by April | Mentoring, Personal Growth, Team Building, Volunteerism
Through the newly established partnership between Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Omicron Iota Sigma Chapter along with the Blue Heart Foundation and Outdoor Outreach had the opportunity to spend the morning helping restore native habitats at the San Diego National Bay Refuge.
Leading African-American fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Sigma) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have joined forces to conserve America’s wildlife in a new way. The two organizations signed an historic memorandum of understanding establishing a partnership that will provide new opportunities for urban youth to experience the natural world and promote interest in conservation and the biological sciences.
The initiative commemorates American scientist, botanist, and inventor, George Washington Carver – a Sigma member who has inspired generations of youth to pursue careers in science. Cecil Shelton (Omicron Iota Sigma Chapter, Director of Social Action) would say “Today was not only about being able to give back to the community, it is about inspiring these young men, who not only get to experience the essence of hard work , but learn the importance of environmental preservation for all mankind.”
“Many Americans find it difficult to experience nature in an increasingly urban America. This has profound implications for the health and well-being of our citizens and the future of our nation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “Sigma – with its rich history of community leadership and deep connection to the legacy of Dr. Carver – is the ideal partner for the Service as we work to create meaningful connections between young people and the great outdoors.”
Working as a collaborate team each organization laid mulch to prevent weeds, removed invasive species and watered native plants. Native vegetation at the Jonathan Sellers and Charlie Keever Outdoor Educational Activity Center was planted by school children from Imperial Beach. “The partnership with Phi Beta Sigma and Outdoor Outreach allows us to provide opportunities for these young African American men to learn about protected lands in San Diego and to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them.” – Chantel Jimenez US Fish and Wildlife Service
It was an honor to restore and beautify the Memorial that honors the lives of two friends whose lives were taken to soon. Jonathan Sellers- and Charlie Keever will be remembered forever and remind us that a child’s life is precious. Joe McLeod COO of Outdoor Outreach would later say “The Blue Heart Foundation youth and Phi Beta Sigma Brothers embraced our motto of Play, Learn, Serve and Share today. Together we had a great day of service learning at the USFWS South Bay Wildlife Refuge. Thank you everyone for your strong character, determination and positives attitudes!!”
The group then made their way to Coronado Tidelands Park where we had lunch; afterwards everyone took to the opportunity to hit the water Paddle boarding on the Bay. Isaiah Coleman from Blue Heart would say “It was deeply satisfying to help with work on the beautification project. Seeing the bright colored Navanacs along the shore was alarming, but new.”
by April | Career Development, Mentoring, Team Building
Saturday March 26, 2016 – On a clear morning 15 young men from the Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program had the opportunity to get a taste ot what it takes to be a fire cadet. On an event coordinated by Fire Captain Jason Shanley the young men would suit up and spend the day going through training activities such as using a Telpher Line(aka as a “zip line”) to repelling out of a three story window and put on Search and Rescue with fire gear, through a “maze” otherwise known as the confidence course.
After going over a safety procedures and protocols lead by the men the from the San Diego Fire Department and more specifically Brothers United ( African-American Firefighters). Capt. Shanley thought it was important to “show who these youngsters “how we get down” at the Fire Department” He would later say “It’s important to the Fire Department to open up opportunities and be more diverse. Through these exercises it is my expectation that the kids would arrive on time, and come ready to assist wherever they can. We will definitely have fun, and they should get a LOT of life lessons from each component of the stations (i.e. Teamwork, Confidence, and Trust)”.
The day was filled with excitement, fun and challenges as each young man took their turns repelling out of the three story building. You could see the anxiety and anxoiusnous on each young man’s face as the firefighters tied them up and they began to climb out of the window. Isaiah Coleman would say “Though, I may not want to be a firefighter this was a great experience.”
Later teams would switch roles from repelling to the confidence course; the confidence course requires 
firefighters to navigate through a maze of obstacles with a “Blacked out” helmet using only each other and a firehouse as guidance. Brandon Rosete would later say “ It was crazy and I was nervous going through the maze but I learned to trust my teammates. So, I knew I cold get through.”
All in all this was an amazing eperience for each young man to sample a taste of cadet training. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Cadet Program was organized in 1983 for young men and women, age 16 to 21, who are interested in learning about a career in Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services. This program is not intended to be a direct recruiter of future firefighters, but rather gives young men and women an inside look into the Fire and Emergency Medicine profession.
The purpose of the Fire Cadet program is to help young people make the decision of whether they want to pursue a career in Fire Suppression. The Cadets attend mandatory training classes and are encouraged to participate in a ride-along program. This program helps Cadets gain experience as they observe firefighters and assist the Department in a non-hazardous capacity. In addition to Fire Department-related responsibilities, Fire Cadets are also encouraged to take Fire Science classes, and go on outings and camping trips organized by the Cadet leaders.- See more at: https://www.sandiego.gov/fire/careers/cadetprogram#sthash.y8S7mwSs.dpuf
by April | Education, Mentoring
March’s HEART workshop focus was on career opportunities and International Travel. The first session was facilitated by Dr. 
Shalom Akili who recently traveled to Malaysia and shared his experience with the group. For three weeks Dr. Akili was immersed in the culture of Malaysia and taught lessons to students between the ages of 13-18. His experience was one that was certainly life changing.
