Hazel Blears launches search for role models to inspire Black boys

A major national search to recruit Black male role models gets underway today as Communities Secretary Hazel Blears calls for motivational Black and mixed heritage men to take a lead in inspiring the next generation of Black boys to achieve and succeed.

The creation of the first ever Black Boys' National Role Model programme is part of a package of measures to help raise the aspirations and attainment of some of today's young Black men.

Hazel Blears wants to encourage Black and mixed heritage men from all walks of life to come forward and play a part in lifting the sights of young Black boys.

A national modelling programme was one of the recommendations made to Government by an independent panel made up of members who had an in depth understanding of the realities of the lives of Black Boys and the barriers they face to success. The Government has responded positively to their report and is committed to taking action on all the REACH recommendations.

Too often role models can be celebrities and those who glamorise a world of crime, drugs, guns and gangs. The national role modelling programme will seek to challenge stereotypes, shine a light on positive images of Black male achievement - from businessmen to doctors, lawyers, artists and community workers. REACH is about getting these positive images onto the radar and ensuring that more young people know that every route is open to them.

Wright Brothers National Memorial NPS Salutes Outer Banks Group Volunteers

Several volunteers were recognized for their achievement of excellence. Jean and Bud Brinkley, Marjorie and John Grubka, Fred Hattman, Shirley Helms, Steve Jones, Mike Staples, and Julie and Ed Stetser received the National Park Service Volunteer Master Ranger Corp recognition for each donating over 500 hours of service last year.

"This tremendous number of donated hours equals almost 11 full-time paid staff members," stated Superintendent Michael B. Murray. "The support provided by our volunteers truly keeps us going. We are proud to recognize them during National Volunteer Week, April 27 to May 3."

Volunteers support a myriad of visitor services and special projects. Volunteers working at the visitor centers, lighthouses, supporting programs, and out on the beach with resource management are the most visible to the public. Volunteers also work with the Ocracoke ponies, in park offices, tracking use permits, photographing special events, and providing support for maintenance projects.

Dare and Hyde county residents comprise a majority of the volunteer corps, which is supplemented by non-local volunteers, and interns. Some organizations, such as the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club and Cape Hatteras Bird Club, also volunteer their services providing special programming for park visitors.

Bra Boys

Bra Boys, narrated by Russell Crowe, is an entertaining and insightful story about the infamous surf community of Sydney's eastern suburb, Maroubra. The documentary is told from the eyes of the 'Bra Boys' themselves, describing a life of struggle where the only places they can turn to is the surf and their brotherhood.

The story focuses on the life of the Abberton brothers: Sunny (writer), Koby, Jai and Dakota. The four hold family loyalty in the highest regard.

Growing up in a home with a heroin-addicted mother, the boys learned to look after each other from a young age. The home of their late grandmother Mavis - known to everyone as 'Ma' - served as a refuge for the boys and their friends.

Maroubra, a poverty-ridden suburb made up of commission flats that sits 'in the shadow of Long Bay Jail', seems to offer minimal options for its youths, who skip many days of school, lack any sort of direction and tend to become heavily involved with drugs, crime and violence.

The documentary shows the deep hatred the group have for police, and the instant mistrust of anyone outside their tribe, evident in the fighting to 'protect' their local beaches. Symbolising the strong loyalty of the group, Koby proudly sports the famous tattoo on his chest, with the words 'My Brother's Keeper'.

On trial for the murder of convicted rapist and murderer Tony Hines, Bra Boy Jai Abberton emphasises the unfortunate path taken by many: drugs and jail. The boys have been in the news for all of the wrong reasons, with one of the biggest incidents occurring in 2002, when a brawl broke out between the boys and off-duty police.

On the other hand the Bra Boys are well known for their surfing talent, producing many 'big wave' surfers including pro surfer Koby Abberton.

In one scene the brothers jet-ski out to one of the world's thickest and roughest waves, off the south-west coast of Australia. At the wave known as 'The Cyclops', the boys show off their extreme talent and utter fearlessness.