| African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation Inc. |
| | | We Might Be Small | But Ain't Nothing Small About Us! |
| We've Grown by Leaps and Bounds! In January of 2009, Janice M. Johnson came on board as Project Director with us, and in September, Wendell Williams was hired as our Mentoring Bureau Coordinator. |
Introducting DJ Quan!! DJ QUAN is originally from Baltimore, MD. He started djing at the age of 14, and did his first house party at 15. In 1993, DJ QUAN relocated to Austin, and by 1996 was on the rise again, djing for Omega parties, weddings and friends. Shortly after, DJ QUAN became a household name establishing himself in Austin's major club scene djing in one of the biggest party spots. Now running a Dj company in Austin, TX, called DESDEM Djs along with with his partner Dj Tex promote and Dj their own parties 4 to 5 days a week. Our VERY Talented - All the Way Live DJ for Tomorrow's Christmas Party! |
310 Confirmed for our "Celebrating You" Christmas Party!! WOW!  Angular Adams and Evans Igiehon-Osifo,Larry Alexander (2), Duana Alridge (2)
Joyce Anderson, WS Anderson (KAZI)
Bruce Banks (2), Solomon Bedford and Samantha Carroll, HR Bedgood (4), Judge Biscoe,
Tamtha Blackmon and Rev. MW Simms, Marilyn Bostic, Nat Bradford (2), Cherly Bradley (1)
Debra E Britton, Frances and Larry Brisco, Dewy Brooks (1), Frank Brown, Leo and Shirley Brown
Roslyn Caldwell (2), Patricia Calhoun (1), Carol Carter (4), Kevin Cokley (2), James and Jeanette Conquest, Desiree Cornelius, Barbara Coursey
Sheila Craig and Timothy Craig, Ashton and Jennifer Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Davis and Lynette Artis, E. Davis, Frank and Mary Ann Davis, Venice Davis (4), Margarita Decierdo and Melvin Wrenn
Freddie Dixon, Charlotte Dotson (2), Sophia Downing, M. Doyle, Robert DuBose and Kathy Urdy
Dwanna Dukes (1), Michael, Yolanda, and Khalil Easley, Loretta Edelen, Ray and Darlene Ephriam
Roxanne Evans and Kelly Evans, Askia Evans, Verna Francis (3), Effie Franklin (2), Richard Franklin III, Sherri Fleming (1), Stephanie Fletcher, Dr.Rod and Dr. Laurie Fluker, Bini Foster (1), Stephanie Foster, Yolanda Frazier and Sheila Nesbett, Aaron Frank, Krista Coleman-Freeman (2), Pepper Gale,
Victoria Garza and Sedric Walker, Kimberly Gist, Mel Greene (2), Choquette Hamilton, Atta or Zeta Harden, Naomi Harris, Robbie Harris and Barbara Goodin-Clark, Evelyn Herron (2), Bill Hopkins (2), Alfred Jenkins (2), Carolyn Jones, De'borah Jones (3),Genord Jones (2), Roy Jones and Wife, Terrance Jones,Bobby Johns (2), Betty Johnson (1)
Janice M.Johnson, Nicole Johnson and Mark Maxwell, Y. Johnson and Adrian Price, Carolyn Jones, Rosie, Rishonna, Richard Kindred and Ebony Mitchell, Don Kirkpatrick and Lester Mayfield
Stephanie Lang (1), Flynn A. Lee, Violet Leos, Rashaanne Lewis (2), Marilyn Littlejohn and Cheryl Lee, Dewayne Lofton, Michael Lofton (2), Peggy Lofton (3), Cindy Lott (2), Cynthia Gail Manor,
Khian Martin and JB, Sheri Marshall, Stephanie McCray (2), Judge Evelyn McKee, Tebora McKinney, Billy and Dr. Deanna Mercer, Donna Mercer,Paula Middleton,Helen Miller (5),Adrianne Moore, Gloria Moore (3), Linda Moore (1)
Arlene Morris, Dr. Wanda Nelson and Eldridge Nelson, Edward and Lisa Olmeda, Marva Overton (1), Debora Parks-Pickens, Darrell and Denise Pierce, Simone Pollard (4), Robert Poole (3),
Curtis Preston (3), Debra and Sam Price, Neva Price, Pastor AJ and Jennifer Quinton, Aida Ramirez, Gregory Reeves (2), Roye L. Reeves
J.R. Richard, Pat Ford-Ritcherson, Isaac Robinson
Ms. Rozy, Emma Russel (1), Sharonda Russel (4), Jocelyn Satterwhite, Angela Schouest (4), Carl Shelton, Oscar and Marcella Simms, Stella Smith, Sam and Kim Austin-Smith, Andreia Lisboa de Sousa (3), Leo and Dr. Shirley Sprinkles, Remanda Spivey (5), Masudi Stolard (2), Antwain Tarver,
Debra Keith-Thompson, Shonda Thompson (4)
Verta Thompson (3), David W. and Karen Turnquest, and David Johnson, Dr.Gregory J. Vincent, Pam Wade, Cory Walker(2), Larry Walker (2), Allen Weeks, Donald and Parisean Williams, Larry Williams (2), Larry Williams,
Wendell and Melissa Williams (2),Yvonne Williams (4),Beverly F. Wilson,Carol Wright (2),Kennard Wright(1), Raymond Young.
