SeeingGrowth.com

Robert “Yummy” Sandifer (March 12, 1983 – September 1, 1994) was nicknamed Yummy because of his love of junk food, Sandifer was a young member of the Chicago street gang the Black Disciples. After committing murder, arson and armed robbery, he was executed by fellow gang members who feared that he would tell something. This [...]

Over the last 4 decades I have been recognized as a black male. I have been known or referred to as many different titles over the years, but they all fell under the umbrella of a black person. This year I was given the option to decide if I wanted to be a black male, an African American male, or a negro male. Should I appreciate the choices? Should I look at this as an insult or a compliment? Should I look at this as a form of voluntary division between people of the same race? Should I feel like someone is trying to patronize me? If I get upset at anyone, who should I be upset with?

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Warren G. Bennis How are going to build meet your organizational goals? Are you looking for a magical solution? Your organization won’t be successful without good leadership. You can purchase better equipment or introduce a new process. However, your situation won’t improve until you have effective [...]

You are happily married with children. You have a great job. You are a leader in your church and community. Everything should be wonderful, but it’s not. Your closet skeletons hold you captive. Some people never allow you to forget your past sins (they seem to conveniently overlook all the good you do). You attempt to make everyone happy, but you can’t. You feel tears running down your face. Will you ever be accepted?

The mother of eight children, “Ms. Diane” has the children refer to her, is a resident of the Roseland community on the far south side of Chicago. She founded Kids Off the Block, Inc. (KOB) in July of 2003. Ms. Latiker was given this vision from her mother Evangelist Ruth Jackson. Ms. Jackson, saw that the youth in the neighborhood liked and respected her daughter. Looking at the children that were always at her home, Ms. Diane saw health professionals, doctors, lawyers, professional musicians, professional sports figures, politicians, and actresses, and the list goes on. Ms. Diane believed that she could make a difference in the community, and in the many youth that she came in contact with daily. She became encouraged and began to think about opening up her home to get these young people off the streets and involved in programs that would benefit them for the rest of their lives. KOB started out with ten neighborhood kids, and now has over 250 active members, with a waiting list of over 100. Some say our youth is a lost generation, I don’t believe that to be true. I Diane Latiker, Founder and President of Kids Off The Block organization think differently, I have heard the voices and they speak of hope and love. Through forms of compassion, love, and guidance this generation can be led to discovering a spectrum of opportunities and become positive leaders in our communities.

When most children are asked what they want to be when they grow up, the responses include “fireman,” “teacher,” “attorney,” “football player” and “doctor.” When I was asked the question, my immediate response was “The Boss.” At the time, I wasn’t clear of what I wanted to be the “boss.”

Rev. Harold E. Bailey – Founder and President of Probation Challenge, Inc.

Rev. Harold E. Bailey, was born in Chicago, Illinois to Adolphus Sr. and Lillian Bailey.

After completing the Chicago Public School System, he attended: Wilson Jr. College, Central State University, Chicago State University and Governor State University.