Marshall University alumnus Charles C. Meyers, Jr. believes that “success is earned by having a vision for your life and putting in the work to turn your potential into reality.”
With that thought in mind, Meyers, a 2013 Marshall graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, developed the American Dream Movement for African American male students in this community whom, he said, “just need a sense of hope and direction to become successful individuals.”
Meyers, whose previous initiatives have included Future Investment Day, A Gift to Remember in December, and the Words of Reflection Writing Contest, plans to conduct a ceremony later this month for new members of the American Dream Movement.
“When members of the community take the time to provide the students with wisdom and guidance, the students have a much better chance of becoming motivated to succeed and to dream of a better life for themselves,” Meyers said. “I developed the American Dream Movement because I know the power of influence. When you take the time to invest in someone’s future, the impact that you can make on someone’s life is worth the investment.”
Twelve students will become members of the American Dream Movement, of which Meyers is the director, during a new membership ceremony called “Gathering of Dreamers” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at First Baptist Church, 801 6th Ave., in Huntington.
Those students areElijah Murphy, Jadon Hayes, Daishaun Johnson, Lee Johnson, Mark Ziegler, QuaShawn Thompson, Thaddaeus Jones, Malik Brown, Isaiah Nash, Mikal Dawson, Malik Grier and Shymeik Burger.
Jones is an eighth-grade student who attends Huntington Middle School and the others attend Huntington High school. The program is for students in the eighth grade through the 12th grade.
It is conducted through the Huntington alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi FraternityInc.and the supporting organizations are Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Huntington, as well as the Nu Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha FraternityInc., and Nu Beta chapter of Omega Psi Phi FraternityInc.
Meyers said the need for the program is clear.“In today’s society, the dedication and encouragement to achieve the ‘American Dream’ has dissipated in the hearts of many African American males in Huntington, West Virginia,” he said.“The motivation to pursue happiness and success has been truncated to fulfilling desires with short-term thinking leading to long-term consequences. Now, more than ever, it is critical for African American males growing up in society to understand the importance of faith, family, education, and having a career.
“In order for African American males to reach their full potential in life, they must be encouraged to achieve their dreams and to take the proper steps to success. An investment in the lives of African American male students in the Huntington community is needed, in order to change the trajectory of their lives in a positive direction.”
Meyers said the mission of the program is to invest in the education of African American male students in all aspects of their lives, in order to elevate their thinking, behavior and dreams.
The purpose of the program is to allow African American male students to have a better opportunity to succeed in life through positive reinforcement, education and guidance.
And, their values are their bond, their strength, their dedication and their achievement.
If anyone knows a student who would benefit from the program, or wants more information on the program, he or she may contact Meyers by e-mail at meyers12@live.marshall.edu.
