BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Black Parent Initiative Honors Fathers
The Black Parent Initiative inspires and mobilizes Black parents to ensure their children achieve educational excellence. To really address the issue of our children’s learning and success, we must instill a new ethic of self-reliance, empowerment, voice, and determination within the culture of our families – with that we can and will make a difference in the lives of our children.
At BPI, we believe that culture is everything. At the genesis of many of the issues facing the Black community lies the undeniable truth that culturally as a people, we have allowed our history to be redefined.
While the mission of BPI is simple, the application is difficult. To truly impact the lives of Black children means changing the culture within the Black community.
In honor of Black History Month, BPI and the Portland Trail Blazers will honor African American fathers of our community who have inspired, sacrificed, set the bar, changed the world and gracefully led by example to make it better in our community. These fathers were selected based on their outstanding commitment to their families, contributions to their community and dedication to respectfully represent the best of their heritage. Every recipient will get a $500 grant to the charity of their choice.
Click here for the Portland Observer article on the BPI/Trail Blazers awards.
More info from the official webpage of the Portland Trail Blazers
Part of this is making sure that we highlight the simple things fathers and father figures can do to impact the lives of the child (ren) around them. For simple things you can do with the child(ren) in your lives please visit http://fatherwork.byu.edu/activities.htm
This year's honorees are:
Aubré Dickson – Dedicated to the lives of youth in his community, Aubré volunteers and serves on boards for organizations such as United Way with a personal goal to make it better for young people today. A husband and father of three, he still finds time to mentor youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Donald Dixon – A lifelong educator, Donald has been a constant presence in Portland Public Schools for over 30 years, taking on various rolls from teacher, to coach, counselor and even athletic director. Today, this father of two remains dedicated to today’s youth as a guidance counselor and scholarship coordinator at Jefferson High School.
Lugene H. Golden – A Jefferson High School graduate, Lugene served two years with the United States Army before completing an apprenticeship with Portland General Electric where he became the first African-American lineman. As a faithful deacon at the Maranantha Church of God, Lugene works with the Junior High School Youth Ministry.
Chad Pasley – A husband, father, coach, volunteer and entrepreneur, Chad strives to show others that there is a way to balance work and family life while still making time for fun. Chad’s heart for service is demonstrated through his volunteerism at church and his work with the Black Parent Initiative.
Dr. T. Allen Bethel – The recipient of many awards for his outstanding community, civic, government and private work, Dr. T. Allen Bethel comes from a rich background including over 30 years in ministry and 28 years in pastoral ministry. He serves the Maranantha Church as Senior Pastor.
Kevin Carroll – Kevin came to Portland in 1997 after spending ten years in the Air Force as a language translator. Today he is an author, speaker and agent for social change and travels the globe as an advocate in the Sport for Social Change movement. In 2005, Kevin’s message made it all the way to the United Nations where he addressed dignitaries from 31 nations.
Maurice Lucas – Maurice (or Coach too many) embodies a true All-Star on and off the court. Through his work with Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital and CARES NW Child Abuse Program and his constant dedication to coaching those around him, Maurice is not just a father to three, but also a mentor to many.
