Young African American males receive a wealth of support from the Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles (CBMLA).
As a nonprofit organization focused on helping at-risk youth, the group offers programs and resources to aid the social, emotional, academic, and psychological development of teens of color.
CBMLA has assisted hundreds of Los Angeles young people since its establishment in 2003. A large part of its success is due to the mentors, volunteers and community partners that work with CBMLA to provide quality services to youth age 11-to-19-years-old.
Many of the organization’s collaborators, as well as several mentees, will be honored at CBMLA’s 3rd Annual Awards Gala set for Saturday, August 19, at 6 p.m., at The Proud Bird, 11022 Aviation Blvd., in Los Angeles. The theme is “Guiding Today, Creating Direction for Their Tomorrow.” Kevin Frazier, co-host of “Entertainment Tonight,” will be the keynote speaker.
“Those attending the Awards Gala will learn about CBMLA and the youth services we provide,” said Mark H. Anderson, CBMLA president.
“They will also learn about the increasing support being provided to CBMLA from new sponsors and partners. Finally, they can talk directly with the young men who are actively involved in CBMLA programs.”
The group’s activities include Welcome to Manhood, a monthly workshop that features group discussions, team building exercises, and Q&A sessions with guest speakers.
Through the Emerging Leaders Program, CBMLA recruits professional, college-educated men of color to serve as mentors to expose youth to community service opportunities, higher education options, and leadership development.
Another program, the CBM CARES National Mentoring Initiative, aims to improve academic and life outcomes for middle school students by presenting weekly workshops with CBM mentees at their schools.
“Through this program, mentees develop life skills, stronger school attachment, and improve citizenship,” said Anderson, the former postmaster of Los Angeles who has volunteered with CMBLA since 2010.
As for the future, Anderson is working with female members of CBMLA to launch a program for young girls called Welcome to Womanhood.
“We seek to support and empower youth and advocate for the betterment of our communities.
To learn more or obtain tickets for the Awards Gala, call Mark Anderson, at (323) 868-0299.
