Born 2 Be A Man Inc. Inaugural Fun in The Sun Day

Born 2 Be A Man Inc. kicked off the summer with their Inaugural Community Fun Day on June 6, 2021 to celebrate their scholarship giveaway. The male mentoring program invited kids and parents to enjoy a day full of positive community involvement including water balloon fights, kickball and softball games, food and more. With community violence on the rise, the residents of Gadsden County are combating the negative narratives with a day dedicated to the joys of being a child.

The celebration began as founder and president of Born 2 Be A Man Inc. Russel Harrison Sr, awarded four young men with scholarships within his community and organization. Three of the recipients of the Roosevelt Harrison Sr Stepping Into Manhood Scholarship, were graduates as well as members of the mentoring program. Harrision Sr’s purpose for the program is to be actively involved with the training, building and promoting of a positive environment, grooming our boys into men with a vision to lead the community forward.

The Born 2 Man Inc. organization provides the young men in their organization an opportunity to learn how to navigate through life as an evolving male in society. The program has conducted fundraisers and other community events partnering with other notable businesses in Gadsden County. Born 2 Be A Man Inc partnered with the Commissioner of District 5, Rontarrious Green, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Tau Zeta Chapter, The Greenery Floral and Tuxedo Place #1 for a neighborhood clean-up event May 31, 2021 at Crossroad Academy Charter School in Quincy, Fl.

Russel Harrison Sr. gained inspiration for the family fun day event’s activities from the youth's lack of knowledge of outdoor activities. “These are things I really enjoy doing with my youth. It keeps them active and keeps my knees working. A lot of our youth may know what kickball is, but don’t really know how to play. I strive to keep teaching them how to stay young but also different ways on how to become young men,” Russel Harrison Sr. says.

Parents, family and friends all gathered to watch the children play kickball. The kids ranged from ages five to 18.

“We’re here celebrating the program’s mentors, they graduated and the organization rewarded some with scholarships. The event unites the Quincy and Tallahassee organizations. It’s great for the kids to see a familiar face to connect with when they’re in these small communities,” said Shaniqua Jones, a parent to a child in the program.

Many of the community’s vital citizens were present from both Tallahassee and Quincy’s community. Representatives from Gadsden County’s Sheriff's Office were there supporting their community, as friendly neighbors. Lt. Bill Buckhalt and son, Deylan Buckhalt helped with the grill and food preparation for the event.