“Save Our Sons” Summit Brings Hope to Youth

NEWBURGH – “Your life has to be a mission, being laser light on being extraordinary” Principal Kafele passionately asserted to the audience. “It has to have a purpose, and you have to keep on grinding away.”

It was that message and much, much more that the internationally renowned speaker, Kafele brought with him to Newburgh Free Academy’s North Campus Saturday, as his motivational talk kicked off the “Save Our Sons” Summit. Hosted by One Village NY, the five hour long program, packed with speakers and workshops, aimed to lift up children and families of the “undeserved” through potent tools: motivation, mentorship and education.

Flanked by several pivotal educators and mentors to his right as he looked out to the attendees of parents and children, as well as local dignitaries, including Dr. Roberto Padilla, NECSD Superintendent and Frank Skartados, NYS Assemblyman. Kafele opened by discussing his own journey to success.

“Once I figured out I wasn’t going to make the NBA and achieve greatness there, I decided to find it somewhere else, and that place was in education as a principal,” recalled Kafele.

“I made up my mind to not just be a principal, but to be the best principal, the Magic Johnson of principals, and did everything I could to make that happen.”

Kafele then went on to challenge the youth.

“What’s that thing that you are going to do,” queried the energetic Kafele. “What will be the craft that you will be great, extraordinary at?”

Pointing to the two most critical pieces: a positive attitude and making good decisions, Kafele continued by stressing the integral piece of “protecting your brand,” image/reputation with everything, as it’s your core, all you have. He then directed his message to the parents and their critical role in helping their sons (and daughters) achieve that greatness.

“As adults, we need to help kids to navigate the world,” affirmed Kafele. “I’m going to be my son’s main role model; I’m going to fully walk in that role; we need to be that example of what we want our young men to become.”
Those models were in place Saturday. Three distinct sessions, under the heading of each of the day’s mission, were available to youth: Mentor: “Fatherless Boys to Fortune 500 Men,”
Motivate: “Black Fraternity College and Career Bound,” and Educate: “Police Demonstration: Do’s and Dont’s When Interacting with Law Enforcement.” A question and answer session, led by Kafele and others, was also available to parents as their sons (and daughters) attended the workshops.

Inside one of the classrooms, Phil Howard, Newburgh Enlarged City School District & NAUC Board Member, along with Joe Alvarez, Community Activist with We are Newburgh, could be seen relating their diverse adolescent paths to a room of teenagers. With eyes glued to them, Howard and Alvarez relayed the message that your environment need not determine your destiny. Although the lifelong friends came from the same environment, they made vastly different decisions, greatly impacting their lives for many years. However, with hard work, a focus on success, along with a little bit of “luck,” Alvarez was able to turn around his life and make good on the costly mistakes of his youth. Now the father of four wonderful children, each flourishing, he is committed to being the best possible role model to them, guiding them toward achieving their goals.

“I tell my kids I love them every day, and I let them know I am there for them no matter what,” said Alvarez. “You might not be able to get that from a father or a parent, but there are many other places it can be found, so look for it because it is just so important to have.”

As the workshop came to an end, Howard requested one thing of his listeners: “Give me a word or phrase that has stuck with you from today,” he asked. The responses came quickly: decisions, own person, choices, control yourself, positive and own your own mind, were just some of the words that echoed throughout the room. Howard and Alvarez then walked around, interacting and providing handshakes, pats on the back and words of encouragement to each youth.

The gestures were reflective of Kafele’s central focus, one that cannot afford to be ignored.

“We can bring in the best curriculum experts and consultants into our schools, but at the end of the day, it’s all about being able to answer the key question, Who am I? stressed Kafele. “We need to teach our kids how to think deeply, critically and challenge their minds.” Reflecting further while displaying more intensity, the powerful speaker and educator added, “Success is really all about  being able to lead one’s own life on one’s own terms.”