LIBERTY COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) – Several high school students in Liberty County were honored Saturday night. The Eleven Black Men of Liberty County hosted hundreds of people for their 28th annual scholarship gala.
It will give scholarships to the graduating seniors headed off to college soon. Our very own Dawn Baker was the keynote speaker for the gala Saturday night.
The current president of organization told us this is bigger than the scholarships and the fun they had.
It’s about investing in the future of young men within the county.
250 tickets sold. All for one cause.
“Every young man that completes our program and is accepted into college receives a scholarship,” said Jeremy Cunningham.
Cunningham is the president of Eleven Black Men of Liberty County, an organization that mentors young black men from 5th through 12th grade.
He was all dressed up Saturday night, to celebrate these students, headed off to begin college soon.
“They’re very influential in our lives. They try to put pieces and pieces together so that we grow up on the right path,” said high school senior, Deondre Canady.
“They definitely teach us a lot, especially skills that we need in the real world. Interpersonal skills, how to change a tire, yes ma’am, no ma’am, shaking men’s hands, eye contact things like that,” said high school senior, Mason Jenkins.
Many of the students in the program, like them called it a brotherhood and something that’s changed their lives.
The night was filled with music, food, our very own Dawn Baker as the keynote speaker, and a presentation by the Transcenders.
Cunningham said his hope is to be their village.
“There’s nothing like having an outside voice to guide you. Sometimes people don’t want to take advice from their mother, and it sounds better coming from a mentor. So that’s why that’s important. Somebody just to cheer you on and just to boost you up just to get you going. Somebody in your corner,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham told us that this is the biggest the gala has ever been.
They’re looking to do it even better next year.
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