Power of Perception: Virtual Mentoring Geared Toward Black, Biracial Students
sessions offer role models of excellence to black youth throughout the summer
Who in the community is a voice for African-American students?
That’s the question Dennis Beale continues to ponder through a new virtual summer program, “Black Professionals,” which he started through his business, Power of Perception LLC. “Black Professionals” will bring in role models of black excellence – such as Chapin Turner, who owns his own barbershop – to show black students in sixth through 12th grades that they too can achieve their dreams.
“One of my mottos is to change lives daily,” said Beale, who founded the Black Male Empowerment student group at UW-Eau Claire.
“I felt that they need some type of voice for African-American and biracial people.” –Dennis Beale, founder, Power of Perception
In light of recent protests over the murder of George Floyd, Beale said it was “really alarming” that it reached the point that people of color felt they had to riot and loot in order to be heard. Beale believes in the power of mentorship, he said – creating meaningful relationships with kids to guide them and offer advice. He said it’s one thing to talk and read about sparking change, and it’s a whole other thing to put that knowledge to action. Creating relationships, he said – now that’s action.
“Black Professionals” will kick off at 6:30-7:30pm on Wednesday, June 10, with Turner, and will continue on June 16, 18, 23, 25, and 30 with black professionals such as an OBGYN, a branch manager, a lawyer, a family nurse practitioner, and someone who works in celebrity protection. Guest speakers aren’t necessarily local, Beale said, because of the lack of racial diversity in the Chippewa Valley.
Nonetheless, they will provide critical role models of black leadership for Chippewa Valley youth, Beale said.
“I felt that they need some type of voice for African-American and biracial people,” Beale said.
Each session will be virtual due to COVID-19, Beale said, and will include a physical, mental, and emotional check-in with each student before the guest speaker joins in.
Dennis Beale is hoping to start a website for Power of Perception soon, but for now people interested in supporting the cause can reach out via Facebook at www.facebook.com/powerofperceptionllc.