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Please Consider Us, for your end of year "Tax Deductible" Contributions  T While we are a small and growing organization, we hope you will agree, that, there's nothing small about our vision and ability to deliver. In the coming year, we have plans of boldly going - where AAMBHF has never been before - with 2 sattelite conferences in Houston and Dallas, and a signature event during Texas Relays in the works. With each new step of faith, we all know it is hard to go, where people don't sow. Which is to say, please consider giving an extra special tax-deductible gift this Christmas to AAMBHF so we can continue the work we each have been called to. Don't Delay -  - Today! |
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We have had one incredible year, and each and every one of you has been a significant part of our success. In 2009, we hired two new full-time staff, designed and delivered 8 conferences and approximately 150 workshops facilitated by 76 highly-skilled community volunteers. We also started 4 school-based mentoring programs, and facilited our first Summer Enrichment Program entitled, Urban.Hood.Place, along with, being on the verge of delivering our first annual Christmas "Celebrating You" Volunteer Appreciation Party! Party over here, party right there! Two community awards were received from both, the National Forum of Black Public Administrators and the Austin Bridge Builders Alliance. To conference, camp and program participants, all AAMBHF services have been FREE, FREE, FREE! Free to the attendees that is, becasue many of you have sacrificed and provided precious resources to those in need. On behalf of the AAMBHF Board and Staff, we humbly say thanks for your service - many lives, schools and communities have been reached and exposed to a higher quality of life because of you. Praise be to God, for what He has done through you - willing vessels! Our prayers are that He continues to love on Community, through what each of you will commit to doing with greater commitment and strength in 2010. Sincerely, Michael R. Lofton Executive Director |
| Susan Taylor's iCares National Mentoring Movement - Austin-based Chapter AAMBHF has also established an Austin-based iCares Mentoring Chapter, and is elated at the competence and prestige of our Steering Committee Board Members. Steering Committee Chairs Kimberly Wilson Vincent Alvan Angelle Finance Officers Secretary Sabine Foster TBD Veneatra Reid Community Liaisons Marketing Coordinator Margarita Decierdo Rebekka Bryant Karen Coker Takeithia Tucker Public Relations Liaisons Events Coordinators Tiffany Daniels Kimberly Gist Vernon Reid Antoine Holmes |
"Keep It Digital" AAMBHF 2009 Conference Gallery http://www.keepitdigital.com/galleries/aamb_keepitdigital_com.aspx
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Last But Not Least - Pearce Gift Cards Giveaway!  AAMBHF was pleased to present 10 Pearce MS families with gift cards for the holidays! If you were unable to help at that time, we still have need for one single parent family of 8...mother says, anything for the children would help. Children's ages are: 18, 15, 16, 13, 12, 8, 3, 1..all are still in school. If you have something to give, please contact our offices before December 17th to do so. (512) 232-8588 |
Naked @2am - Live Band for Tommorrow Night!  You don't want to miss the hottest band - other side of 12 O'clock!! Come see what it means, to be "naked @ 2 am"...don't nobody need to be missin dat! |
| | | Our Cherished Sponsors City of Austin, Travis County, University of Texas, Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, AISD, PflugervilleISD, ManorISD, Seton Hospital, Walmart, Jack and Jill Foundation, Dell Foundation, Maximus Foundation, Travis County Sheriff Department, Glimmer of Hope Foundation, NOKOA Newspaper, Villager Newspaper, KAZI Radio Station, Austin Chapter NAACP, David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, US 2010 Census Bureau, HEB, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Youth Advocacy, Girls Inc.,Girls Inc., Under21Foundation, Men with a Purpose Organization, ACC Men of Distinction and Skillpoint Alliance. | | |
| | African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation Inc.
