The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
RAISING UP HONOR
Men of Courage group mentors youth, seeks members to make a difference for families
“I just want these kids to think about their choices and howthey affect other people.”
— Anthony Jones, founder, president and CEO of Men of Courage
Local mentoring and self development group Men of Courage hosted its second community outreach series on Oct. 24.
The event held at Fligner’s Market 1854 in Lorain, was intended to encourage young boys and men to join the mentorship program.
Additionally, they passed out pamphlets, scriptures, water bottles, masks and snacks.
“Wewant to develop men and young boys to be the best versions of themselves,” said Anthony Jones, founder, president and CEO of Men of Courage.
The group began in Columbus 10 years ago. When Jones returned to Lorain, he thought the program would benefit men.
“We work with men in the area and also mentor children in schools,” Jones said.
“But you don’t have to be a mentor to join. If you just want to work on yourself that’s fine,” Jones said.
According to Jones, the group is looking to make a significant impact in Lorain County, especially due to recent shootings that have taken place near Oakwood Park in Lorain.
“I just want these kids to think about their choices and how they affect other people,” Jones said.
For member Norlan Williams, 58, the community outreach series portion of the group are important to him.
“I feel like so many young men in the area don’t have strong male role models in their lives and we’re here to fill that gap,” Williams said.
Williams, who grew up in Lorain said he’s been concerned with recent violence within the city.
“There are shootings, kids doing drugs and fighting. I feel like they need something to do,” he said.
According to Williams, he believes stressors due to the pandemic may be affecting children in the area.
“Kids have so much energy. They need something to do. Without a place to release their energy they can get into trouble. We need to provide them with guidance and activities,” Williams said.
Although Williams loves the city, he feels as though improvements can be made if people band together and strive for success.
“I love this city. It’s hard knowing what the community can be. It needs help and more positive role models. I want us [Men of Courage] to grow more,” Williams said.
Local artist and youth mentor Jeff Pye is devout to the mentoring portion of Men of Courage.
Pye, who mentors children in the area, said he was greatly affected by the tragic death of one of his students, Denzel Williams.
“He was just beginning to learn and didn’t get to experience life,” Pye said.
“It hurt me real bad. He was so active and all the teachers loved him. It’s hard to fathom.”
Pye said he and the group are going to continue to strive to develop men and boys in the area to become versions of themselves they want to be.
“I will always work with the youth. I always knew there was a need in the area. Everyone can’t play sports. Not everyone is an athlete but they still need guidance. We need to keep kids from being idle,” he said
“We need to keep a positive environment for men to feel comfortable and safe.”