Author: De Shon

On September 24th, the Alpha Esquires (AE) Intro to Technology Day proved to be a grand success.  Technology entrepreneur and AE board member Mrs Tina Fitch, technology guru Tommy Hanks, and Apple software engineer Christopher Ketant, facilitated a workshop the Esquires will not forget. The afternoon began with Mrs Fitch providing information on the absence of African Americans in the technology industry, although their are numerous well paying jobs available. Mr Ketant followed with a story on how he became involved in technology and the numerous road blocks and hurdles he had to overcome to achieve the status he has today. He encouraged the Esquires by telling them they can become whatever they want and to use him as motivation. Lastly, Mr Hanks treated the Esquires to a hands on workshop on code writing. Esquires were allowed to execute a few simple code writing sequences and view how those codes translate into video games they play on a daily basis. The day concluded with 14 Esquires signing up to participate in Mr Hanks’ FREE code writing class. Through Mr Hanks’ non-profit, iFoundry, Esquires will be provided all of the literature and equipment necessary to complete the course…… FREE OF CHARGE!!!! What a day for the Alpha Esquires!

 

 

 

On November 5, 2016, the Alpha Esquires will facilitate a Community Leadership Forum at Crenshaw High School.  The symposium will feature with a panel discussion surrounding relationships with law enforcement. The panel is comprised of Judges, lawyers, District Attorneys, and police officers from various agencies.

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The Community Leadership Symposium was a grand success.  In excess of 100 youth and members of the community members participated in an open discussion with:

The Honorable Allen Webster – LA County Superior Court Judge
Michelle Humphrey, Esq – LA County District Attorney’s Office
Nushaun Neal, Esq – Civil Litigation
Sergeant Aleta Iraldo – Los Angeles Airport Police
Sergeant Dominic Iraldo – Whittier Police Department
Sergeant Arthur Thomas – LA County Sheriff’s Department
Sergeant/Detective Taaj Muhammad -LAPD
Police Officer Deon Joseph – LAPD
Detective Dion Ingram – LA County Sheriff’s Department
Pastor Takim Brown – Faith Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church

The Symposium was moderated by actor/activist, Mr Joseph C. Phillips.

The afternoon was dynamic!  The youth were not afraid to ask tough questions, and the panelist were not shy!  This event was driven by truth as opposed to political correctness.  The panelist were adamant about providing the community with information on how to survive encounters with the police and what to do if civil rights violations occur.  The event left the community requesting a follow up symposium!  Stay tuned!  Our work is not done!

 

On October 22, 2016, the Alpha Esquires will have its 2nd Annual Pancake Breakfast at the Los Angeles Alpha House. 100% of the proceeds go towards Alpha Esquires education enhancement and mentoring activities. See the flyer below for details.

On September 24, the Esquires will participate in an intro to technology day. Engineers from Apple and HobNob advertising will facilitate the workshop and provide instruction in code writing and the opportunities that exist in the field. The work shop will be held at Crenshaw High School from 11am-2pm.

On September 8th 2016, the Alpha Esquires will take a tour of the African American Firefighters Museum. The will be treated to a tour of the Museum, participate in a Fireside Chat, and be given a lecture on fire safety. This promises to be an exciting and informative event.

Well it has begun!  The Alpha Esquires celebrated the success of Esquires of the past, welcomed back returning Esquires, and greeted newly enrolled Esquires.  Esquires and parents were reminded what it takes for your child to gain acceptance into the college of their choice, educated on A-G requirements, given information on how to gain acceptance into scholarship societies, and apprised of all the things in store for the Esquires during the 2016-2017 school year!

 The Kickoff Was Packed! Our Mentors Were Engaged! Our Parents Were Active! The Village Was Alive! Interaction Was Non-Stop!

We are excited about things to come!

On June 18, 2016, the annual Alpha Esquires Beautillion was held in the Golden Eagle Ballroom at Cal State University, Los Angeles.  The Beautillion is a culminating event that celebrates Esquires graduating from high school and entering college.

 

 

 

This year two Esquires, Andrew Belisle and Isaiah Garret  were honored. We are proud of these young men, who have been Esquires since the 7th grade.  Esquire Belisle graduated from Serra High School and will be entering Cal State University, Chico State, pursuing a degree in psychology.  Esquire Garret graduated from Culver City High School and will be entering Morehouse College, also pursuing a degree in psychology.  These Esquires performed a waltz for their guests as we presented them to the world as young men of distinction and young men destined for success.

Our Junior Esquires, grades 3-11, ushered their guest from the parking lot, to the venue, and to their seats, displaying the gentlemanly characteristics and etiquette they have been exposed to while participating in Alpha Esquires.  Prior to the waltz, they performed a step routine that put to the forefront the dedication, team work, and commitment to complete tasks that is instilled in them from day one.

 

We want to extend our gratitude to actor/comedian Kente Scott for serving as keynote speaker at the Beautillion.  He delivered a message that was laced with comedy and words of inspiration that were enjoyed by all.

 

Our work is not complete.  We do not rest.  We are on to the next class as we continue “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders, One Esquire at a Time”.

What a great workshop today!  Dr Taquan Stewart gave an excellent presentation on A-G requirements and the benefits and downfalls of taking AP/Honors classes.  A-G requirements are classes high school students need to graduate, and classes they need in order to gain acceptance into the colleges of their choice.  The workshop provided information on important deadlines that every student needs to know in regards to ACT/PSAT test dates and FAFSA deadlines.

There are a lot of movies, plays and other media available on World War II, but very little of it is dedicated to the 332nd Fighter Group of the United States Army Air Forces, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

On Feb 20th, 8:00pm, the Pasadena Playhouse is featuring the play, “Fly”, the story of the Tuskegee Airman. The event will begin with a VERY special informational at the Alpha House, facilitated by Brother Theodore Lumpkin, Tuskegee Airman, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGpxOwwqkZQ at 5:30pm! The Esquires will be afforded the opportunity to interact, engage and converse with one of OUR very own heroes.  The Esquires will also be provided luxury transportation and a meal prior to departing to the play. 

This group of African American aviators shared the dream of flight and jumped at the chance to fight against racism while putting their lives on the line to serve their country. “Fly,” at the Pasadena Playhouse Jan. 26-Feb. 21, pays homage to these men by providing insight into their story.

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What a night!  The expressions on the faces of the Esquires as they listened to the stories of the Tuskegee Airmen was priceless!  These young men truly grasped the importance of the moment.  They realized they were being exposed to a rare opportunity.  The impact the Tuskegee Airmen had on them was unmistakable, as they were able to relate those stories to what they witnessed when they were taken to see the play “Fly – The Story of the Tuskegee Airmen”.

 Wow! Today representatives from UCLA, UC Davis, and          UC Irvine facilitated a college readiness workshop for the Alpha Esquires.  Current students from UCLA and a member of UCLA’s football team participated in individual breakout sessions with the Esquires as well.  It was a GREAT day! The Alpha Esquires are being given the tools they need to succeed.  They are being exposed to African Americans who defy negative stereotypes.  They are being shown that they can be whatever they want to be.