by April | Community, Team Building
June 30th, 2015 – Save the hot dogs for Wrigley Field. On Tuesdays at Petco Park in San Diego, its all about Tacos! The Blue Heart Foundation’s HEART program, family and friends enjoyed a game of interleague play against the Seattle Mariners. All were ready and fully prepared to enjoy an evening of baseball on Taco Tuesday!
Participation in our first Taco Tuesday with the Padres was a huge success as we partnered with the San Diego Padres Charity Ticket Program and attended our first game as a group. Identified as a charity group to partner with the Padres we were sure to take full advantage and had 100% particiaption. Some of our guys were featured twice during the game with live shots on FriarVision.
Jacques (HEART Member) stated ” I had a great time watching the Padres with the group; it was even cooler when we were on the big screen!!! and when asked his thoughts about being on Friarvision Jacques exclaimed “That was a great experience, I never though that would happen to me!” all while smiling ear to ear.
We partnered with the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball’s “Commissioner’s Community Initiative” and MLB Player’s Association “Players Give Back” to donate complimentary tickets to deserving non-profit organizations who serve children within the Padres focus of LIVE (children’s health), LEARN (education) PLAY (recreation), and SERVE (military and first responders).
Though the Padres lost it did not diminish the excitement of the group, all had a fabulous time staying until the last out was recorded. We look forward to our next trip to Petco Park and have to thank Christina Papasedero and the community relations and Padres Foundation for the opportunity. Robert Rush (Parent) framed the event perfectly when he said “All the kids had a great time last night, they just wish the Padres had gotten more hits… This was the first baseball game for many of them and I’d like to thank the Padres for the opportunity.”
by April | Community
On June 18th, 2015 The Blue Heart Foundation held its inaugural President volunteer award and scholarship dinner. The purpose of this dinner is to acknowledge the dedication and drive of the members of the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) as they work to improve the quality of life of themselves as well as all. These young men are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Each volunteer does not work for recognition; however, we find it very important to do so because everyone should be acknowledge for the positive and great work that they do. If we don’t celebrate them, who will?
Isaiah Coleman Gold Level Award recipient – Photo courtesy of Joanne Fields
Presidential recognition sets you apart from your peers… It is a tremendous honor. Even though they may not seek recognition, their example can deliver a powerful message that encourages others to take action. At this year’s program Isaiah Coleman was presented with the Presidents Volunteer Service’s Gold Award which is given to volunteers that have served over 100 service hours within a one year period. Isaiah Coleman stated, “I am proud to volunteer and serve my community. I enjoy giving back because is not only the right thing to do but I want to be a productive citizen. Us, youth usually are said to be lazy and stuck on social media and video games all day. “
Bernard Richardson and his Mom Umoja – Photo courtesy of Joanne Fields
Bernard Richardson was awarded with a Silver Level Presidents Volunteer Service award which is given to individuals with over 75 hrs of volunteer service in a one year period. Bernard’s mother beamed proudly saying “The Blue Heart Foundation has been a constant pulling force of positivity in these young men’s lives. In a time filled with senseless violence and negativity for African American males it is refreshing to have a commitment to academic excellence and community service keeping our young men busy. I am an actively involved mother yet there are limitations to showing my son how to be a “Good, Successful” young man, Tracy Morris and the Blue Heart Foundation have filled that void for my son. ”
Jordan Humphries $500 book grant recipient – Photo courtesy of Joanne Fields
Next came the scholarship portion of the event where Jordan Humphries was presented with a $500 book grant and will be studying at the Los Angeles College of Music. Jordan Humphries is an instrumental musician serving as a Percussionist, drum major, and mentor for the Heartbeat Music Academy’s Thunder Squad Drumline. We are honored to be able to send him off to college so that he may pursue his dreams!
We want to be sure to thank both the San Diego’s Black Police Officer Association and Rickena Mills for their contributions along with Officer Art Scott for saying a few words of encouragement to our future leaders. We want to thank Bourres Southern Bistro for their hospitality, wonderful service and delicious meal. Each and every person left satisfied as we dined on a delicious specialized menu that was lined up just for this event. Kudos goes out to the Bourre staff. Last but not certainly not least we want to be sure to thank all the parents and community supporters. Without your support there would be no HEART of Blue Heart Foundation. Tracy Morris proudly exclaimed “I am so full of joy, pride and thankfulness that these wonderful people trust me with their most precious gift… their children
Congratulations Jordan Humphries, Isaiah Coleman and Bernard Richardson as this years book grant and award recipients – Photo courtesy of Joanne Fields
by April | Career Development, Education, Mentoring, Uncategorized
On Saturday, June 13th we had the privilege to participate in the The Urban League San Diego County Young Professionals event “Brothas With Ties”
This first installment of Brotha’s with Ties” hosted by the San Diego County Urban League Young Professionals is an engagement meant to teach, motivate and inspire the bright minds of young men in the City of San Diego. Ties were donated to all participants and each learned how to properly tie a tie (and or bow tie).
Mathew Gordon stated “The work doesn’t stop here, lets keep it going because there’s more work to be done… and today was a great start!!”
ULSDC Young Professionals wanted to provide developmental platform for young men ensuring a successful future. The “Brothas in Ties” program consisted of:
Interactive Workshops – Activity filled workshops on Social issues & other activities challenging students to think quick on their feet and learn from their peers.
Self Empowerment – By the end of the event, participants will have a better understanding of how to manage and succeed in the real world.
Mentorship – The event is packed with interactions with Young Professionals and Community Leaders alike who have experience in their respective fields. Participants will also have the opportunity learn about past their mentors past experiences or inquire about what to expect becoming a young professional.
