“Our gala focused on the impact that HBCUs are having in our community, and everyone who attended got to experience that impact first-hand,” said Thomas Owens, Executive Director of MENTOR Newark. “I’m particularly proud of our moving panel discussion featuring successful HBCU alumni like Mayor Baraka who have gone on to become leaders, mentors and pillars in our community. It was a memorable and inspiring conversation.”

Bard Early College student and Heritage Hall Fellow, Princess-Olivia Clarke, led the “Words on the Yard” discussion with distinguished HBCU alumni, including:

·     Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark and Howard University alumnus

·     Genique Hamilton, Principal, University High School and Tuskegee alumna

·     Dr. Dionne Ledford, ED & Superintendent, Roseville Community Charter School and Hampton alumna

·     Jermaine Myrie, CEO, MENTOR and Morehouse alumnus

·     Steve Pamon, President, VERZUZ and Morehouse alumnus

Approximately 140 guests experienced the joy, excitement and togetherness that are integral and unmistakable elements of HBCU culture. The Shabazz High School marching band also gave an exciting performance and Newark-based Unionwear was honored for outstanding community work.

“We are so grateful to all of our students, teachers, volunteers, mentors and community partners for their support and the work they are doing to grow our mentoring network,” added Owens, who recently wrote an OpEd with Superintendent of Newark Public Schools, Roger León, about the city’s growing mentoring culture.

Event powered by Trillium Cares. Sponsors included: USP; LeeAnn Carlson & Steve Van Kuiken; The MCJ Amelior Foundation; EY; Winston & Strawn; Revelstoke; EOS Partners; Rao’s; Dominick DeChiara; Brightwood Capital; The Bass Foundation; Nicholas Rodrigues; Howard Lipshutz; Brightwood Capital; Matthew Prout; Jonathan Crystal; Matt Bergmann; Councilman Lawrence Crump; Jonathon Birenbaum; PSEG Foundation; Eva & Rich Davis; South Reach Networks; NY Giants; Culper Capital; Tuskegee Alumni Association; Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship Inc.; Morehouse; Alpha Phi Alpha; Unionwear; Sean Hudson; Vivian Carter; Sharon Foushee; Linda Schwartz; MSG Sports; NY Yankees.

MENTOR Newark board members include: Ron Piervincenzi; Rose Cali; Brad Vaiana; LeeAnn Carlson; Aaron Turner; Lisa Banker; Lee Maschler.

Click here to learn more about MENTOR Newark. To learn more about mentorship opportunities in your area, visit the national mentoring database, Mentoring Connector.