The Global2Global Brother Connection, “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” has collaborated with the EMBODI Scholars Program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority to donate shoes to young men and women in Haiti. The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) Scholars program is a youth service arm of The Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has a Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Education Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health and Political Awareness and Involvement. The EMBODI Scholars have embraced the International Awareness and Involvement component with the humanitarian “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” project.
The shoes were donated to the Global Haitian Advancement Through Education and Sport (GHATES) Program in Jeremie, Haiti, and were accompanied by letters and Christmas cards from the EMBODI Scholars to their Pen Pals in Haiti.
“These kids are hungry for so many things,” said Marc-Arthur Jean-Louis, GHATES Founder. “They hunger for not only basic necessities, but inspiration to believe they are important and matter. These tokens of love prove they matter and are important to not only Haiti but to the world beyond.”
GHATES is a volunteer grass root not-for-profit organization, working directly with Haitian youth. Marc A Jean-Louis, GHATES founder believes that everyone deserves an opportunity. Through education, sports and community involvement he believes the Haitian youth will thrive and achieve positive results.
Community partners locally and internationally who successfully contributed to the success of this great endeavor include: Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa League, Orange County Sheriff Department, Carter Tabernacle CME Church, and the Kenard Lang Foundation. Through this mission “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” together with other partners, donated over 100 pairs of shoes to deserving young men and women.
EMBODI was initiated under the 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre. EMBODI is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with the support and action of other major organizations on the plight of African-American males.
EMBODI addresses issues related to STEM education, culture, self-efficacy, leadership, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyles choices, character, ethics, relationships, college readiness, fiscal management, civic engagement and service learning for males in both middle and high schools. Under the leadership of Dr. Martha L. Stewart, President of the Orlando Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., EMBODI Chairs, Gail Pressley, Carla Holt, Cathy Edwards-Lee and Rosemary Coar embrace the opportunity to Empower, Enlighten and inspire the lies of these young men.
The Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has served the Orlando Metro Area for over sixty-one (61) years providing an extensive array of public service and programs to promote human welfare that focus around the organization’s Five Programmatic Thrust. “A commitment to serve” is what the Orlando Alumnae Chapter has been recognized for by many community organizations.
To learn more about the GHATES Program, visit www.ghates.org and the Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. visit www.oacdst.org