This was followed by a dynamic presentation where Dr. Aaron Bruce presented on opportunities to “Keep it Global” Dr. Bruce discussed his many trips abroad and how the world is becoming such a smaller community. Touching on the importance that our young men seek out opportunities to travel Internationally. Needless to say we will be working to make a HEART trip to Africa happen within the next year.
Lastly, Charles Anderson stopped by from the Urban League to discuss volunteer opportunities at the Golden Pyramid Awards as well as scholarship opportunities. Be sure to fill out the scholarship and essay as soon as possible.
by April | Community, Team Building
Thanks to the Grandparents Association sponsored in program to SeaWorld… Dress will be HEART T-Shirt and Jeans.. (B We will be going on a joint trip with Dr. Jam’s Mentoriring your Hoodies in case it gets cold.) Cost is $20 total and you may want to bring snacks.
by April | Education
Our young men had the opportunity to see a key influence on the civil rights movement Rev. Al Sharptor the last 40 years Rev. Al Sharpton has been a consistent advocate for civil rights.and on the night before he was expected to lead a protest in Los Angeles in front of the venue hosting the Academy Awards, the Rev. Al Sharpton was in San Diego leading a discussion about civil rights. Actually, he was talking about a revival of the civil rights movement — taking the passion and purpose many associate with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s and applying them to 21st century circumstances.
It almost seemed as though that scenario was playing itself out in front of the crowd at the Rolando headquarters of the United Domestic Workers of America, where Sharpton spoke. As soon as he took the stage, he acknowledged a Shane Harris a young activist in San Diego, whom he indicated was prepared to take up the torch. “I believe it’s our duty to position them for leadership as we go on,” Sharpton said of the Rev. Shane Harris, who serves as president of the local chapter of the National Action Network, a civil rights advocacy group.
Sharpton, 61, founded the organization in 1991. Harris, who is in his early 20s, founded what he has described as a multicultural and multigenerational church in Mountain View a few years ago. He said Saturday night that he had “stepped away” from his church to “go full time into the movement, I know what it is to be young and on fire for social justice,” Sharpton said. “And a lot of folks whose flame has flickered get upset at someone whose flame is full grown.”
The event was billed as the official kickoff of the National Action Network’s San Diego chapter. Sharpton was the keynote speaker. But before he appeared, the crowd of more than 300 people prayed, sang along with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir of San Diego and experienced a mime/dance group performance by girls and boys from St. Stephens Cathedral Church of God in Christ.
Also in attendance were several civic leaders and community representatives, including San Diego Councilmembers Myrtle Cole and Marti Emerald, Pro-Tem Mayor of Lemon Grove Racquel Vasquez, Mayor San Diego Unified School District Superintendent Cindy Marten and president of the San Diego branch of the NAACP, Andre Branch.
Sharpton, who hosts the Sunday morning talk show PoliticsNation on MSNBC, covered a range of topics Saturday night in San Diego. He talked about the seriousness of the presidential election, drawing parallels among the conservatism of Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump.
“(There are) people attempting to change and reverse everything that has been achieved in the country for the last half century,” Sharpton said, specifically noting race relations, labor issues and voting rights. “We have got to organize like we’ve never organized before,” he said.
He challenged the crowd not to participate in “anything that insults and offends us,” noting the controversy over the lack of diversity in Academy Award nominations over the past two years. And he encouraged the crowd to advocate for the rights of all people, including members of the gay and lesbian community. “You can’t fight for no one’s civil rights unless you fight for everyone’s,” he said. (Source Dana Littlefield San Diego Union Tribune)
Leading African-American fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Sigma) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have joined forces to conserve America’s wildlife in a new way. The two organizations signed an historic memorandum of understanding establishing a partnership that will provide new opportunities for urban youth to experience the natural world and promote interest in conservation and the biological sciences.
“Many Americans find it difficult to experience nature in an increasingly urban America. This has profound implications for the health and well-being of our citizens and the future of our nation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “Sigma – with its rich history of community leadership and deep connection to the legacy of Dr. Carver – is the ideal partner for the Service as we work to create meaningful connections between young people and the great outdoors.”
Working as a collaborate team each organization laid mulch to prevent weeds, removed invasive species and watered native plants. Native vegetation at the Jonathan Sellers and Charlie Keever Outdoor Educational Activity Center was planted by school children from Imperial Beach. “The partnership with Phi Beta Sigma and Outdoor Outreach allows us to provide opportunities for these young African American men to learn about protected lands in San Diego and to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them.” – Chantel Jimenez US Fish and Wildlife Service
It was an honor to restore and beautify the Memorial that honors the lives of two friends whose lives were taken to soon. Jonathan Sellers- and Charlie Keever will be remembered forever and remind us that a child’s life is precious. Joe McLeod COO of Outdoor Outreach would later say “The Blue Heart Foundation youth and Phi Beta Sigma Brothers embraced our motto of Play, Learn, Serve and Share today. Together we had a great day of service learning at the USFWS South Bay Wildlife Refuge. Thank you everyone for your strong character, determination and positives attitudes!!”