* Executive Board Members *
Kelly Evans - Board President
Dr. Kevin Michael Foster - 1st Vice President
Ashton Cumberbatch - 2nd Vice President
Solomon Bedford - Treasurer
Alfred Jenkins - Secretary
Michael R. Lofton - Founder Executive Director
AAMBHF is currently accepting applications for new Board Members for the 2010/2011 term, if interested, please contact Michael Lofton direct at (512) 585-6696. | | |
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| Season's Greetings from Our House to Yours! 
Michael R. Lofton, Janice M. Johnson, Wendell J. Williams
African American Men & Boys Harvest Foundation Inc. |
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| | The African American Men & Boys Harvest Foundation Inc. |  |
| | Headline News!...Read All About It!....Headline News! | |
| | Connally Scholarships! | The AAMBHF would like to say thanks, on behalf of the 11 conference attendees who received college scholarships from the generosity of Dennis Maple, President of Aramark Education, last Saturday. Ten scholarships of $250. and one for $1000. were awarded to unsuspecting youth attendees. Little did they know, that when President Maple asked for volunteers from the audience to reiterate key points of his keynote message, and for others to share their hopes and dreams for their futures, that their willingness and responses would result in college scholarships presented by President Maple. Thank you Aramark, thank you President Dennis Maple and thank you Connally HS for hosting and making the 33rd African America Men and Boys/Women and Girls Conference a huge success!
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NFBPA Award! | | The African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation would like to thank NFBPA for awarding us the Community Service Award. We are deeply appreciative, and could not have achieved this acknowledge without the love and support of our friends and supporters. |
| | AAMBHF Keynote Reagan HS Jan. 30, 2010 |  ROYCE WEST- State Senator
Senator West was installed as State Senator, District 23 (Dallas County), in January 1993 after winning the election for the Senate seat in November 1992. He has represented the 23rd Senatorial District in the 73rd, 74th, 75th, 76th, 77th, 78th, 79th, 80th, and 81st Legislative Sessions. In 2005 Texas Monthly Magazine named Senator West as one of the 25 most powerful people in Texas politics. Over the course of his legislative tenure, the magazine chose Senator West as one of the "Ten Best Legislators in Texas" and twice named himas an"Honorable Mention." The Associated Press named Senator West as one of the "key players of the 2005 Legislature" in its "Movers and Shakers" list. Texas Insider named Senator West to its 2009 "Best Legislators" list. On April 17, 2006, Senator West was sworn in by his fellow state senators to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate until January 2007. As President Pro Tempore, Senator West was second in the line of succession to be Governor of Texas, and assumed the top leadership position whenever Governor Rick Perry and Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst were out of the state. Senator West is Chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and is a member of the Senate's Committees on Education, Finance, Health and Human Services and Higher Education. He also serves on the Education Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) and the standing committee on Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce of the National Conference of State Legislature (NCSL). He was appointedto the Education Commission of the States(2005), the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee of the Council of State Governments(2009), andthe Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Advisory Council (2009).
Senator West's key initiatives over his legislative career have included creating college admission opportunities for all students, including the establishment of the University of North Texas at Dallas, which will accept its first class as a stand-alone four-year university in Fall 2010, and enabling the creation of a new law school and UNT-Dallas as well. His legislation created the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center at Prairie View A&M University, increased funding for at-risk youth programs, imposed a new zero tolerance law for minors who drink and drive, enacted stiffer penalties for adults who sell or provide alcohol to minors, awarded greater compensation to victims of violent crime, addressed the problems of criminal street gang violence, established new standards for child care and enhanced enforcement of protective orders. He has worked to create a fair system of appointing election precinct judges, to establish an electronic marketplace for state vendors and provide financial assistance to grandparents who raise their grandchildren.
During the 2009 Legislative Session, Senator West passed legislation that created a kinship care program where qualified relatives can receive state support to help raise children who could otherwise become part of the foster care system.
Senator West has provided leadership in many areas including rewriting the Education Code, Tort Reform, Welfare Reform, and revising the Juvenile Justice Code.
