Marshall University alumnus Charles C. Meyers Jr. has launched a new initiative in West Virginia called the American Dream Movement, which he hopes will give Black male students “a sense of hope and direction” when they need it the most.
Meyers believes that there are many times that a student just needs a positive push or better guidance to be able to succeed in life.
The new program will welcome 12 students from eighth grade through 12th grade.
Thomas Jones, the only eighth-grader being accepted into the program, attends Huntington Middle School while all the other students attend Huntington High School.
While the press release for the American Dream Movement did not give many specifics on what the program will entail, it did clearly state that the initiative’s objective is to help young Black male students reach their full potential.
“In order for African American males to reach their full potential in life, they must be encouraged to achieve their dreams and to take the proper steps to success,” Meyers said, according to a press release for the new initiative. “An investment in the lives of African American male students in the Huntington community is needed, in order to change the trajectory of their lives in a positive direction.”
He explained that it is important for the entire community to be an active, positive part of the children’s lives.
“When members of the community take the time to provide the students with wisdom and guidance, the students have a much better chance of becoming motivated to succeed and to dream of a better life for themselves,” Meyers said, according to the press release. “I developed the American Dream Movement because I know the power of influence. When you take the time to invest in someone’s future, the impact that you can make on someone’s life is worth the investment.”
Meyers also explained why he wanted to call the initiative the American Dream Movement.
“In today’s society, the dedication and encouragement to achieve the ‘American Dream’ has dissipated in the hearts of many African American males in Huntington, West Virginia,” he said. “The motivation to pursue happiness and success has been truncated to fulfilling desires with short-term thinking leading to long-term consequences. Now, more than ever, it is critical for African American males growing up in society to understand the importance of faith, family, education and having a career.”
Meyers promises that the program will allow the students to have a better chance at succeeding in life by offering the young men “positive reinforcement, education and guidance.”
This is only the latest initiative that Meyers has launched.
Other initiatives by Meyers include Future Investment Day, A Gift to Remember in December and the Words of Reflection Writing Contest.
Meyers plans to hold a ceremony called “Gathering of Dreamers” later this month to celebrate the new members of the American Dream Movement.