This Sunday, the Monroe Civic Center will be abuzz with anticipation as the semi-annual awards program of the Black Tie Guys takes center stage. The Black Tie Guys, a structured male mentoring program, is sponsored by Tab-N-Action, Inc., in collaboration with the Ouachita Parish Police Jury and the State of Louisiana.
The Black Tie Guys program focuses on providing mentorship to young boys, guiding them to make sound decisions and steer clear of criminal activities. Moreover, it extends its support to struggling families by offering financial assistance. In addition to mentoring, the program provides private tutors to boys who need assistance in subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies.
This year’s awards program will honor 25 members, with 13 of them set to receive the Yellow Tie” award as they progress toward the coveted “Black Tie” Achievement Level, symbolizing their dedication and growth within the program.
Formerly known as the Top Gun Scouts, the program has been making a positive impact on the community since 1979. Over the years, it has mentored more than 3500 youth, produced 51 Eagle Scouts, granted thousands of dollars in scholarships, and facilitated educational trips to all 50 states in the USA for young participants.
Roosevelt Wright, Jr., the director of the Black Tie Guys, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We go out of our way to promote our girls, but Sunday, the community will see some of the best-looking, best-dressed young men in our city, dressed in tuxedos and Jordans, showcasing their plans to aim for the sky in school and in life.”
For those unable to attend in person, the program will be live-streamed on the Black Tie Guys Facebook page. The 90-minute awards program is scheduled to commence at 3 p.m. in the Bayou Room of the Abe E. Pierce III Convention Center.
The 25 outstanding boys who will be celebrated on Sunday are: Laterius Ballard, Jr., Ace Bosworth, Julius Brown, Johnathan Cash, Curtez Clark, La’Davon Clark, La’Tavon Clark, Rick Clark, Brandon Collins, III, Austin Davis, Prince Gipson, Jaden Griffin, Jeremiah Griffin, Marzuq Harris, Jackson Hart, Joseph Hines, Roderick Hollins, Amor’ie Jackson, Legend James, Terrance James, Tyler Leonard, Denerius Looney, Jr., Caseio Mason, Khai Pollard, Jordan Stewart, and Israel Whitfield.
The Black Tie Guys’ semi-annual awards program promises to be a celebration of excellence and a testament to the positive impact of mentorship within the community.
