Staying Power

matter what you do or where you are, there’s a kid that you can help. Every child needs someone to be crazy about them,” Thomas-El says.

Get involved at a recreation center or after-school tutorial program. Look for community-development programs at local institutions or develop one at your church or organization.

Are you a business owner? Employ a young person as a part-time worker, intern, etc. This is a great way to motivate children and expose them to successful blacks. “The real role models,” he says, “are the ones that they can touch and talk to.”

For more tips on how you can participate in your community, visit www.ichoosetostay.com.