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Pearce MS Conference Nov. 14, 2009 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: |
 Dr. Clement E. Glenn is a tenured associate professor in the College of Education-Graduate Programs at Prairie View A&M University . He received his BBA and Masters of Business Administration degree from Prairie View A&M University and PhD in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University . His research continues to focus on holistic education with its aim to educate the whole person (e.g. physical, mental, emotional/spiritual, social and financial dimensions of life). He has served as a professor for ten years in the department of Educational Leadership and Counseling with special emphasis on principal certification in conjunction with other roles that include: coordinator of a family and community violence prevention after school program in Houston's fifth ward; a member of the university's faculty senate; president of the faculty senate; and interim associate vice president for student affairs. Dr. Glenn is the author of a learning resource guide entitled, "Motivate to Educate" and a supplemental guide that addresses and outlines individual and institutional roles in schools and communities entitled, "Success is the Goal." He has published numerous articles that address issues involving socioeconomic status and cultural diversity and how they impact the classroom and campus environments.. He is a husband, father and community collaborator in his hometown of Navasota , Texas . . |
| ORDER IN THE COURT!! | | Supreme Court Judge, Wallace Jefferson will open his Chambers to 100 LBJ Students on Nov. 2nd, 2009! |
|  | AAMBHF Sponsored: TX Supreme Court - Educational Field Trip! |  Wallace Jefferson has twice made history as the first African American Justice and Chief Justice on the Supreme Court of Texas. Governor Perry appointed Jefferson to the Court in 2001, making him the Governor's first appointment to a statewide judicial office. Justice Jefferson was elected in 2002 with 60% of the vote in the contested Republican primary, and 56% of the vote in the contested general election. In 2004, Governor Perry promoted him to Chief Justice. In 2006, Chief Justice Jefferson earned more votes than any other non-federal candidate for statewide office. He was re-elected in 2008. Wallace Jefferson is the son of Retired Air Force Major William D. Jefferson and Joyce Jefferson of San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from John Jay High School in 1981, received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Philosophy from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 1985, and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1988 from the University of Texas School of Law. He is board certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Chief Justice Jefferson developed an early interest in appellate law as a student of the late constitutional scholar, Charles Alan Wright. In 1989, he joined the appellate section of Groce, Locke and Hebdon in San Antonio. He founded his own appellate law firm with Tom Crofts and Sharon Callaway in 1991. Crofts, Callaway and Jefferson soon became one of the preeminent appellate practices in Texas. Chief Justice Jefferson quickly earned a reputation for appellate excellence. He successfully argued two cases before the United States Supreme Court before he turned 40. Decisions in those cases have guided courts nationally in complex areas of civil rights litigation. His experience arguing at the highest court in the land, combined with his advocacy before the Supreme Court of Texas and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, brings a unique and valuable perspective to the bench. In 2007, Michigan State University honored Chief Justice Jefferson by naming him as its Outstanding Alumnus. In 2005, the University of Texas School of Law honored Chief Justice Jefferson with its Outstanding Alumnus Award. He received the James Madison College Distinguished Alumnus award in 2002. He was President of the San Antonio Bar Association in 1998 and the William S. Sessions American Inn of Court in 1999. Chief Justice Jefferson was recognized as a Pillar of the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio. In 2007, Chief Justice Jefferson's parents greeted students at the new "Wallace B. Jefferson" Middle School in San Antonio. Chief Justice Jefferson has served on the Supreme Court of Texas Advisory Committee, the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct and was chair of the host committee for the 2000 Fifth Circuit Judicial Conference. He has lectured across the country on appellate advocacy and received national recognition from the American Bar Association for his 2001 speech celebrating Law Day. Chief Justice Jefferson was recently unanimously elected by his peers across the country to become President of the Conference of Chief Justices in 2010-2011, where he will guide national judicial policy Chief Justice Jefferson's wife of sixteen years, Rhonda, is a former public school teacher. They have three sons: William Douglas (14), Samuel Lewis (12) and Michael Andrew (8). |
| Campaign 25/ 12!!! | | An AAMBHF Partnership and Giving Campaign: Please consider parterning with the African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation through our newly established monthly giving Campaign. We would like to enlist 200 Partners, that would commit to helping us meet the growing needs of the Organization through a tax-deductible gift of $25.00 each month. Campaign 25/12 is simply, a commitment to give $25.00 a month for 12 months. Campaign 25/12 Partners will be listed on our website, and on all out-going AAMBHF Newsletters. In addition, Partners will receive a 10% discount on tickets to all AAMBHF Sponsored events, including our 1st Annual Banquet. If we can count on you, please contact Janice at (512) 232-8588 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
to be added to our " Campaign 25/12" Partnership list. Giving can begin today! Many, Many Thanks!! |
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| Michael R. Lofton
The African American Men & Boys Harvest Foundation Inc. |
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The African American Men & Boys Harvest Foundation Inc. | 10119 Willfield Dr. | Austin | TX | 78753 |
 African American Men and Boy Harvest Foundation, Inc. July 2009 News Letter |
 Dear Friends, Family and Conference Supporters, Thank you for your support of the first AAMBHF sponsored Urban.Hood.Place Summer Enrichment program. Your funds and support made a difference you can be proud of. For those who are still wanting to contribute to the great cause of supporting OUR CHILDREN ....we did go over budget SLIGHTLY by about $4200 in not wanting to spare expense in delivering a high-quality program. Our Children deserve our BEST! and that's what we feel proud about partnering with you to deliver. Once again - please donate TODAY! Your support at this time, will help ease the burden of us entering into our next program year with a deficit. If the AAMB Harvest Foundation may be of service to you, your church or organization, please don't hesitate to let us know. Serving you and meeting the needs of community is our joy. Appreciate you, Michael R. Lofton Founder/Executive Director (512) 585-6696
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Highlights of our Urban.Hood.Place
Accomplishments Delivered 120-hours of enrichment programming/ activities to 58 youth; 33 males 25 females; 75% of the youth participated 5 or more weeks of the 6 offered.
