Jeff Watson

jwatson@thecherawchronicle.com

PAGELAND — Increasing accountability among African-American males is one of the missions of the Boys to Men program.

On Saturday, the second annual Boys to Men Male Choir Sing-A-Thon will be held in the Central High School Cafeteria at 10 a.m. Male choirs and groups from around the county are invited to participate in the event. Each man that attends the event is asked to bring another male. Each choir is asked to give one musical selection.

Mickey Baker, one of the founders of the Boys to Men program, says that having events such as this are to educate and inspire young African-American men.

“There are several problems that face African-American men in our community,” Baker said. “We have to help motivate our younger men to stay in school and strive to receive a higher education. We have to teach them that violence isn’t the way, that they have to be responsible and that they must do all they can to be an upstanding member of their communities. We need to address the problems of incarceration and other negative trends that face us. Churches are a big part in helping us educate everyone on what we need to do to be more accountable.”

Former Carolina Panthers running back Tim Biakabutuka will be the guest speaker for the sing-a-thon. Having speakers who have been through different obstacles and overcome roadblocks is something that Baker says is important.

“We want to be able to reach all of the men,” Baker said. “It is paramount that we teach these young men that they can be successful and can reach their goals. They just have to work hard and know that they must make good decisions.”

The Boys to Men program has been funded thus far by donations from individuals and businesses. The program hopes that congregations can make a $100 donation in support of the program.

For more information on the Boys to Men program, contact Baker at (843) 622-5293.