Minority Athletes Networking Etc., Inc. |
| On April 19, 1989, an event took place in New York City that would have a lasting impact on the lives of each of us, the Central Park Jogger incident. A group of minority youth, from the inner city of New York, was accused of beating and raping a female jogger in Central Park. This tragedy served as a catalyst for three very concerned African-Americans: Terrence Jackson, Ron Johnson, and George Martin. All three were former professional athletes, having long careers with the New York Giants. Terrence was a corporate executive in real estate; Ron was a successful entrepreneur in franchising; and George was a corporate executive in the graphic arts industry. The Central Park incident sent shockwaves through people all over the nation and no one felt them more than Terrence, Ron and George. During the latter part of April, the three met to formulate the idea of an organization that would somehow reach some of these troubled youth. They realized that an organization of this type would be unique; the members would not only come from the world of sports but from all phases of the minority society. Ron Johnson named the new organization Minority Athletes Networking (MAN) etc., Inc. George Martin and Terrence Jackson composed the mission statement. Today, MAN is a conglomerate of former professional athletes, attorneys, and business executives. MAN annually serves approximately 2,000 children and teens through educational outreach programs and a range of annual social events and activities. These programs and activities build self-reliance and foster personal, educational and professional achievement. These events are thus essential for young community residents who seek to improve their own lives and the lives of their families. As an oasis for thousands of disadvantaged youth in the tri-state area, MAN has achieved a proven record of success during its 18 years of existence and is highly enthusiastic about the future of the organization and of the communities it serves. The youth of our community are facing personal challenges and national controversy such as: substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, drug related violence, poverty, and AIDS. High School and college drop-out rates have reached epidemic proportions (especially amongst the African-American male population.) Our objective is to teach these young people how to reach for attainable goals; to help change the attitudes that breed hopelessness and despair – the attitudes that turn to violence, drugs, and corruption. We want to help them find their true identity, so they can begin to feel the self-esteem that generates a burning desire to succeed in life. Minority Athletes Networking etc., Inc.
40 East Park Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Tel: 973 242-0302
Fax: 973 242-0158
Email: manetc.inc@att.net
 |
|
