From boys to men – A local father created a mentorship program that provides positive role models for boys.

Quincy native Russell Harrison, Sr. founded a mentorship program to help mold boys into respectable men.

Harrison says God gave him the vision to start the program in 2017, while he was having family game night with his loved ones.

A husband and father, Harrison and his wife Clarissa have been married for almost 17 years.

Although he has seven children — Natasha Singh, Willie Sweet, Jr., Russell Harrison, Jr., Julian Harrison, Gemyrah Garrett, Charity Garrett, Israel (Izzy) Harrison, Nalani Renee Rosie Singh (three of which are biological) — Harrison has stepped in as a father figure to countless others in the community.

He said during game night, he took a picture with his son on the stairs.

“We were staged on the stairs from the youngest up to me,” Harrison shared.

That’s when he thought of the name Born2BeAMan.

“The blueprint is to help young men realize how great they are and what they can be,” Harrison said.

He said children in the black community are often pushed into sports, but he wants them to know there are other avenues they can take to be a successful man.

Harrison and other menors focus on encouraging the children.

“A lot of them don’t have father figures,” Harrison said. “We’re there to fill in the gap.”

The program accepts boys ages 4-17.

They teach them practical skills, like how to change oil, how to plug a tire, and change a tire. They also teach them plumbing and electrical skills. Additionally, they teach them financial literacy, and other life skills like how to tie a tie, fish, and cook.

They provide tutoring, and also train the boys in whatever sport they are involved in.

“Most of all we try to teach them how to be a respectable young man,” Harrison said.

For the boys to join the program, parents fill out an application, they have a meet and greet, and the child is automatically accepted into the program.

Harrison said some participants were referred to the program by Leon County Judges.

“We’ve never turned anyone down, or kicked anyone out,” Harrison said.

Harrison recalled a challenging situation with one of the mentees.

“We were out doing an event with the elderly and he didn’t want to be there; He wanted to fight,” Harrison said. “I had to take a step back and not get on the same level as him.”

Harrison explained in situations like that, he has to love the boys a little harder.

“I gave him a big hug,” Harrison said.

He said later that day, the child called him back and apoligized.

Harrison also shared one of his most rewarding experiences as a mentor.

“One young man thanked me,” Harrison said. “He was headed down the wrong path and had joined a gang.”

Harrison said he saw the young man’s gang-related posts on social media and intervened.

“He’s now graduated from high school and headed to college,” Harrison said.

The organization is currently gearing up for its Third Annual Take to the Lake weekend next month.

The mentors take the boys to Lake Talquin for an exciting weekend filled with fishing, boat rides and other fun activities.

They stay at Ingram’s Marina, and the boys catch and clean fish, and prepare every meal that weekend, with the help of the mentors.

You don’t have to be a man to help out.

Harrison said every year Mary Jack Greenlaw rounds up other boat owners, and they teach the boys how to drive pontoon boats.

One of the program’s participants, Jaylon Pride, said Born2BeAMan has drastically changed his life for the better.

“Mr. Russell takes us on trips and gives us real life experience to survive in this world as young men,” Jaylon said. “He teaches us that no matter what we go through in life that failure is not an option, and that we can always come to him with our problems because his phone is always open to us no matter the time.”

Jaylon said Born2BeAMan has given him the opportunity to make new friends and connections with people he now considers as family.

“Everyone in our organization is family and we are all brothers,” Jaylon said. “I’ve been a part of Born2BeAMan for five years now and I can say it has been the best 5 years of my life.”

Jaylon’s mother, Melissa Pride, said young men can never have too many positive role models.

“My son is blessed to have his father in his life but young men can use all the positive role models they can get in their life,” Melissa said. “Born2BeAMan has provided a safe and honest environment for young men to express themselves and their feelings. They take time to make bonds, listen to their feelings and teach them how to deal with everyday life as young men.”

Derrick Feaster, Jr. who is a mentor, said loves working with the youth.

“I understand the future is bigger than my generation,” Feaster, Jr. said.

He said the organization has provided an opportunity for him to work with young men and help them reach their full potential. Feaster, Jr. said he helps fill in the gap as a supportive big brother figure.

“I really appreciate Mr. Harrison for trusting me with this task,” Feaster, Jr. said.

Jamil, who is also a mentor, expressed his gratitude for the organization.

“Just hearing the words, Born2BeAMan, alone provokes me and my peers to remain sharp through accountability and resiliency.

Jamil said through the program, young men learn communication skills while growing mentally, spiritually and financially.

Born2BeAMan is a nonprofit organization.

To donate or volunteer, or for more information about the program, email born2beaman@gmail.com or call (850) 264-5145.

“We’re trying our best to do whatever we can to save our youth,” Harrison said.

Erin Hill - Gadsden County News Service

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