Served approximately 2550 meals (breakfast and lunch) to camp attendees, volunteers and staff during the six week period;
Procured $7500.00 worth of sponsored curriculum from Child Inc. and Junior Achievement; of which 25-hours of computer-enhanced instruction was delivered to camp attendees on entrepreneurial development.
Partnered with Skill Point Alliance/Velocity Prep program and Channel Austin Public Access Television, to deliver 40-hours of multi-media instruction to approximately 29 youth during the week leading up to the Juneteeth Celebration. Camp participants gained "real world" hands-on exposure to community-wide event planning and television production.
Recruited 34 guest speakers, parents and community members who gave approximately 78 volunteer hours of knowledge and inspiration to camp attendees.
Managed approximately 180 inquiries from parents and community members interested in enrolling their children in Urban.HoodPlace summer enrichment program;
Organized three major field trips to Schlitterbahan, Austin Paint Ball Park and the Bob Bullock Museum IMAX Theater exposing and engaging 60% of the camp attendees to activities they had never participated in before.
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| Keep It Digital Featured Essays and Artwork | 
View Entire Digital Gallery Gallery by Michael McLennan
(512) 217-3177 |
| Young People - We Celebrate You!!! | "If you want to live a long life, focus on making contributions" Hays Selye |
| | | Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Deonetta Goodspeed
Deborah Hensley
Robin Deary
Seton Family of Hospitals
David Chapel
Katheleno Leno
Mrs. Coker
Melvin White
Bishop Phillips and The Promiseland Church
Frost Bank
Walt Penn
Congressman Doggett
Cornerstone Church
Blacks in Government
Tim George
Joyce Anderson
Verta Thompson
Joseph Smith
Judge Evelyn McKee
Skill Point Alliance
Brian Joseph
Mike McClennan
Additional Special Thanks for their Daily Volunteer Support Rashaanne N. Lewis, President/CEO Girls Inc.
Preston Curtis, Austin Fire Department
If per chance we failed to acknowledge you by listing you above.... MANY Thanks nonetheless.....the oversight was not intentional.
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 African American Men and Boy Harvest Foundation, Inc. June 2009 News Letter |
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 Dear Friends, Family and Conference Supporters, "Urban.Hood.Place" Summer Enrichment Program is off to a great start with approximately 35 camp attendees from all areas of Central Texas. During week one, the youth were introduced to the world of news making through special guests, Tommy Wyatt of the Villager Newspaper, and Shelton Green of KVUE News. In application of what was learned, attendees created their own news shows which were later video tapped and shared with friends and family. Also during week one, Grant Cope of Samsung, who is a facilitator of Junior Achievement's Financial Literacy curriculum, exposed the children to money management techniques through a "real world" spending game. "Motivational Guru" Kelly Evans, who is Board Chair for the AAMBHF dropped in one morning to challenge the kids to greatness. He also promised a return visit on July 1, 2009 from 10am-12 to speak on Test Taking Techniques. Anyone who might be interested in sitting in or bringing other community children are welcome. During week 2, several of the camp attendees went over to channelAustin to learn about story boards, television lightening, sound, digital blogging, and how to run hand held and multi-cam camcorders. The students worked together with camp participants from Skillpoint's Velocity Prep program to complete short Public Service Announcements (PSA). The highlight of week, was, in setting up and tapping with live fed to channelAustin and TimeWarner, of the Juneteenth Parade. After the Parade, campers tore down all staging, picked-up trash and enjoyed a channelAustin sponsored bar-be-que - Yummy! This week, the youth will begin two new curriculums, "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" and the "Titan's" Entrepreneurial program. On Thursday, campers will cool off during a fun filled field trip to Schlitterbahan. Stay tuned to future updates! Michael R. Lofton Founder/Executive Director (512) 585-6696
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Austin American Statesman Article From talk, came action ... and success soon followed Activist's conferences shaping African American community.