Special guest speakers and adult supporters whom really showed they care about our young men kudos! It was amazing to see so many organizations get behind such a worthy cause. Participating organizations included but are not limited to:
Reality Changers
Never Knew a Father’s Love
Urban League
Justice4SD33
National Society of Black Engineers
San Diego Black Police Officers Association
Phi Beta Sigma-Omicron-Iota Sigma Chapter
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
San Diego Chargers
Freshly Faded Barbershop
NuWay International Christian Ministries
Family Resource Center Inc.
Tiffany Harrison summed the entire event perfectly “This event was clearly not about the clothing, but building and developing the young man under the suit and tie. S/O to Jessica, Ben, Aaron, Lisa, Calvin, and Grady Gordon who turned it all the way UP and ensured that our young men know their value and lineage. Again to everyone who donated ties, time, giveaways, and support…thank you. Thank you for being the change, and not just donating some change.”
by April | Community
On June 6th, 2014 – The Urban League of San Diego County celebrated its 24th Annual Golden Pyramid Scholars Program on Saturday, June 14th, 2014. The event took place at San Diego Concourse, Golden Hall. The program was designed to identify, recruit, nurture and support students who are striving to achieve academic and economic excellence. The communities’ goal is to ensure that its future parents, politicians, scientists, carpenters, doctors, and professors are identified early and supported continuously in their quest to achieve excellence.
Members of HEART had the opportunity to not only receive awards for academic excellence with cumulative GPA’s of 3.0 and above. These dedicated, service minded young men arrived as early as 7:00 AM to provide assistance in any and every way possible. Tasks given to these young men included but were not limited to award recipient registration, door assistance, ushering and event coordination as well as handing out brochures. All ten members in attendance received the highest accolades from the San Diego Urban League’s Young Professionals as Lavar Edmonds (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.) exclaimed “these young men are going to be great leaders one day.”
In partnership with several community based organizations, more than $215,000 in scholarships were presented to Golden Pyramid Scholars who represent African American and other underrepresented populations. The scholarship partners included College Bound; San Diego State University; San Ysidro Health Center; and Rudolph Johnson Scholarship Fund, Neighborhood House Association & Urban League of San Diego County. Additional thanks goes to our military personnel who volunteered their time to help with logistics and crowd management.
The Golden Pyramid Academic Scholars Awards program provided participating organizations and businesses an opportunity to connect with more than 1,300 
high-achieving underrepresented youth and their families. This year’s program attracted more than 2,529 people. Participants were encouraged to enroll in one of our year-round youth programs such as Project Ready (College Readiness Programs for males and females 11-17). The Golden Pyramid Scholars Program features encouraging messages which promote academic achievement, civic responsibility and professional success. The programs emphasis on academic achievement and career success attracts aspiring, influential teens and young adults, ages 8-18 along with loyal parents/grandparents/guardians of all ages. These consumers bring a mindset perfect for marketing certain consumer brands, career opportunities and social campaigns that appeal to this trend-setting demographic.
Pictured with San Diego HBCU Alumni member Miss Shana Collins
by April | Community, Volunteerism
The 16th Annual United States of America Presidential Volunteer Awards Program “ A New Birth of Freedom” took place on Friday, May 22, 2015 at the Educational Cultural Complex located at 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, 92113. The program highlighted youth as young as 11 years old and adult volunteers from throughout San Diego County for their community service contributions.
Ms. Maxine Clark presented the Seal of the President of the U.S. and a White House Congratulatory Letter from President Obama was read by Mrs. Cynthia Gilliam, Presidential Awards Director, “The purpose of hosting the Presidential Volunteer Awards Program is to acknowledge the dedication and support that many San Diegans give to their community to improve the quality of life for all. Volunteers are the driving force for many successful community clean-ups, programs and events. Many volunteers do not work for recognition. However, we find it very important to do so because everyone should be acknowledge for the positive and great work that they do. If we don’t celebrate them, who will?”
Isaiah Coleman stated, “I am proud to volunteer and serve my community. I enjoy giving back because is not only the right thing to do but I want to be a productive citizen. Us, youth usually are said to be lazy and stuck on social media 
and video games all day. I think given the opportunity more kids will want to become involved. The Blue Heart Foundation was recognized for serving over 1000 hrs of volunteer service. Tracy Morris founder of The Blue Heart Foundation said “I am thankful and humble to receive this recognition with so many San Diegans who are also making a positive impact in our community by volunteering. Each and ever member of our mentoring program HEART contributed to this honor.”
The Presidential Awards Program was made possible with the support and contributions of The Buffalo Soldiers, 9th & 10th Horse Calvary Association; La Diego Dance Theater, Danial Marshall; The Best Kept Secret, San Diego Chapter; Educational Cultural Complex; Dr. Anthony Beebe, Ed.D; St. Stephens’s Cathedral COGIC Mime Group, T.R.U.T.H; Lard Family; Nelicidad and Mela Pettis; Christy Figueroa Pettis; Harold J. Ballard Parent Center; Pastor Charlie and 1st Lady Maxine Clark; Pastor Kevin and 1st Lady Roberson; Mr. Michael Sanders; Waldorf School of San Diego; Principal Gary Rollins; Gompers Prep and Herbert Hoover
Participation in our first Taco Tuesday with the Padres was a huge success as we partnered with the San Diego Padres Charity Ticket Program and attended our first game as a group. Identified as a charity group to partner with the Padres we were sure to take full advantage and had 100% particiaption. Some of our guys were featured twice during the game with live shots on FriarVision.
Jacques (HEART Member) stated ” I had a great time watching the Padres with the group; it was even cooler when we were on the big screen!!! and when asked his thoughts about being on Friarvision Jacques exclaimed “That was a great experience, I never though that would happen to me!” all while smiling ear to ear.
