Altitude Accelerators: Mentoring for Young Minority Males

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Asheville campus hosted a special event Feb. 24, 2018 when Altitude Accelerators presented four young men sharing their dreams for the future.

The program, sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, was part of the MLK Association’s COPE program: Community Outreach Providing Empowerment, designed to help young minority males through mentoring, opportunities, and support.

Chef Hanan Shabazz was the EmCee for the event, and Asheville City Councilwoman Sheneika Smith opened with a powerful keynote address. She emphasized the importance of maintaining equilibrium and balance in life, but being willing to embrace opportunities for change and growth, especially in times of crisis. Rather than complacency, one must, she emphasized, be willing to learn and grow, and thus be ready to take advantage of the moment.

Her message was well reflected by the four young presenters, DeAunté Davis, Keedrick Jiles, Jr., Isaiah Davis-Little, and Sebastian Hackett. They ranged in age from high school to middle school. Each designed and promoted a T-shirt printed by the Altitude Accelerators company, and each shirt’s design spoke to the vision of its designer. It was explained that their overhead and investment has been paid, so that profits from all shirts sold hereafter will accrue to each designer.

Each youth gave a brief presentation about a historic and inspiring African American leader in Asheville, including E.W. Pearson, Thomas Leatherwood, Francine Delany, and James Vester Miller. Surprisingly, the most articulate and poised young man was also the youngest, Isaiah, a sixth-grader at the Northstar Academy and the son of Dewana Little, an employee of Self-Help Credit Union. He was unequivocal when an audience member asked where each student hoped to attend college. Without a pause, he answered, “Harvard!”

Introducing the young men and explaining how the program was born was J Hackett, Executive Director of Green Opportunities (and the father of Sebastian). Music was provided by the Community Choir, led by Terry Letman, in the group’s first public performance.

For more information, please visit Green Opportunities website, www.greenopportunities.org.