Save Our Youth Movement Page

Tonight was bittersweet as we closed out our final year serving at the Rosana D. King Scholarship Gala hosted by the Dillon High School Class of 1983. Five years ago, we began this journey alongside the committee, serving guests throughout the event, and year after year it became something the guys and I truly looked forward to.

I’m especially grateful to Mrs. Angela, my former middle school educator, who believed enough in my mentoring program to continue inviting us back each year. That support and partnership never went unnoticed.

While it’s bittersweet to see this chapter come to an end, I’m excited and hopeful for future partnerships and opportunities to continue making an impact in different ways.

The highlight of my evening came through a simple text message from some of my alumni guys saying they were coming to help tonight—and they showed up. That moment meant more than they know. Seeing young men who once came through the program return to pour back into it is the very definition of purpose and impact.

I’m proud of each of them and the paths they’re creating for themselves. Moments like this remind me that the work matters. Thank you, fellas. Your presence tonight meant everything.

Ten years… WOW! What an incredible milestone! 🎉

For the past decade, Save Our Youth Mentoring Movement has remained committed to impacting the lives of young men through community enrichment, engagement, college preparation, service, leadership, and brotherhood. It has truly been an honor to lead, mentor, and watch these young men grow into future leaders.

Please join us for an exciting evening as we celebrate 10 years of excellence, impact, scholarships, and achievements at our Annual Scholarships & Awards Gala. We look forward to celebrating with you all!

Over the past nine years, we have successfully partnered with more than 20 organizations to collectively award over $91,250 in scholarships to 47 deserving young men and women. Our goal this year is to surpass $100,000 in scholarships over 10 years of service and impact. Will you help us reach this milestone by contributing and supporting the next generation?

📍 Francis Marion University – Ervin Dining Hall
4816 Patriot Drive, Florence, SC 29506

📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM

🎟 Early Bird Tickets: $40 until May 20
🎟 Regular Ticket Price: $50 after May 20

“Built To Rise, Destined To Lead.” 🧡🖤

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-annual-scholarship-awards-gala-tickets-1989174560658

Save the Date! 10th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala…. August 1, 2026. Francis Marion University. Flyer details will be posted this week!

Who said Spring Break can’t be both fun and educational?

Our young men from Florence, Latta, and Dillon had the opportunity to tour Fayetteville State University and experience firsthand the culture of an HBCU—including the well-known “Fried Chicken Wednesday.” More importantly, they gained exposure, inspiration, and insight into what their future could hold.

A special thank you to Dr. Rangel Moore for making this experience possible. One phone call and within 30 minutes, everything was arranged and sponsored—nothing short of a blessing.

Our group left with more than just memories. They engaged in meaningful conversations, asked thought-provoking questions, and truly embraced the experience.

Shoutout to our tour guide and Alpha brother, Mr. Colley, for an outstanding job. We also appreciate Alpha Phi Alpha brother Mekhi Springs, a nursing major, who stopped by to pour wisdom into the young men—it was impactful and well received. Additionally, we’re grateful for the encouraging words and inspiration shared by Jaden of Omega Psi Phi.

Moments like these remind us how powerful it is to be surrounded by individuals who are committed to pouring into the next generation.

Truly blessed.

February 1, 1960 marked a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. At 4:30 p.m., four African American college freshmen quietly sat down at a segregated Woolworth’s lunch counter at 132 South Elm Street in Greensboro, North Carolina—and in doing so, ignited a movement that would reshape the nation.

The students—Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr. (later known as Jibreel Khazan), and David Richmond—were freshmen at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Later known as the A&T Four or the Greensboro Four, they entered the Woolworth’s store and first purchased everyday items like toothpaste at a desegregated sales counter without any issue. But when they sat at the store’s “whites-only” lunch counter, they were refused service.

Following store policy, the lunch counter staff declined to serve the young men, and the store manager, Clarence Harris, asked them to leave. The students refused. Calm, disciplined, and determined, they remained seated until the store closed that evening. There were no raised voices, no violence—just a quiet act of resistance that spoke volumes.

What began as four students taking a seat quickly grew into a nationwide sit-in movement, as students across the South followed their example, challenging segregation in public spaces through nonviolent protest. Their courage exposed the everyday absurdity and injustice of Jim Crow laws and proved that collective action—no matter how simple it appears—can force a nation to confront itself.

The Greensboro sit-ins became a catalyst for change, accelerating the desegregation of lunch counters and strengthening the broader fight for civil rights. Four young men, armed with nothing but dignity and resolve, helped move America one step closer to justice.

Happy 1st Day of Black History Month!

Family (Parents, Pastors, Principals, Peers & Pacesetters),

Please see attached flyer for our 2nd Annual STEM Extravaganza. The flyer contains a QR Code for registration and event details. We would greatly appreciate it if you would register your child or children, and distribute the flyer to other students, parents, neighbors, church members and anyone else you may think of. This community event is FREE and we will be serving lunch.

3 Ways to Register:
1. Scan Flyer QR Code or
2. Click this link: https://forms.gle/7NcD1mcb5BRVSLs36 or
3. Email [email protected] your child (or children's) name(s), age, email address (if they have one), parent's name, parent's email address and parent's phone number

Event Details
Date: 24 January 2026
What: DC Bridge Builder STEM Extravaganza
Where: Lake View Community Center
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Facilitator/Conductor: Acastemics (K-12 STEM Education Specialists)

If anyone has any questions, concerns or issues, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at (252) 619-3095.

Another year of spreading Christmas cheer at Pruitt Health! As always, we cherished the laughs, meaningful conversations, and prayers shared with the residents and staff. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve and give back by sharing Christmas cards and candy bags with the residents. Each year gets better and better, and we’re thankful to be part of such a special experience.

Another one bites the dust! Congratulations to alumni Tracy Jackson. Graduating today from The University of South Carolina with a degree in Cardiovascular Technology.

“Empower a man with knowledge, and you transform his life forever. Teach a man to fish, and you nourish his soul for eternity.”

What an awe-inspiring day with the Nurturing Fathers from the First Steps program! Breathtaking to say the least. Our guys had an unforgettable experience, bonding over fishing, meaningful conversations, heartfelt laughter, and creating lifelong memories!

Thank you to the First Steps program for the fishing rods, backpacks with fishing equipment, food, and unwavering support. This means more than words can express!

Goooood morning SOYM family! Today our guys will be unplugged for our inaugural fishing trip with First Steps program of Dillon and the nurturing Fathers. I’m excited, the parents are excited, and more importantly these guys are up and excited as well! Photos to follow!

And just like that, our leadership team triumphantly concluded the registration process today. 21 applications later… Applicants ranged from Florence, Latta, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro counties, and Charlotte NC 🤯🤞🏾…. We are indeed ecstatic and eagerly anticipating a brighter future with Save Our Youth Movement. If you received a call today from one of these three pictured here regarding your son’s next steps, kindly share your feedback about their exceptional service. I entrusted them to take the lead today and it felt incredible. Their communication and work today were truly flawless, gentlemen! In-person interviews with the applicants tomorrow, decision day Wednesday, and a fishing trip next Saturday await us! If you weren’t able to complete our application, seize the opportunity to join us during our next enrollment period for 2026! Year 🔟 is upon us!