by April | Community, Team Building
The Blue Heart Foundation in partnership with the Old Globe Theater provided a night out for the youth and families from the HEART mentoring program, Man UP! as well as local foster youth. HEART (Higher Education And Rising Together) is a locally based mentoring program that is focused on the empowerment and education of under-served youth. Our program is based on nine (9) core competencies which fall under three categories: 1) Abilities, 2) Applications, and 3) Character. Man UP’s mission is to teach our male students lessons in self-improvement, empowerment, responsibility, and cultural awareness. The club meets with all members on a weekly basis, teaching students lessons that will make them marketable in today’s society.
As part of our program we feel it important to expose youth to events they may not normally have the opportunity to see and in this instance we viewed Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”. Shipwrecked and alone in foreign Illyria, young Viola masquerades as a boy and becomes the go-between for the lovesick Duke Orsino and the beautiful Countess Olivia. Soon Viola finds herself in the middle of a topsy-turvy love triangle with lunacy on every side. Roosevelt Johnson stated “This was a great opportunity for the guys from ManUP to see a play in which they had recently read; we just acted this a week ago!”
We believe culturally enriching field trips matter. They produce significant benefits for students on a variety of educational outcomes that schools and communities care about. The effects of field trips to see live theater demonstrates that seeing plays is an effective way to teach academic content; increases our youth’s tolerance by providing exposure to a broader, more diverse world; and improves the ability of students to recognize what other people are thinking or feeling. These are significant benefits for students on specific educational outcomes that schools pursue and communities respect. Especially when considered alongside our community service efforts.
Not all learning occurs most effectively within the walls of a school building. Going on enriching field trips to cultural institutions makes effective use of all of a community’s resources for teaching children. You can never know what may impact a child’s life. Ann (an Old Globe usher) said excitingly “It’s so amazing to see such young people engaged and following Shakespeare… We normally don’t get that here.”
by April | Community, Team Building
The Blue Heart Foundation’s mentoring program had the opportunity to volunteer and attend the San Diego Symphony’s Summer Pops. One of San Diego’s most exciting musical summer traditions the San Diego Symphony launched Star Spangled Pops—a patriotic extravaganza with special guest TV’s American Idol 
and San Diego native Jessica Sanchez along with the San Diego Master Chorale led by Academy Award-winner Bill Conti conducting.
H.E.A.R.T. had the opportunity to contribute to this exciting event as they volunteered by welcoming all attendees and insuring all the littlest fans were provided with glowsticks, becoming a part of the celebration. Our young men also assisted Education Programs Assistant Allison Morrisey in the kid zone where young people made their own firework bling rings as well as wrote letters to our troops serving overseas. Allison would later say “Thanks for bringing your guys to volunteer with us on Friday. They did a great job and were incredibly poised young gentlemen. I was so 
grateful to have their help and am impressed at their maturity and willingness to help out!”
Afterwards we enjoyed the San Diego symphony featuring Jessica Sanchez and fireworks! The Star Spangled Pops will celebrate Independence Day like no other. It was a great, colorful and festive party on San Diego Bay. Located on picturesque Embarcadero Marina Park South behind the Convention Center, the Star Spangled Pops featured God Bless the U.S.A., America the Beautiful, Battle Hymn of the Republic, a salute to the Armed Forces and a special rendition of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy which was performed by Jessica Sanchez. It’ll was a special night night to remember. Dallas Edge stated “This was a great opportunity to come out and participate in helping our community and show support for our troops… I have never been to the symphony and this was amazing!”
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 | 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
As part of our program we feel it important to expose youth to events they may not normally have the opportunity to see and in this instance we viewed Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”. Shipwrecked and alone in foreign Illyria, young Viola masquerades as a boy and becomes the go-between for the lovesick Duke Orsino and the beautiful Countess Olivia. Soon Viola finds herself in the middle of a topsy-turvy love triangle with lunacy on every side. Roosevelt Johnson stated “This was a great opportunity for the guys from ManUP to see a play in which they had recently read; we just acted this a week ago!”
