as well as talking about what he sees and learns from the youth today. It was a very informative and fun intro for the students. Each of us had stories that were understood and related by the students. Talking business, careers, talents and family each of the youth understood key things that will help them prevent jail and institutions and help them exceed in accomplishing their goals. I was very proud of my team members and I cant wait till our next trip so until then stay locked in!!!!