AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE, ELEGANCE, & ELEVATION:
Orlando-based Youth Organization Celebrates a Decade of Impact

Elegance, excellence and elevation took center stage on Saturday, September 21, 2024, as Orlando’s biggest and brightest came together to commemorate MAN UP Mentoring, Inc.’s 10th Anniversary. Themed “An Evening at the Cotton Club”, 135 supporters gathered at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Downtown, to help raise $150,000 in support of the organization’s new workforce development, career readiness and youth entrepreneurship initiative, The MAN UP CEO Program.

 

This year’s honorees included: Edward Merced, a 2020 Graduate, was a recipient of the inaugural MAN Alum Award, N.Y. Nathiri received the Dena Robinson Legacy Award, Kevin T. Collins was honored with the Moses J. Newson Trailblazer Award, Pastor Emeritus, Dr. Dennis and Jacquelyn Ross, Jr., were honored with the Thomas Brown Beacon of Light Award, Harris Rosen, was a recipient of the Buce Green Champion Award and Attorney Gregorio (Greg) Francis, received MAN UP’s inaugural Game Changer Award. Anchor and reporter Christina Watkins with WESH 2 News along with veteran radio personality Monica May of STAR 94.5 served as the emcees of the extravagant social affair.

 

Two-time Stellar Award Winner, jazz artist Bruce V. Allen and his band kicked off the evening, but it was the mentees who stole the show. With great pride, beauty and grace the well-poised group of young people served as hosts, ushers, award presenters and panelists for the evening. Their excitement and service captivated the audience.

 

But for one family, the gala was a rite of passage. Chris Wallace, the organization’s founder began mentoring the six brothers more than 15 years ago. In this Q&A, I had a chance to sit down with three of the younger brothers, Malachi Joseph, Noah Zephyr and Javon Desir who are currently enrolled in MAN UP. Enjoy their perspective as they reflect on the powerful evening.

 

Noah Zephyr (14 years old)

What was your role at the gala?

I was a presenter. I had to present the Game Changer Award to Attorney Francis. I practiced day and night, so it wasn't difficult, and I wrote the speech myself. When I was reading on the paper. I was also remembering it in my head and I had to keep going and keep going. Everybody was just confident, and then when it was my moment, seriously, I liked the energy.

 

How did this experience make you feel?

Yes, I was very proud of myself, and I felt even more inspired as I learned about Mr. Francis, especially since he’s from our neighborhood. A lesson I’ve learned in MAN UP is discipline and that helped me learn my speech.

 

Would you be involved after you graduate?

I would say yes, I would. Because kids in my generation now, they're doing bad stuff, not everybody but the fights and the shootings are crazy. So, just imagine if our generation is like this what kids in the next generation will do? So they'll need help, or a role model like me who’s been through some of the same things.

 

Javon Desir (16 years old)

What was your role at the gala?

I was on the panel. When I was on the stage, I was trying not to freeze up completely. I was very nervous. I was answering the questions the best I could and trying to stay calm. At the beginning of each of our mentoring sessions we always have to introduce ourselves and make mini presentations in the front of the room, so I was use to speaking in front of an audience but never before has it been in front of so many people. But we were prepared.

 

How did this experience make you feel?

It was great to see that so many people knew about our program and were congratulating us on our progress.

 

What was your favorite part of this special experience?

Creating these memories with my brothers and sharing our story with others. Seeing all the people there to support us. I like to show people how we’ve elevated. We’ve learned respect, kindness and a lot more. These are lessons that I’ll keep with me forever and I can inspire other kids who’ve grown up the way I did.

 

Malachi Joseph (18 years old)

How was it speaking on the mental health panel?

I just feel like mental health support is really important and should play a part in everybody's life. People sometimes want to hurt themselves when they’re depressed, so they probably need someone to talk to. I’ve never felt that way. But I believe in being kind to everyone. You never know what someone's going through. They might be going through a hard time and fighting depression.

 

How has MAN UP helped with this issue?

I think MAN UP activities help fight depression because our mentor, Mr. Chris, always checks up on us to see if we are doing alright or if we need someone to talk to. He's always there to talk to us. They always give us a safe and fun environment, like nobody picks on each other and we’re all like brothers, we’re a family.

 

What did it mean to you for all of those people to come to the gala?

It feels good because the number of resources we get from people, like donations and unique experiences, makes a difference for us. At first, it was all Mr. Chris and Ms. Samantha. But now we're getting help from people from different cities and different states, like Mr. & Mrs. Justin Williams hosted us in Stone Mountain, GA and it was awesome! Being in this organization has taught me things that I didn't know, like our financial literacy teacher, Mr. Kevin. So now I am learning how to manage my money better. I am very proud and thankful to be a part of MAN UP!

 

For more information or to donate, please visit manupmentoring.com. Follow this event on social media @manupmentoring #MANUPCottonClub2024 

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About MAN UP Mentoring, Inc:

MAN UP Mentoring, Inc. (MAN UP) is a community-based 501c (3) organization primarily serving at-risk youth ages 11 through completion of high school or the equivalent across Metro Orlando, with a focus on delinquency prevention and intervention by providing social, educational and mentoring services. Established in 2014 by Orlando natives, brother and sister duo Christopher and Samantha Wallace. Currently, it is managed by an executive director, contractors, and a full-time staff of volunteers. MAN UP is overseen by a Board of Directors with more than 150 years of law enforcement and civilian experience, as well as advisors from the Orange County Public-school System and social workers. To learn more visit manupmentoring.com