A League of Their Own

Police statistics show that more than half of those arrested each year in Dallas are black males, a problem the Dallas Urban League has decided to attack at its roots. They’re helping teens build self-esteem and a can-do spirit.

Through funding from Exxon Corp., “the 100 Fellows” program offers students from low- to moderate-income households five-hour academic and life-skill development sessions every other Saturday for 10 months. Approximately 112 students are enrolled in this year’s program, which began in June. Coordinator Shirley Isom-Newsome plans to add to the rigorous agenda, fine-tuning the program by including community service projects, required reading and sessions by Minorities in Corporate America.

Though only 69 of the 104 accepted students completed last year’s program, former Fellows coordinator Beverly Jackson believes it was a success. “Desire to be part of the program had to come from the individual, and many had different work ethics,” she says. Though one Fellow said “the hardest part was getting to the bus stop every morning,” students credit the high expectations placed on them for the program’s success. “The fact that she [Jackson] knew we could excel was enough proof that we could.. .and we did,” says participant Damal Davis.