Members of the following: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Grace Temple Fellowship Church, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Members of the Bennettsville-Cheraw Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. gave recognition to mentoring groups during their May Week Program Sunday, May 26 at Grace Temple Fellowship Church. Awards and plaques were presented to organizations and businesses for their dedication to the chapter’s mentoring group EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program.
The EMBODI program, in collaboration with community partners and volunteers, provide male youth in grades 1st – 12th with ongoing mentoring and tutoring support as well as guidance on topics that include basic life skills, college admissions process, financial literacy, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, service learning and empowerment.
The chapter partners with the following groups: Theta Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Men of Grace Temple Fellowship Church, Lambda Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Campbell Consulting Agency, and Cicero Holdings, LLC for a successful EMBODI program. Collaborative partners meet with committee members and mentees on the fourth Saturday of each month. These groups not only devote time and skills with young participants, but they also provide transportation to social outings and financial support as needed. It is because of the support given by these groups that the EMBODI program has reached the high measure of success that it has become.
Program events for the 2023-2024 year included the following: Bullying Prevention, attending a football game (Benedict College vs. Morehouse College), Financial Literacy, Etiquette session, annual round-up with collaborative partners, Vocational Education, toy drive, Entrepreneur Kick-off activities and basketball game, field trip to the International African American Center in Charleston, and fishing at McKinney Lake. During the 2023- 2024 year, participants continued with the two- mile stretch adopted highway project (Delta EMBODI).
Program participation includes the monitoring of participant’s grades, discipline records, and individual conferences. Participants are recognized and rewarded for good grades and reports throughout the school year.
The entrepreneur project is a very vital part of the EMBODI program because it helps young male participants develop ideas and critical thinking skills needed for personal and professional growth. Darryl Campbell and Brandon Blair use their business knowledge and skills to support the entrepreneur program. During the May Week program, special recognition and awards were given to all collaborative partners in addition to the following: Darryl Campbell Mentor of the Year 2024 and Brandon Blair for continuous support and guidance.
Darryl Campbell, Mentor of the year and owner of Campbell Consulting Company in Columbia, S.C. provides financial support to the entrepreneurship program to assist EMBODI participants in the development and expansion of their entrepreneur projects.
Brandon Blair, a past EMBODI participant and owner of Cicero Holdings, LCC in Raleigh, N.C. was recognized for his on-going support and guidance.
With approximately 30 years of service in the Marlboro and Cheraw communities, the EMBODI (formerly Summit III) program continues to inspire young males to reach present and future goals. The program has proven to be a success by the number of participants that excel in school and transition to institutions of higher learning, and continued support from fraternities, church, and businesses. For more information please contact Mrs. Dannie Blair program chair or chapter members.