ATLANTA, April 20, 2012 — Be Someone, Inc. Creative Director Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson has announced the 10th Annual "Be Someone Day" on May 5. The event will be dedicated to teenager Trayvon Martin, who was killed earlier this year by a self-proclaimed community watch volunteer in Florida. According to Hudson, "Against the backdrop of this incident, and the multiple homicides pitting young people against each other, this day will bring much needed attention to issues affecting young African American males. We need to focus on the root causes and seeds of our community challenges."
Be Someone is opening its doors to the community May 5, 1 – 4 p.m., to better explain the program that has literally changed young lives since the former Alabama State Trooper made the decision in 2001 to dedicate the remainder of his life to offering a helping hand. Hudson himself was an at-risk young person who saw his life turn around because of a teacher who taught him to play chess. "It's payback time now," stressed Hudson.
The open house will not only serve to inform the community but there will be exciting entertainment with a message. Lil Jimmy "The New Millennium Fat Albert" will address bullying and violence through his program "You're a Bully." Lil Jimmy is a 12-year-old character created to be a positive voice so today's youth can make right choices. Joe M. Turner, with Turner Magic Entertainment, will do magic and entertain. Arthur Reed, international gospel recording artist, will perform one of his hit songs, "I can't stop praising his name," and James Lawrence "The Piano Man" will also will be performing.
Hudson's organization is dedicated to teaching life lessons primarily to young African Americans, many of whom are at risk of violence in their lives or making poor choices that will not allow them to reach their full potential. Hudson explains that Be Someone "is all about bridging the gap between ignorance and knowledge. We teach 'Think it out, don't shoot it out!'" How does he do this? He uses the game of chess to teach that every move you make has a consequence and that you must think before acting.
Be Someone has an impressive track record. "Aaron" is just one of many success stories. When the 17-year-old first connected with Hudson and Be Someone, Hudson recognized him right away as a youngster at risk for failing to achieve his full potential. In fact, Aaron was in trouble and in the court system when he was given a second chance by a judge to get his life together. He could very well have been Hudson several years ago. Aaron, through Be Someone, found his second chance behind a chess board. He began to clearly see something that before was not in his thought process – the underlying principle of understanding that every choice carries with it a consequence. Now, thanks to Hudson's vision, Aaron and many other disadvantaged, underprivileged children just like him have a better chance at success.
Aaron's mother is quick to explain she owes Hudson and Be Someone a big debt even though he never looks for pats on the back: "That is not his motivation … I'm amazed at the turnaround in my son after learning a game I would have never thought to offer him. Orrin cares for every child who is fortunate enough to sit down at his training tables." Aaron has not only turned his life around but has become an accomplished chess player and thinker.
A few years ago Be Someone acquired a new training center in Stone Mountain. "This was a dream come true," explained Hudson. The 2,000-square-foot facility contains two administrative offices and training space to support up to 50 students. The number of young people Hudson and his team can reach was more than doubled overnight. "I want the community to see what we are offering. We aren't playing games here, we are saving young lives!" said Hudson.
Hudson and his team plan an afternoon of information and fun. "My invitation is for anyone and everyone to come out to see first-hand what we do and meet some of our students who can tell visitors what this program has done for them," Hudson explained. "We will also be playing some chess!"
More information is available about the non-profit organization, which is located at 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain, by visiting www.besomeone.org.
Details:
Who: Orrin "Checkmate" Hudson, Be Someone, www.besomeone.org
What: 10th Annual Be Someone Day: Remembering Trayvon Martin
When: May 5, 1pm – 4pm
Where: Be Someone Inc., 949 Stephenson Rd., Stone Mountain GA 30087
About Be Someone
Founded in 2001, Be Someone is a non-profit crime prevention program aimed at the youth of America. Be Someone teaches self-esteem, responsibility and analytical thinking skills to at-risk youth through numerous tools, including the game of chess. Be Someone also offers inspirational programs for corporations and parents, designed to foster teamwork and encourage participation in the lives of children. If you are interested in donating, volunteering or learning more about Be Someone, please visit www.besomeone.org.
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Photos:
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For more information, please contact:
Kim Rice
Be Someone, Inc.
(770) 465-6445
Email
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