Tuxedos, Ties and Table Manners

Remember the , the organization headed by Bernice Malone that gave away hundreds of donated prom dresses to girls in the community who couldn’t afford to buy one?

Well, a local men’s organization, (WMUB), partnered with Malone to do something special for young boys.

On April 23, WMUB with Malone hosted a “Men That Cook” fundraising event, raising close to $2,000. And This past Saturday, exactly one month later, WMUB presented 22 graduating seniors from Bedford Academy High School with Men’s Warehouse gift cards to cover the entire cost of their tuxedo rentals.

“We wanted to identify and select a high-achieving school, such as Bedford Academy, and reward them for their hard work,” said Titus Mitchell, 41, a member of WMUB.

The event was held at House of Art on Lewis Avenue. The store is owned by Richard Beavers, who is also a member of the WMUB.

The 22 graduating seniors received the gift cards… but not before taking a few more required classes.

They first had to complete three, 45-minute etiquette workshops on social skills, personal grooming and dining etiquette, where they learned things such as how to hold a fork properly, how to deal with acne and how to tie a necktie. The workshops were facilitated by four members of the International Christian Brotherhood out of the Christian Cultural Center (CCC).

“These guys are becoming young adults, so they need to learn how to conduct themselves in each and every environment that their in,” said Mitchell, a father of two boys and one girl. He said he learned almost all of his etiquette and social skills by watching his father. “But unfortunately, a lot of these kids are missing a male presence in their lives.”

Thomas Simms, president of the YMCA Piranhas Swim Team and also a WMUB member, said the group simply wanted to celebrate the young men, but also prepare them for what lies ahead.  

“These are good kids who do well in school,” said Mitchell, 42. “But still, it was great, because they learned a lot, they left feeling special, and it gave them an even greater sense of pride.”

In addition to the gift cards, three lucky young men received a free limousine for prom night. 

Mitchell said he believes the greatest takeaway for the young boys is seeing black men giving back to their community and showing that they care:

“Overall, I hope they walk away with a greater sense of community,” said Mitchell. “We’re a black men’s organization trying to re-establish a positive presence in their lives. That means a lot.”