Michael Baisden posted “A real man takes care of his kids no matter what the relationship is with the mother of the child,” on his Facebook page, he never anticipated the over nine million views or one million plus likes and comments he received as feedback! It was this overwhelming response that prompted him into immediate action.
A die hard advocate for mentoring since 2010 with his “One Million Mentors National Campaign to Save Our Kids” 72-city tour, Baisden has now launched a new initiative, the “One Dream One Team” Mentoring Initiative. His specific goal is to help recruit African American male mentors for the 12,000 African American boys on the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) waiting list for a one-on-one mentor match.
Since organizing of the 2007 Jena Six March and working with the 2012 Trayvon Martin Rally, Baisden has always demonstrated a strong show of commitment via his actions. True to this trait, he has adopted a classroom of 28 boys at Evans High School in Orlando, Florida to spearhead the “One Dream One Team” momentum. Baisden takes time out of his busy work schedule for a mentoring session with the students weekly.
Baisden who was acknowledged by Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2012 as their celebrity ambassador with a presentation to him of The Michael Baisden Inspiration Award, which is now an annual honor given to individuals demonstrating consistent generosity and dedication to support BBBS’ African American mentoring programs, is also a best selling author.
As a bestselling author, Baisden has always been an advocate of books and reading. His foundation has already purchased the first two books for his adopted classroom of young boys to read, “The Mis-Education of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodsonand “The Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys” by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu.
In addition, the New York Times best-selling author and motivational speaker is hosting a special “One Dream One Team” Think Tank event in Orlando on October 26 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Venue sponsorship is provided by Mr. Harris Rosen of the Tangelo Park Project and attendees will include various African American fraternities, local and national organizations, community leaders and churches. The gathering is an orchestrated effort to strategize a plan for recruiting additional qualified male mentors. The boys on the waiting list average 14 years in age and the goal is to have mentors for all 12,000 within a year.
“This is an urgent matter and an urgent call,” says Baisden. “Too often we are quick to criticize the behavior of our young men but are slow to step up to correct them or show them a better example. You have to see a man to be a man, the question is, what are we showing them? These young men need us desperately. It only takes one hour of your time each week to positively impact and change some young man’s life. We can’t afford to say no and we cannot ignore this issue. Their lives and yes, their futures are depending on it!”
You can also join the facebook movement here.
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