Youth are the focus of Linden outreach effort

City Council funds HOPE Initiative, Beyond Change

Youth are the focus of an outreach effort by the city of Linden, its law enforcement and local community organizations.

The City Council recently voted an expenditure to fund implementation of The HOPE Initiative and its Beyond Change program, which is a series of social justice workshops being held throughout the country to assist youth, law enforcement and communities promote positive change through partnerships and community service.

The initiative also has a special connection to the National Football League’s Foundation Social Justice Grant Matching Program and the NFL Inspire Change Initiative.

Dr. Robert Harper, a native of Marietta, Texas, and a 1996 graduate of LindenKildare High School, is founder and CEO of the Hope Initiative and executive director of Beyond Change.

The initial, two-day social justice summit conference for Linden youth was held Tuesday and Wednesday. This first phase will be followed by three others over the course of several months.

The essential aspect of the program is to assist the youth in learning how to address social justice issues and advance one’s self and community through education, career and life preparedness.

Special guests sharing their stories at the opening conference were former NFL standouts Byron Williams of the New York Giants and Tony Covington of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Williams, 1979 graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School, has been recognized for 25 straight years of returning to the Texarkana area to host a mini-football camp.

Covington gives out copies of his autobiography, “I am Underdog. A Journey of Adversity and Blessings,” which is a revealing and well-received book of personal achievement.

Covington in his remarks told of adopting an underdog’s perception and trying harder. “I never lose,” he said. “Either I win or I learn.”

Williams delivered an impassioned plea to the youth about standing up, being coachable and focusing on education, career and family.

“Dreams might not happen the way you started,” he said. “But they are platforms for good things to happen.”

Williams then told of a personal dream and the way it worked out.

“When I was young, I wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys. It turned out I got drafted by the Green Bay Packers and then was the last one to get released during my rookie year. I ended up going to the New York Giants where I scored a 62-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in my second season.

“Good things happen if you stick to your dream.”

The youth program in Linden is being funded with a $10,000 donation in the name of Byron Williams, which will be matched by the NFL Foundation for Social Justice for a $20,000 total.

“We’ll be able to conduct more activities,” City Manager Bob Swisher said.

“Funding has come from budget sources such as traffic fines and other receipts, not actual tax dollars,” said Mayor Clarence Burns. The city council’s decision to support the program was unanimous, the leaders said.

“I never lose. Either

I win or I learn.”

— Tony Covington

Photo by Neil Abeles ■ Participants in Linden’s social justice summit conference for youth show the autobiographical books they have received as gifts from author Tony Covington.

Photo by Neil Abeles ■ Jarrad Carter, social justice expert, is leading group discussion of words and ideas the youth before him have suggested and written down. They are meeting in the Linden Senior Citizens Center.

Photo by Neil Abeles ■ Larry Allen of Linden, right, is the HOPE Initiative’s engagement specialist and also leader of the newly-formed Linden Together movement. Allen will guide HOPE Initiative’s impact in coming months.

Photo by Neil Abeles ■ This team has listed their vision for Linden. The youth are JaMaiya Mack, Lizzie Smith, Zaliyah Mitchell, Kayden Allen, Breleigh Conejo, Bry’Lynn Allen and Alliyah Powell.

Photo by Neil Abeles ■ Linden Mayor Clarence Burns, left, and City Administrator Bob Swisher present this check in the name of NFL player Byron Williams to allow a $10,000 matching grant from the NFL Foundation Social Justice Matching Grant Program The total will then be $20,000 for HOPE Initiative activities in Linden. HOPE Initiative founder Dr. Robert Harper is pictured at right.

Photo by Neil Abeles ■ Eli Mitchell, left, and Evan Mitchell report on their group’s suggestions for social justice activities.

Photo by Neil Abeles ■ Tony Covington, former NFL standout, is ready to sign copies of his autobiography, “I am Underdog. A Journey of Adversity and Blessings.” “I never lose,” Covington writes. “Either I win or I learn.”