By Juan Castillo
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, June 19, 2009
With a familiar, chest-rattling voice strewn with gravel and glass and honey, Michael Lofton has long talked about African American lives on his weekly cable access mainstay, "The Michael Lofton Talk Show."
Seventeen years' worth of talking. A good deal of it focused on the problems derailing the futures of many young African Americans in Central Texas, such as academic achievement gaps, and character and discipline issues.
Then one night in 2006, with his patience unraveling, Lofton decided he was done talking. Frustrated that the problems weren't going away, Lofton fired off a long e-mail to a group of African American pastors. He said he needed their help rallying others to act on real-life issues not raised in the stories of Luke, John and Paul.
The e-mail's tone was respectful, Lofton said, but he went to sleep fretting that he had "probably handled it the wrong way." When he awoke, he made a dash for his computer.
"Let's do it," the ministers had responded.
Lofton said he looked at his reflection in the mirror and asked, "What are you going to do now?"
Lofton quickly began assembling a small army of ardent soldiers - parents, educators, mentors, church and community leaders who shared his passion to help young men succeed in the classroom and in life. Just weeks after that e-mail exchange with the pastors, he created the African American Men and Boys Conference, where the men would try to motivate the boys to make good grades, set goals and stay out of trouble. About 200 boys, men and parents attended that first gathering in June 2006.
That was three years and 30 conferences ago.
Now the conferences typically pull crowds two or three times as big, and Lofton estimates that 18,000 people have attended and a core group of about 75 volunteers has worked 4,500 hours to put them on. The conferences have expanded to include women and girls, Hispanics and whites. They have spread to Manor, Round Rock and Pflugerville. They have spawned mentoring programs - including one through the University of Texas - that reach hundreds more students. And they have inspired the Austin public school district's Hispanic Futures Conference series.
"This is a movement, and Michael is leading it," said Andre Matthews, a Houston educator who drives hundreds of miles to participate in the conferences.
'A great cheerleader for mankind'
Supporters said the Men and Boys/Women and Girls conferences are a testament to Lofton's energy and organizational skills, his staggering 5,000-plus network of contacts, and - maybe above all - a sheer force of will that many find contagious.
"He doesn't think there's anything he can't do," said Bret Cormier, an assistant principal at Stony Point High School in the Round Rock school district.
"Mike is the type of guy that makes everybody feel good about themselves. He's a great cheerleader for mankind," said Nat Bradford, a retired IBM programmer who has been a mentor at all but a couple of the 31 conferences.
It takes dozens of people to put on each one, but Lofton, 51, is the avuncular behind-the-scenes catalyst. He recruits the speakers, the mentors, the volunteers, the representatives from nonprofit groups and the financial supporters. During the first year, Lofton spent thousands of dollars of his own money to pay for snacks and beverages for the gatherings, said Melvin Wrenn, a local business development consultant.
Perpetually cheery, Lofton deflects credit. "We're doing this," he said. "It's not just me."
Lofton said he was fueled by his belief that a community could affect change from within by working together, engaging parents and students and giving them the resources they needed to tackle issues in and out of the classroom. Providing successful adult role models, particularly for young boys from homes headed by single moms, was critical to the vision.
"In many ways, Michael sees the bigger picture better than most of us," said Mark Williams, the president of the Austin school board. "His work is not only about making our community a better place for our kids, but helping our kids make a better community."
'The root of all our problems'
Lofton credits his best friend - his father Dave, the man who raised him in their home near Huston-Tillotson University - for teaching a strong work ethic. A used furniture and antiques dealer who had a number of shops including a fixture on Sixth and Sabine streets in East Austin, Dave Lofton died in Michael's arms of cancer on New Year's Day 1985.
When Michael was 8, he had learned to refinish antiques for lunch money, and by the time he was 16, father and son were business partners.
"He taught me early on how to become independent," Lofton said.
After attending Austin Community College, Lofton became a production supervisor at Motorola and Tracor, where he oversaw the work of production managers during a more than 20-year-career in the field that ended with his layoff from Motorola in the mid-1990s.
