In The News
Made In Greensboro
Did you see our feature in the latest online edition of "Made In Greensboro"? Click on the picture to read more!
The Art Of Debate
Scott Bennett, high school teacher and a speech and debate coach, brought his student coaches to assist BSI members in learning the techniques of competitive speech and debate. They will be put to the test in March with their first "formal" debate.
Poetic Expressions
Limericks, Haikus, Anaphoras and Epistles were just a few poetic writing styles Kismet Rideau taught these young men on a Saturday morning. Who needs video games, when you can express yourself through verse.
A Blended Family
September 9th marked the first day all new and "old" members of the Black Suit Initiative met for the first time. The day was spent participating in fun-filled team building activities. Already, they've become family!
Sigma Pi Phi Mentors
The Black Suit Initiative is honored to have Sigma Pi Phi, as their newest mentor partner. Sigma Pi Phi, also referred to as "the Boulé," which means "a council of noblemen", was founded as an organization for professionals. Sigma Pi Phi is the first successful and oldest African-American Greek-lettered organization. It has welcomed and continues to welcome into its fraternal bond some of the most distinguished men in the world. Its members have included such men as W.E.B. DuBois, Carter G. Woodson, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dr. Charles R. Drew.
A Dream Home Tour
Abdul Qureshi, a successful entrepreneur, opened up his beautiful dream home to all the members of BSI. Qureshi shared his story of his past financial ruin and his successful rise to the top.
Your Investment Is Needed
Your generosity allows us the opportunity to provide these young men with FREE educational opportunities year-round. Make your tax deductible donation today.
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Meet The Founder
Evainna W. Ross
Born in Lynchburg, VA, Evainna W. Ross has dedicated most of her life to helping youth secure better educational and economic opportunities thorugh 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 29 years and has a daughter, Amariah.