Boys to Men Program

The Wooten Center's Boys to Men program, originally funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, was started here in 1997. After Kellogg funding ceased we have continued with this program using our own funding.

This program has made a large difference in the lives of our boys and is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5 p.m. In the meeting shown here Mr. Lamar Porter has gathered the young boys for a spirited Boys to Men meeting on the open oral topic discussion of Honor and Respect.

Clifford and boys

 

The Boys to Men program is conceived to focus on the critical life issues that impact African-American males and provides a unique open forum where participants are encouraged to speak their minds on issues about them.

A recent roundtable topic involving the 12-18 age group made for spirited discussion in its focus on the criminal justice system and how African-American males are falling into this trap. The discussion included strategies on how black males can avoid negative confrontations with law enforcement and thereby the pitfalls of jail and/or prison by merely changing their lifestyle and life outlook.

A younger group (ages 8-11) of boys participated in a discussion on respect for elders, learning to be more responsible and setting goals to achieving success in life.

Future topics for the older boys include:

  • Regaining Leadership in the Home and Community
  • Reshaping the Black Male Image
  • Trade School Alternatives to College
  • Sexual Responsibility
  • Prosperity vs. Poverty
  • Genocide Through Street Drugs and Gang Violence

Future topics for the younger boys include:

  • Why Too Much Video TV Dulls the Mind
  • Becoming a General Powell or a Captain Kirk.
  • Why Prison isn't a nice place

Graffitti Gang recruitment and violence are a constant threat to children in South Central Los Angeles. The Wooten Center not only provides gang counseling to discourage boys from joining gangs but also provides a refuge where they are safe from gang activities. Here Quincy Butler (13) points out graffiti near the center which announces a feud between the 90 Crips and the Inglewood Family Gangsters. Quincy's attendance at the Center protects him from involvement in such senseless activities.
Darius Another feature of the Boys to Men program is career assistance. As part of this effort the center was recently successful in placing Darius McGowan into the AmeriCorps program. Darius reports to AmeriCorps this September.