Lofton said his entry into community access TV in 1992 gave him the platform he embraced, and never let go, as a community activist.
In 2005, Lofton began working with Cormier, then working in the Austin school district, who was trying to close the achievement gap for African American students.
Lofton said a report by Cormier detailing how African American males were overrepresented among those expelled or suspended in U.S. public schools opened his eyes.
"I thought, 'Oh, my God. Here's the root of all our problems,' " Lofton said.
The conversations with Cormier that followed were the genesis for the men and boys conferences.
'Kind of like life coaching'
The gospel-influenced 1960s song, "A Change is Gonna Come," fluttered over the loudspeakers as youngsters and their parents filled the Garcia Middle School gym in Northeast Austin for a conference in April.
Lofton seemed to be everywhere, introducing featured speakers - "Do you all love (Austin Municipal Court) Judge (Evelyn) McKee? Give her some love!" - orchestrating traffic behind the scenes, embracing volunteers and parents. Cupping his arm around a student's neck - a scene repeated throughout the day - he chirped, "How are you, young man?"
The conferences are equal parts resource centers, character- and confidence-building seminars, and mentoring workshops on topics such as resolving conflicts, preparing for college, dealing with peer pressure, respecting self and others - no subject seems too narrow.
"It's kind of like life coaching," said David Poku, a student at McNeil High School. "The conferences give you the hope that it is possible and realistic to be successful as African Americans."
Speakers such as McKee and Nelson Linder, president of the Austin branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, frequently lend a certain star power. In the gym, Linder spoke to hundreds about making smart decisions and learning how to resolve conflicts intellectually.
"Violence is unacceptable. Think your way through life," Linder said.
In July 2007, as the conferences gained momentum, Lofton founded the nonprofit African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation, which now supports the effort. Lofton said it operates on a $250,000 annual budget and receives support from the Austin school district, the University of Texas, the City of Austin and Travis County, among others.
'If we don't do this, what do we do?'
Though the gains might be modest, Williams, the Austin school board president, said the conferences and their offshoots are making a difference.
The gap in Austin between white and African American students' passing rates on the state skills test required for graduation has narrowed since the conferences started. In 2005, the year before the conferences began, 88 percent of white students passed all TAKS subjects, compared with 54 percent of Hispanic students and 46 percent of African American students. Last year, 89 percent of white students, 57 percent of Hispanics and 49 percent of African Americans passed all subjects, and preliminary results showed 3 to 7 percent gains for minority students in 2009.
Disciplinary problems among African American students fell in 2008, according to school district data.
Trying to break long-standing patterns of behavior, societal influences and challenges in the school system is not easy, Williams said. But he added: "If we don't do this, what do we do?"
Lofton agrees that greater success will take time. "There needs to be more parental involvement, and there needs to be more churches involved," he said.
But he's not discouraged.
"I wanted to be able to make a difference in kids' lives, to make them productive citizens," Lofton said. He smiled. "I'm fulfilling every dream I had."
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At conference in April, hope fuels those who learn, those who teach
By Juan Castillo
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, June 19, 2009
With the school year grinding to a close, a few hundred students filled the Garcia Middle School gym in Northeast Austin on April 25 for the monthly African American Men and Boys/Women and Girls Conference. Here are some of their stories:
A mother's love
Mark Edward Jones could not elude the vigilant gaze of his mother, Alicia, as he and his fellow band members prepared to play at the conference.
From a near front-center seat in the audience, a scowl briefly came over Alicia Jones' face. "I want him to pull his pants up," she said. Along with her daughter Megan, Jones had come to support Mark, a Garcia student who was also working as an usher at the conference. "I'm just helping the boy grow up to be better people, and giving him the tools he needs in this crazy world we're living in," she said.
Sounding vaguely weary, Jones said Mark was facing peer pressure from boys "running around doing crazy things."
She said she wants him to realize there is more out there than just his surroundings.
"It's not easy raising a man by myself," Jones said. "I just hope this can be a positive influence (for him), all the positive men walking around."
'You can be something positive'
Asked to stand and be recognized as an alumna of the African American Men and Boys/Women and Girls conferences, LaWanda Fletcher looked every bit the young Marine private she is, even if she was wearing a red print dress suitable for church. Back rail-straight, shoulders square, eyes fixed confidently ahead, chin raised 20 degrees.
The hundreds who filled the gym bleachers around her clapped loudly.
