Renfroe and Steede: two names synonymous with hope

FRIDAY, MARCH 23: Oftentimes here of late we hear a conversation of a young black male who is making a nuisance of himself, becoming a menace to society and leaving a mark of his misdeeds everywhere he goes.

While some may choose this lifestyle there are those who refuse to allow the boulders of negativity to block the path to their positive future.

Such is the case with Jordan and Willis.

I was most impressed. First and foremost by their appearance when I met them outside the radio studio.

No sagging pants, no oversized tee shirt, none of the stereotypical items young men trying to portray a certain image might wear.

These two gentlemen were dressed in a suit and tie for they had come from interviews that would prepare them for their future.

What also impressed me was how well they articulated their thoughts and feelings. They were self-assured and confident as they verbalized their future aspirations and shared the activities in which they are involved that keep them focused and positioned to be role models for their peers.

Neither exhibited any shame in sharing that they are Christians and that they use their talents to share the Word of God with their peers.

For instance, Willis loves Christian rap and shares the Word through this talent with his peers.

Jordan reads the Bible for recreation and uses the wisdom from the good book in his communications with his peers.

Spoken as if years ahead of themselves, I was baffled as to how these young men find time for socializing with their peers —which they do.

Each expressed having good friends — some of whom are role models for they themselves.

Willis manages his time to engage in Gombeys, track and field, basketball, the CADET Core of the Regiment, HYPE youth group, and piano.

He aspires to be an IT Technician.

Jordan’s time is consumed with the martial arts, piano and saxophone lessons. He aspires to study various subjects in Costa Rica through the United World College. His ultimate goal is to become a music teacher at the secondary level.

Both Willis and Jordan have combined their musical talents to perform publicly.

Our youth have these two young men to look up to.

There is hope!

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of parental involvement in their child’s life.

They need encouragement and the opportunity to try new activities in order to find out what they will enjoy and what they will stick with.

• Shawnette Somner is the host of Generations, which airs on DeFontes’ Broadcasting Company’s 1450AM Gold, 7.30pm-9pm every Monday. Call in live during the show on 295-1450. Please note the e-mail address has changed. Send comments and show ideas to the new e-mail address [email protected] Also note that Generations will simulcast on 1450AM Gold and MIX 106 FM on Monday, March 26, but as of April 2 the radio show will move solely to MIX 106 FM on the same evening at the same time.