Brothers on the Rise Held Third Year Anniversary and Inaugural “Men of the Year” Benefit
On June 8, 2011 Brothers on the Rise (BOTR) held its Third Year Anniversary and Inaugural for Men of the Year Benefit at the Washington Inn Hotel in historic downtown Oakland. A leader in the field of boys and young men’s work; BOTR has provided over 500 Oakland youth, ages 8-18 with counseling and mediation, academic and professional mentoring, leadership and workforce development programs. Additionally, BOTR has empowered over 250 parents, teachers and providers with education on best practices for helping boys grow into responsible, peaceful, caring and productive men.
In addition to celebrating this achievement, BOTR also used the event as an opportunity to honor three adult leaders in Oakland whose work represents the mission of the organization: Men of the Year recipients were Odell Johnson (former President of Laney College), Arnold Perkins (former Director of Alameda County’s Public Health Department); and Mayor Jean Quan was recognized as our Sister Ally of the Year. Representing BOTR’s youth participants, three individuals were also recognized for their exemplary leadership as our 2011 Boys and Young Men of the Year: 5th grader Gerardo Cortez, 8th grader Jachai O’Guinn and 11th grader, Charles Harris.
As part of his acceptance speech, Mr. Perkins issued a call to action, stating, “Boys grow up but men are raised.” All of the speakers highlighted the important work BOTR does in Oakland, and the need for the project to continue to grow. Answering this call has been the Shinnyo-en Foundation, who recently awarded BOTR a grant for its youth programs, as well as many other individuals, businesses, foundations and project partners. Recognizing this expanding community BOTR continues to help male youth in Oakland succeed in spite of the many challenges they face; the Mayor declared June 8, 2011, as Brothers on the Rise Day.
To get involved with BOTR or to help support its valuable mission, visit www.brothersontherise.org,
e-mail info@brothersontherise.org or call 510-261-7839 Extension 21.
