National Society of Black Engineers Host Youth Conference

By Starla Muhammad

Undergraduate engineering and computer science students from the Arizona State University chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) hosted its 13th annual Kathy Preacely Youth Motivational Conference (KPYMC) on February 14, on the Tempe campus. The annual event is part of the groups Pre-College Initiative Program (PCI) geared toward developing and inspiring the interest of youth in the areas of science, technology, mathematics and engineering. Approximately 20 elementary, middle and high school students, many from the south Phoenix area, attended this year’s conference.

According to event organizers, the PCI program “provides activities to help students discover firsthand how engineering and technology relate to the world around them and discover the excitement of academic excellence, leadership, technical development and work.” The students had a great time participating in hands-on activities, including science experiments and demonstrations while being mentored by the collegiate members of NSBE. Although geared toward students in grades 6 through 12, many of the students who attended this year’s conference were younger.

Activities included a robotics exhibit, team building and a cultural awareness discussion panel. The free conference also included a continental breakfast and lunch. Members of the ASU Chapter of NSBE who worked with the visiting students include Brandon Taylor, Jonathan Blair, Carmen Parks, Todd Jackson and Lashell Reed. The conference is named for Kathy Preacely, a community activist who was a key figure in the passage of the Martin Luther King Holiday in Arizona.

Boys To Men

By Starla Muhammad

Black men who take active role in the lives of young Black boys is crucial to the development of their self-esteem. Studies have shown boys perform better academically, are less likely to drop out of school and are less likely to join gangs, if they have a father -figure or active male role model in their life. This is especially true for our young brothers. Recently the Fruit of Islam (F.O.I.) who are the men of the Nation of Islam took a group of 20 Jr. F.O.I. on a day trip from Phoenix, up to Prescott, Sedona and Flagstaff. The group spent the day hiking, visiting an observatory, playing in the snow and fellowshipping with one another. The young men, ranging in age from 7 – 16 also met a former professional football player on their trip. Earl Faison, a former player with the San Diego Chargers gave the youngsters a history lesson on his experience as a Black man in the National Football League in the 1960’s. Brother Ghazi Muhammad, one of the men who accompanied the Jr.’s was amazed some of the boys had never seen snow before. He expressed it was satisfying to interact with his young “nephews” and looks forward to planning and participating in future activities with them. In the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), of 1400 years ago, it was his uncles who took care of him, trained him and educated him after his parents died. “As uncles to these young men, we have to take a more active role in their lives” said Brother Ghazi. A future trip to take the young men to Tucson is already in the works.

Photos by: Ghazi Muhammad

Violence Extinguishes Life But Not Light of Young Activist

by Starla Muhammad

Gentle giant, kind, passionate, loving, full of life and dedicated to helping children; these are just a few of the words used to describe Bilal Ammar Russell by family, friends, co-workers, classmates, teachers and other community residents at a memorial and celebration of life service on January 24th. Hundreds of people filled the auditorium of South Mountain High school to remember and reflect on the life and legacy of a young man who touched so many lives . Bilal, 25, was shot and killed at his home in south Phoenix, a victim of mistaken identity according to local authorities.
“Bilal loved life”, Dr. Larry Russell, Bilal’s father told the crowd. Bilal’s life was cut short the night of January 14 when according to published media reports, Bilal answered the door of his home to unknown persons asking for someone who did not live at the home. The strangers refused to leave and shot Bilal. Wounded, Bilal managed to run through the house, crash though a window to escape and make it to his backyard where he later died. Dr. Russell compiled a makeshift memorial from rocks at the spot where Bilal’s body was discovered later that night by his brother. Police are calling it a tragic case of mistaken identity and acknowledge Bilal was an “innocent victim”. No arrests had been made at the time of this writing.
According to those who attended the memorial service and a candlelight vigil the night before, Bilal was an advocate for emotionally disturbed children, many of whom he helped while working as a behavioral and life coach for Black Family and Child Services of Arizona. Children who were victims of neglect, physical and emotional abuse, had been counseled and helped by Bilal. “He was a mentor, friend and big brother to my grandsons”, shared Ms. Baziga who traveled from Tolleson, AZ to pay her respects. “I have 55 grandchildren and Bilal met each one. Each one fell in love with him”. Bilal was a brilliant student and was a graduate of Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a degree in psychology. He had recently been accepted to attend law school at several colleges. Folks of all ages, races and backgrounds paid their respects to the memory of a young hero who will be greatly missed.
Prior to his death, Bilal and close friend Kendra Stewart were in the process of forming GIFTS, an acronym for Get Involved for Their Sake, a non-profit organization for emotionally disturbed children. Ms. Stewart, Dr. Russell and others vow to continue to keep Bilal’s memory alive by continuing his work with GIFTS. “We have a responsibility to finish what Bilal started” said Betty Shorter-Yancey, Bilal’s aunt. The family hopes to convert the house where Bilal died into a center for GIFTS. The house is now affectionately called, “Bilal’s House”.
Bilal leaves to cherish his memory his loving parents Dr. Larry Russell and Paulette Russell, several siblings, aunts, uncles and a host of family and friends. “A shining star has left us, but that star is still in our hearts”, said Dr. Russell.

Photo: Provided by the family of Bilal Russell