Comedian Steve Harvey is tackling a serious issue in the African American community by playing his part in helping fatherless young men realize their full potential. The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men, hosted by the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, has impacted over 1,500 youth since its inception in 2009.
This month, the eighth annual program invited 220 teenagers, ages 13-18, to Camp Grace in Augusta, Ga. for a weekend of empowerment. From June 9-12, the young men were exposed to positive male role models as they participated in educational activities that introduced them to life skills necessary for navigating adulthood and conquering obstacles on their journey to success.
Choice Hotels CEO Steve Joyce, motivational speaker Tony Gaskins, radio/TV personality Charlamagne Tha God and former NBA shooting guard Duane Ferrell were among the event’s special guests.
In addition to Choice Hotels, the program’s largest donor and partner, the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men receives support from the U.S. Army, State Farm, Ford, AT&T Aspire and Walgreen’s.
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“I have always tried to use my platform as a means to serve my community. I am indebted to the panel of role models donating their time and our sponsors that have allowed us to host this camp experience for seven years now,” Harvey said. “Seeing our mentees grow into fine and respectable young men, with many returning to camp to volunteer makes it all worth it.”