Later, Fletcher, 19, a tall woman with a girlish charm and a disarming smile, explained that said had just returned to Austin from boot camp.
"Yes, sir, it was awesome. Thanks to all my drill instructors," Fletcher said.
She had given up her first Saturday morning of a three-week break to encourage others and to show them: "Hey, you can be something positive in life, even though there is negativity out there."
While a student at Anderson High School, where she graduated in 2008, she attended a number of the conferences.
Now, Fletcher said it was her turn to show other young people that success in school could make a difference in their lives, too.
A mentor's hope
When he considers why the boys and girls conferences matter, Nat Bradford mulls the question so thoughtfully it seems for a moment he might not answer.
"I am an eternal optimist," Bradford, 67, said with some emphasis. A retired IBM programmer who now works as a systems analyst for the state, Bradford has led workshops at nearly all of the youth conferences.
He said many students do not see the value of education. Many get hung up in the criminal justice system at a young age.
Still, he said he holds out hope that a community of mentors, teachers, parents and schools can turn things around.
Hope might burn eternal, but Bradford is puzzled by something else - what he describes as a culture of low expectations. He and his classmates grew up in poor neighborhoods, but "you were expected to learn," he said sharply.
"My hope is that I can talk to a kid who's economically disadvantaged, or whatever that is, and let him know that he's not mentally disadvantaged. He's not intellectually disadvantaged," Bradford said. "That's basically why I come here."
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| | | Michael R. Lofton/ Janice M. Johnson
The African American Men & Boys Harvest Foundation, Inc. 10119 Willfield Dr., Austin, Texas 78753 (512) 585-6696 cell; office (512) 232-8588
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 African American Men and Boy Harvest Foundation, Inc. May 2009 News Letter |
 Dear Friends, Family and Conference Supporters, Thank you for your attendance and support of our 31st African American Men and Boys/Women and Girls Conference held at LBJ High School this past Saturday. Your presence was greatly appreciated! Patrick Patterson and his family were the highlight of the whole conference and as the ole saying goes, behind every strong and powerful man, is an supportive and understanding woman - we learned from Patrick himself - that Mrs. Patterson was/is all that and some for him throughout the years. If the AAMB Harvest Foundation may be of service to you, your church or organization, please don't hesitate to let us know. Serving you and meeting the needs of community is our joy. Appreciate you, Michael R. Lofton Founder/Executive Director (512) 585-6696
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Special ANNOUNCEMENT We are still in the final days of our FUNDRAISING PUSH to raise 60K for our Urban.Hood.Place Summer Enrichment Program targeting 50 African American youth and others. Your financial assistance still greatly needed & appreciated at all levels ($25 $50 $75 $100, $250, $500., $1000.00..or more). Please donate TODAY! We have extended our deadline to the end of the month. Tax-deductible donation letters will be sent to all contributors. This year's camp will be held at Promiseland Church (Phillips Pavilion; across from Dell Children's Center & Mueller Development) |
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| High KUDOS! LBJ High School AAMB/AAWG Conference! | 
Go Cougars!! MORE conference pictures @ Picture Gallery by Michael McLennan
Keep It Digital!!
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We're proud of our young ladies and young men alike! |
| Community Stakeholders - We Applaud You!! | Over 75 volunteers, vendors, facilatators and Women's Council Members were honored on Saturday. |
Districts, Churches, Companies, Organizations, Foundations! | ** FINAL APPEAL ** Please go beyond your current level of giving to the monthly conferences, and help us offer our first summer enrichment program to those in greatest need - our children. You are their Village of Care! Tax-Deductible Contributions can be made at: |
| | | Special Thanks!
The African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation, Inc. wants to send a special thanks to the men and women who volunteer on a monthly basis to support our kids. Special Thanks goes out to the Business and Institutions that we work with to include the following: AISD, City Of Austin, University of Texas - Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Travis County HHS, Austin Police Department, ManorISD, PflugervilleISD, RoundrockISD, Applied Material, Glimmer of Hope Foundation, NOKOA Observer, Villager Newspaper, KAZI Radio Station, Hoovers Restaurant, Skill Point Alliance, Child Inc. , Police Monitors Office, Seton Hospital, Austin Community College, Huston Tillotson University, Texas Education Agency. To each and every one of you THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! For another great year!
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Michael R. Lofton/ Janice M. Johnson
The African American Men & Boys Harvest Foundation, Inc. 10119 Willfield Dr., Austin, Texas 78753 (512) 585-6696 cell; office (512) 232-8588
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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