Be
Someone Inc. Creative Director Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson" has announced
the 10th Annual "Be Someone Day" May 5 will be dedicated to teenager
Trayvon Martin who was killed earlier this year by a self-proclaimed
community watch volunteer in Florida. According to Hudson, "Along with
this incident the multiple homicides with young people against each
other this day will bring much needed attention to these issues
effecting young African American males. We need to focus on the root
causes and seeds of our community challenges."
Be
Someone is opening their doors to the community May 5, 1 - 4 p.m. to
better explain the program that has literally changed young lives since
the former Alabama State Trooper made the decision in 2001 to dedicate
the remainder of his life to offering a helping hand. Hudson himself was an at-risk young person who saw his life turn around because of a teacher who taught him to play chess. "It's payback time now," stressed Hudson.
The open house will not only serve to inform the community but there will be exciting entertainment with a message. Lil Jimmy "The New Millennium Fat Albert" will address
bullying and violence through his program "You're a Bully". Lil Jimmy
is a 12-year-old character created to be a positive voice so today's
youth can make right choices. Joe M. Turner ,with Turner Magic
Entertainment will do magic and entertain. Arthur Reed, International
Gospel Recording Artist will perform one of his hit songs." I can't stop
praising his name,"
And James Lawrence "The Piano Man" will also will be performing.
Hudson's
organization is dedicated to teaching life lessons primarily to young
African Americans, many of whom are at risk of violence in their lives
or making poor choices that will not allow them to reach their full
potential. Hudson explains that Be Someone "is all about bridging the gap between ignorance and knowledge. We teach 'Think it out, don't shoot it out!'" How does he do this? He uses the game of chess to teach that every move you make has a consequence and that you must think before acting.
Be Someone has an impressive track record. Aaron Porter is just one of many success stories. When
the 17-year-old first connected with Hudson and Be Someone, Hudson
recognized him right away as a youngster at risk for failing to achieve
his full potential. In fact, Aaron was in trouble and in
the court system when he was given a second chance by a judge to get his
life together. He could very well have been Hudson several years ago. Aaron, through Be Someone, found his second chance behind a chess board. He
began to clearly see something that before was not in his thought
process - underlying principle of understanding every choice carries
with it a consequence. Now, thanks to Hudson's vision,
Aaron and many other disadvantaged, underprivileged children just like
him, have a better chance at success.
Aaron's
mother Debora is quick to explain she owes Hudson and Be Someone a big
debt even though he never looks for pats on the back, "That is not his
motivation." "I'm amazed at the turn around in my son after learning a game I would have never thought to offer him. Orrin cares for every child who is fortunate enough to sit down at his training tables." Aaron has not only turned his life around but has become an accomplished chess player and thinker.
A few years ago Be Someone acquired a new training center in Stone Mountain. "This
was a dream come true," explained Hudson. The 2,000 square foot
facility contains two administrative offices and training space to
support up to 50 students. The number of young people Hudson and his
team can reach was more than doubled overnight. "I want the community to see what we are offering. We aren't playing games here, we are saving young lives!"
Hudson and his team plan an afternoon of information and fun. "My
invitation is for anyone and everyone to come out to see first-hand
what we do and meet some of our students who can tell visitors what this
program has done for them," Hudson explained. "We will also be playing some chess!"
More
information is available about the non-profit organization which is
located at 949 Stephenson Road Stone Mountain by visiting www.besomeone.org.
Sincerely,
Orrin Hudson
BeSomeone.org
About Be Someone
Founded
in 2001, Be Someone is a non-profit crime prevention program aimed at
the youth of America. Be Someone teaches self-esteem, responsibility and
analytical thinking skills to at-risk youth through numerous tools,
including the game of chess. Be Someone also offers inspirational
programs for corporations and parents, designed to foster teamwork and
encourage participation in the lives of children.
If you are interested
in donating, volunteering or learning more about Be Someone, please
visit www.besomeone.org.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Rice
Be Someone, Inc.
(770) 465-6445
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