Hollis Cobb collector, Ernest Moore, has spent years working with the non-profit organization, Future Gents, which he founded for the purpose of turning young men into gentlemen. The group focuses on teaching young men ages 6-25, proper attire for every occasion, etiquette, the importance of education, how to complete a college application, resume writing, interview skills, leadership, conflict resolution and a host of other important life skills.
Future Gents came one step closer to realizing the dream of attracting more donors and eventually acquiring a building when they were invited to march in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade in Atlanta on Monday, January 18. Future Gents presented a fundraising Fashion Show last year called 100 Men Walking II. The second annual fashion show featured young men of all ages, modeling proper attire for all types of occasions. A number of those same gentlemen marched in the MLK parade last Monday.
The Future Gents group marched the entire 2 mile parade route, and received many positive comments from parade organizers and other participants. Ernest said the opportunity to march in the parade brought exposure to Future Gents as well as awareness of the organization’s goals to other community leaders. “It was an honor to be a part of the MLK parade,” Ernest said.
Members of Future Gents will be marching in the Black History Month Parade in Atlanta on February 25, 2017. There are also plans to march in the Veteran’s Day parade in Atlanta this year. Ernest explained that some of the organization’s members who volunteer their time to help mentor young men are veterans, and some are active duty as well. The veterans are some of Future Gents most helpful supporters and mentors, Ernest pointed out.
Goals for the organization, along with the construction of a building, include the development of an Academy. Currently, Future Gents offers 12 week courses for young men covering a wide range of life skills. As students complete assignments, they are rewarded with outings to Braves Games and other field trips in Atlanta. During the 12 week courses, students are also encouraged to give back to the community by volunteering for activities such as visiting nursing homes where they read to residents and run small errands. Ernest stressed that the students must successfully complete sections of their courses in order to earn rewards.
Future Gents is supported by donations from corporations, churches and individuals. Information about the organization and how to donate is available at http://futuregents.org/.
