Sharpton Commends Group for Showing Kids They Can “Be Something”

The 5,000 Role Models mentoring program is crossing over into more cities in Florida

Northland Middle School 8th grader Alan Odom admits he didn't always follow the rules.

“Every time when I did my assignments or someone would call me names, I'd call them back….I'd suddenly blow out of rage and start hitting them," he said.

It got him into trouble. That's when he got involved with 5000 Role Models and the change is clear.

"I know how to use self-control,” Odom said.

Tuesday, he and hundreds of his counterparts received extra encouragement from Rev. Al Sharpton who has motivated them to stay the course.

"They hear so many negative things, so much peer pressure. They need to see people that they recognize that can tell them ‘I came out of the same hood, the same challenges, and you can be something’," Sharpton said.

The mentoring program, currently running in Miami-Dade and Pinellas counties is growing. Founder Senator Frederica Wilson is just sharing the good news.

"We're in the process of expanding to Orlando and Jacksonville,” Sen. Wilson said with excitement.

Two more cities by the end of the year, and organizers are not stopping there.

“I have a vision of expanding this program to every congressional district in the United States of America," she said.

It’s all so young men like Odom can overcome the odds and realize their potential.

"I want to learn more about biology and science,” he said.

The program participants celebrated Stop the Violence Day Tuesday and pledged to steer away from crime as well as report crimes when they see it.

For more information on the program, click here.

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