The Black Suit Initiative launched the 2024-2025 school year with excitement, welcoming 57 returning and new members from over 40 Triad schools. This year's program is set to empower young leaders through engaging workshops, mentorship, and community service projects. With a dynamic blend of talent and passion, BSI is dedicated to inspiring these RIGHT NOW leaders to create meaningful change in the Triad area.
Seventh-grade members, along with two new high school members, kicked off the school year by planting an autumn crop of greens. This hands-on activity not only fostered teamwork but also connected them to the importance of sustainable practices. Additionally, other members eagerly signed up to launch a new podcast titled "Brothers Beyond Reality," aimed at exploring diverse perspectives and experiences. Together, these initiatives highlight the group's commitment to growth and community engagement as they embark on another exciting year.
In November's workshop, members learned the essential skills for working with electrical wiring, starting with the use of a wire stripping tool. They explored how this tool is designed to strip wires of various sizes based on gauge, ensuring they can handle a range of electrical tasks.
We are thrilled to announce BSI-Greensboro's newest community partnership with iCode Greensboro! In November, those who signed up for the "Coding & Cooking" group had the incredible opportunity to explore the world of cybersecurity and game coding with the talented instructors at iCode Greensboro.
Members who signed up for Power & Pickleball kicked off their first sport with archery, where they learned the importance of precision and concentration. Archery’s emphasis on control and accuracy perfectly complements the hands-on electrical training, creating a well-rounded and immersive learning experience.
Chef Julian Mitchell, a 2012 graduate of Sparrow’s Nest, had previously taught virtually during the pandemic, but it was a special treat for our students to have him return in person to share his culinary expertise. Alongside Chef Charlese Jarvis, Mitchell guided the group through the process of preparing a Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken with Pasta Primavera. Under their expert tutelage, students not only honed their cooking techniques but also learned how to expertly blend flavors to create a truly delicious dish.
To launch their curriculum, we took the team to Foreign Cars Italia in Greensboro, where they had the chance to learn about the mechanical foundations behind some of the world’s most luxurious vehicles. A special thanks to our friend, Charles Dabney, for consistently coordinating these memorable experiences for our members. During the visit, participants explored the showroom, had the opportunity to get up close to their dream cars, and gained valuable insight into the engineering that powers high-end automobiles.
The BSI-Greensboro "Carburetors & Culture" team had an unforgettable cultural experience attending the highly anticipated Black Violin performance at The Tanger Center. Known for their incredible talent and dynamic performances, Black Violin once again delivered an electrifying show that blended classical music with a modern twist, leaving the audience in awe.
In addition to their musical mastery, Black Violin is renowned for delivering powerful messages of empowerment, perseverance, and breaking barriers. The performance served as a reminder to our members that creativity and hard work can lead to limitless possibilities.
Some of our members recently had the privilege of meeting Corey Arvinger, a renowned marketing influencer and highly successful e-commerce entrepreneur. Corey, known for his impactful work in the digital space, shared his journey and valuable insights with our group, leaving everyone deeply inspired.
His powerful words motivated and uplifted us all, offering a fresh perspective on success, perseverance, and the entrepreneurial mindset. Corey’s story of overcoming challenges and building a thriving business resonated with our members, providing both inspiration and practical advice for anyone looking to make their mark in the e-commerce world.
On June 22, The Black Suit Initiative hosted its 2nd mock election at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Nine youth members were competing for the offices of Mayor, Governor, and President of the United States. For the past 3 months, these young men and their team of supporters have worked diligently to do research and develop compelling speeches to gain votes from the community. These teams also developed podcasts which were judged by corporate Apple team members from across the country judged their podcast. A member from the corporate team also came to Greensboro to make the formal presentation.
BSI members spent a Saturday being trained to work on Apple Apps, Garage Band, iMovie, and Keynote.
Carlos, one of our high school ambassadors, LOVES Apple products! Not only can he identify all Apple products, model specifications, and features, but he admires the executives who run this technology giant company. Carlos began reaching out to the top executives of Apple to share his love for the company, when one day, his email got noticed. Carlos shared with this executive about his involvement with The Black Suit Initiative and within a matter of weeks they contacted us and the journey began.
In August, Apple provided iPads for all BSI members, MacBooks for staff/volunteers, Apple TV and charging stations. They sent representatives from their corporate offices in Cupertino, California and Atlanta, GA to help celebrate the unveiling of this equipment.
Apple is also providing in-person training on their devices throughout the school year. Who knew a simple email would have been so rewarding?!
Check out our new video "A Brotherhood".
Videography/editing/production by Xavier Hill,
Written by Joee Starke (2021 BSI Graduate)
The mission of The Sparrow’s Nest, Inc. is to involve youth in leadership initiatives aimed at deterring crime and drug activity. Through the development of educational, artistic, and character-building skills, the organization seeks to equip young individuals with the tools necessary for a successful transition to college or career paths.
In 2016, The Sparrow’s Nest, Inc., introduced "The Black Suit Initiative," an exclusive program tailored for middle and high school young men. This initiative focuses on fostering leadership skills and community engagement. Through this program, participants have the chance to enhance their academic performance, delve into career interests, and engage in constructive team-building activities.
Upon successfully completing various program modules, participants earn the privilege of owning a full black suit by the end of their first year. Selection into the program is based on an application and interview process conducted in July each year. Once admitted, members can continue their involvement until they graduate from high school.
The rationale behind the black suit stems from recent research conducted by the psychology department at California State University. Their findings revealed that wearing formal attire, such as a suit, can indeed alter thought processes. The study demonstrated that donning formal clothing enhances levels of confidence and fundamentally shifts how individuals perceive the world around them.
Born in Lynchburg, VA, Evainna W. Ross has dedicated most of her life to helping youth secure better educational and economic opportunities through the development of her nonprofit organization, The Sparrow's Nest, Inc.
Upon graduating from North Carolina A&T State University with a B.S. in Public Relations in 1991, Ross began her journey working with youth under the leadership of the late civil rights pioneer, Rev. Prince E. Graves. Ross spent six years volunteering as the youth director of St. James Baptist Church increasing their youth programs' participation substantially.
Ross took what she learned at St. James Baptist Church and developed a community based model and launched The Sparrow's Nest, Inc. in Claremont Courts, a public housing community in Greensboro in October 2008. The Sparrow's Nest , Inc. was a mobile service which provided free programs on Saturdays such as ballroom dancing, sculpting, culinary arts and public speaking directly to youth in 4 of the largest public housing communities in Greensboro. Because of the growing popularity of these programs, Ross felt she wasn't making a lasting impact only seeing youth in these communities once a month. For that reason, in 2010, Ross, with a panel of educators and business owners, interviewed and selected 50 middle and high school youth to be members of a leadership program called The Chosen 50. The majority of these youth were selected from the communities she had served prior. These youth remained in the program until they graduated high school.
During their time in the program, these youth were empowered to make positive decisions for their lives as well as their communities. These youth have developed their own small businesses, developed political campaigns, created a stock portfolio and learned how to purchase their own homes and cars.
In 2014, Ross was recognized nationally by the Ascena Retail Group as an "everyday hero" who has dedicated her life to making the world a better place by empowering children in the areas of education, social support and self-esteem.
The Sparrow's Nest, Inc. has continued to evolve into a program which addresses the need of an ever-changing society. In 2016 they launched their newest division, The Black Suit Initiative, an all male leadership and community engagement program for middle and high school students.
Ross has been married to Kevin for 34 years and they have one daughter, Amariah.
1324 Alamance Church Road, Greensboro, North Carolina 27406, United States