Annual event celebrates and raises funds to drive Black male achievement in Prince George's County, Maryland
UPPER MARLBORO, MD - Prince George's County, Maryland is often called the wealthiest black county in the nation, however, its nonprofit sector tells a different story. A report released in 2011 cited that just over 80% of the county's nonprofits have annual revenue of less than $25,000. There are initiatives to support existing organizations that are demonstrating success, such as Mentoring to Manhood (M2M), a Prince George’s County, MD faith-based organization that is steadily gaining ground in its mission to empower young men to success. Launched in 2005, the organization currently mentors over sixty boys ages 12-18 and has garnered recent accolades including being named in the 2012 – 2013 Catalogue for Philanthropy as one of the “Best small charities in the Greater Washington DC region.” Less than 4% of Catalogue for Philanthropy selected nonprofits have been based in Prince George’s County.
This month, the organization hosted over 170 guests at their second annual “Men Who Make The Difference Awards,” a signature event for Mentoring to Manhood.
Honorees Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker; National Jazz Recording Artist and Entrepreneur Marcus Johnson; community member James McClelland; M2M Board Member Therman Evans, Jr.; and Darryl Barnes of Men Aiming Higher were feted for their contributions to the fabric of Prince George's County, especially the impact they have had on others through mentoring.
Sam Ford, Gloria Murry Ford, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and M2M Co-founder Robert Malone
Evans was presented by his mentee, Malcolm Gilmore, who explained how much Evans has influenced his life since his father’s passing. The young student shared how his grades improved from a 1.8 GPA to over 3.0. M2M Founder Rob Malone stated, “Malcolm is a perfect example of the many boys we have the opportunity to support. All it takes is time, attention and encouragement. In fact, just this week two additional students shared their report cards and were extremely excited by the progress they've made.”
The event was hosted by media couple Sam Ford, Assignment Reporter for WJLA News 7, and Gloria Murry Ford, President of Murry Ford Communications. Music was provided by Marcus Johnson and band; sponsors included Capital One Bank, Chick-fil-A, First Baptist Church of Glenarden and Prince George's Community College.
Board Members of Mentoring to Manhood: Keith Singletary, Therman Evans and Rob Malone
Mentoring to Manhood is already planning for next year's event. Nomination forms are available on the organization's website, or by emailing mentor@m2minc.org.
ABOUT MENTORING TO MANHOOD
Mentoring to Manhood (M2M) has been driving Black male achievement since 2005. Each year, M2M serves over 60 boys, providing them with tutoring and mentoring support. M2M was recently selected as one of the best small nonprofit organizations in the Greater DC area by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. This stamp of approval validates the accountability, controls, efficiency and efficacy of M2M's program. Learn more about the organization and sign up to mentor at www.m2minc.org.
Photo credit: Stacey Trammel/Buzzology