Black leaders promote change

On Feb. 21, the Delta College Ricker Center held Black Men Matter’s second installment and was co-sponsored by Delta College and Youth Empowerment and Solutions.

This convocation was moderated by Lorenzo Pierson, founder of Black Men Matter and featured panelist Byron Hayes, Demond Tibbs, Rufus Bradley, Kevin Gregory and Lorenzo Reynolds. The group discussed issues like unemployment, crime, religion, health, education and leadership.

Pierson clarified that the event was not about pointing out the differences between races.

“It’s about showing the principles that Martin Luther King has shared,” he said.

Hayes, Pastor of Word of Faith International Ministries in Saginaw, discussed unemployment and having a relationship with God.

“A man who is broken can still be fixed,” Hayes said. “Everyone has a brain and twenty-four hours a day. Every man is a purposed man and can make a better change by choice.”

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Demond Tibbs discussed crime and violence inside the Saginaw community.

“We need to have a vision and a focus,” Tibbs explained. “The vision is a picture of myself, and focus is the passion I need to make it happen.”

Kevin Gregory, President of the Saginaw Valley African-American Leadership Training Institute, discussed the importance of education in the community.

Gregory concluded by urging parents to start reading with their children as soon as possible. Additionally, he recommended that parents support the Public Libraries of Saginaw and volunteer with either READ of Saginaw County or Great Start Collaborative. “Volunteer, research, and start asking the right questions,” he said.

Lorenzo Reynolds, two time Golden Gloves champion and personal trainer, finished the panel with discussion of health in our community. He spoke about the vitality of watching what we eat. 123