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Can you believe that thirteen years ago I was starting to head down the path of destruction? One man saved my life, a man by the name of Victor Barnett. He came into my life at the tender age of twelve as my AAU basketball coach and my role model. With his guidance and structure I was able to divert from the direction I was going in, and choose a new outlook on life and the way I lived it. In a sense, he became a second father to me. He helped me get through those rough years in school, and with him backing me up, I finished high school. You heard it right, because of him I was a proud graduate of Milwaukee Hamilton High School, class of 1996. Victor and my Father showed me how to be ambitious, outgoing, selfless, and most of all, a MAN. Victor showed me important skills like how to manage my money and how to become a homeowner. After my father passed two years ago, Victor became the main male role model in my life. Now here I stand, a twenty-five years old strong, independent black man, giving a child the same guidance that was given to me. Victor always told me to give back what I’ve learned, and that’s exactly what I did. - Anwar Jenkins (8/6/03)
My name is Shimeka Currin and I have been a part of the Running Rebels Community Organization for more than 10 years. The Running Rebels has not only helped me mentally, but also physically and emotionally. When I first started off in this organization I was not an outspoken person. Through the emotional teachings of Victor Barnett I learned that there was nothing to be afraid of, and if I put my mind to it, I can achieve it. Through speeches like this and many more, I was able to, not only do speeches in small groups, but also in large groups throughout the community. Running Rebels has been a guidance and inspiration to not only me, but many youth who grew up with me. As of today, my future goals are to further my career in teaching youth and helping people if not through being and registered nurse, than by becoming a teacher. The Running Rebels has offered me the opportunity to do both if I chose, through their emotional and financial backing. Running Rebels Community Organization is a wonderful place and I am very glad that I had a chance to be a part of it. - Shimeka Currin (2003)
Local Success Stories
Micah Brown
Micah Brown, also known as Lil’ Dude, is a 9-year-old, fourth grader attending the Young Leaders Academy. He has been a positive young person in the Running Rebels Music Program for just about a year now. When asked what he enjoyed about Running Rebels, he responded, ?computers and music.? Micah has been rapping since the age of four, listing L.L. Cool J, Ludacris, and Big Ward as his musical influences. He enjoys rapping and poetry, which he likes to perform on Open Mic Night. Lil’ dude has performed at places such as Afrofest, Beanhead Café, Juneteenth Day, and the MLK Back-To-School event where he placed first place in a rapping contest.
LaMont Forshee
The Running Rebels Music Program is very successful. One reason is because of very talented producers and engineers such as LaMonte Forshee Aka L.O.G.O. He has been involved in the music business since 1984. LaMonte got into music by writing poetry and was influenced by the singer Prince. In 1983-84, when rap gained popularity, he started rapping. LaMonte’s stage name is L.O.G.O, which stands for Lyrical of Ghetto Origins. LaMonte graduated from Juneau Business High School in 1989. He then graduated from M.A.T.C with a Technical Degree in 1994. LaMonte has worked with artists such as Coo Coo Cal, Baby Drew, Too Short, the Outlaws, Devin the Dude, and recently recorded tracks for Lil’ Wayne (Cash Money Records) and B.G. (Choppa City Records). When asked what his life long dream is, he stated, "I want to make enough money to buy my family a nice home, some land, and to live securely for the rest of my life."
Anwar Jenkins
Anwar Jenkins, a long time member of the Running Rebels, plays a very important role here. He is a mentor, a coach and a musician. When asked what it was like when he first got involved with the organization, he stated, ?Victor ran it all by himself. We were always going to youth conferences to help us with not having a building.? He says the difference between then and now is that the building is five times bigger. Recently he has begun rapping in a studio that he, Victor and Nathan Cooper started. "I was so excited to hear my song on the radio! I felt glad to receive compliments from people I didn’t know," he said. Some day Anwar hopes to become very successful and plans to bring Trio Records with him.
Shelby Parrish
Shelby Parrish has been with the Running Rebels for most of his life. He joined the Warning Basketball Team at the age of 14. Parrish states, ?I enjoyed the competition. It was fun and it kept me out of trouble.? His positive experiences at Running Rebels influenced his career choices as he majored in Psychology at Jackson State University. He returned to Milwaukee after college and worked with Social Services for seven years where part of his job was bringing youth to Running Rebels. In 2001, he returned to Running Rebels to become the director of the SCOP (Serious Chronic Offenders Program). His ability to connect with the youth and help them make positive choices has led to an 85% success rate in this program. Parrish states, "Life is about making positive relationships." He advises youth to "never give up", and that, "As a young person you might make a mistake, but you still have time to change and make positive connections."
Nate Cooper
Milwaukee native Nate "Can-De-Man" Cooper is a long-time member of the RRCO as well as an alumnus of Tuskegee University where he majored in Electrical Engineering.At age 7, he became an active member in the Running Rebels program. Then, when he was 16 and a high school sophomore at Madison High School, he began his career as a rapper. When asked what inspired him to start rapping he answered, "I felt tired of hiding behind closed doors and wanted to express my true talent." He then decided to pursue his career through the Running Rebels Music Program. Now 23 years old, his past 5 years have been a successful journey.As an active member of the RRCO program, he performed at the African World Festival, Centennial Hall (Apollo), Summer Fiesta, and Juneteenth Day. When asked where he would like to perform his next song, he replied, "I would like to perform my next song at the Bradley Center."At the Running Rebels Community Organization he is viewed more as a boss, then as an employee. Mr. Cooper says, "To be successful at the Running Rebels Community Organization, you have to be willing to work hard and have fun". His motto is, "Never settle for less when you can be the best." When asked where he sees himself in 10 years, he replied, "Owning several major companies like music, engineering, and real estate." He plans to be a life-long member of the RRCO. His advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the music industry or becoming successful at life is to "Be serious. Your input equals your output, so strive to be the best."
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