for Kenya…
When we first embarked on this event, I knew that it was something that “had to be done.” I realized that our men were in a state of need as it relates to being encouraged and celebrated, and our future black men…well, they are in need, too.
Then it happened…
I went to high school with a young man who was infectious. His demeanor, his smile, his persona…I just thought he was a great guy. Funny enough, we were only a year apart, but I referred to him as “my son.” I would really like to tell you more about him, but it hurts a little to truly think of him, and all that he was. As it happened, high school ended, and I never really saw him again, despite the fact that I thought of him often, and inquired of his well-being.
On January 12th, 2008, “my son” took his own life. He was 33.
Many of my colleagues and friends are aware of this happening in my life, and it takes a lot for me to write this, knowing that I never had the chance to sow seeds of encouragement into this–now young man’s–life. High school is one thing, but the time it takes to become a part of someone’s adult life…to be a positive influence on their “grown-up” existence is something else.
Please don’t mistake this post, I don’t feel like I could’ve saved him, or this might not of happened if I had talked to him. I just know that for all the love I had for him, I didn’t get the chance to let him know, or to be there for him like I would’ve liked to be.
I lost that chance…I won’t lose this one.
REAL MEN–yes, they do exist. (About Real Men Cook)
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Yvette and I see eye-to-eye about changing the world. I wanted to share the Crusade of RMC with you so that you will see the greatness and the great vision that we as a community can embrace and manifest. sdm The Crusade |
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Real Men Charities, Inc. presents Real Men Cook events, launched Father’s Day 1990, as a national crusade to positively change the way the world views men in relationship to their family and community. The crusade includes events, which take place all on the same day, Father’s Day; in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. |
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The Crusaders |
| Volunteer cooks are the most valued crusaders in this movement to change the world. Local managers, nonprofit partners and radio partners are also essential to Real Men Charities, Inc. |
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The Reality |
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Can an event change the world? Day by day, year by year, first by claiming Father’s Day in major cities and with national media attention, myths are destroyed, hope is restored, perspectives repositioned, appreciation is expressed, examples are magnified, young men strive to be real men and mature men stand up to be counted; families, no matter the configuration, begin to celebrate themselves and those who try to make a difference. Women love it. |
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No Child is Left Behind |
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No child need feel empty on Father’s Day. Families attend the event and women are the number one purchasers of event tickets. Entire families celebrate beyond the biological father, and grandfathers, brothers, coaches and teachers. Reflection is placed on real men past or present. Children are celebrated, activities are planned for them and during the campaign, they benefit by the positive images, messages and role models, who happen to be every day men making a difference. |
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The Beneficiaries |
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Beyond charity partners, Real Men Cook® is the event women love to attend, but the positive spirit lasts far beyond Father’s Day. They, their children, and in many cases male guests, enjoy the great food the celebration and the family reunion spirit of the event. The community benefits by experiencing many positive examples of men whom have given up Father’s Day pampering to contribute to a day that has more value because of Real Men Cook®. After Father’s Day Real Men Charities, Inc is a positive force in the community, providing Real Men as volunteers. |
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Fellow non-profits are willing to work in partnership as we endeavor to change the world, benefiting through active involvement and an initial financial and manpower commitment. In exchange, publicity worth a million dollars in value is enjoyed, thus the non-profit’s value is strengthened and they are better positioned for success throughout the year. |
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Health and Wellness |
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Real Men Charities, Inc, events focus on health screenings and programs, mainly Real Men Cook with Kids, Health Forums, Real Men Talking, Youth World AIDS Day programming and Real Men Read programs. Campaigns and programs include healthy families and healthy living. Real Men Cook Health & Wellness Pavilions are an integral part of Real Men Cook events in each city on Father’s Day. |
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The family, no matter the configuration, is acknowledged as invaluable to our communities. Children, women and all men involved whether as guests or the cooks, are able to enjoy Father’s Day first and meaningful involvement by real men throughout the year, thanks to Real Men Cook and Real Men Charities, Inc. Each individual and participating partner becomes more valued as a result. |
| Yes, we believe with your help, we can change the world. |
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Yvette Moyo & Kofi Moyo, Co-founders |
I declare this event “life-changing”
There is so much that is going on with the black man…he is being stifled and suffocated, badgered and bothered, and in the midst of it all…still asked to be a leader on all fronts a well as a source of strength. Think about the good black men that you know, and think about all that they may go through in one day; think about how they carry those burdens; and how they endure those trials. Be proud of our awesome black men…as they still exist, and are in need of a Celebration.
A Celebration? I got that! 
This morning, I woke up excited by the fact that this event is long overdue and that it should and will inspire our men to continue to press forward through the trials and tribulations. When I visualize this panel of black men, our men, speaking intelligently on how they truly are, how we can best love them, and how it simply feels to be “them, ” I just become overwhelmed with glee.
My hope is that it [the ManPan] will also inspire our “future” black men to do everything that they can to gain the experience and the expertise to be positive influences on our global community. I dare say that I declare this event, “life-changing,” because in every way, every facet and every element–it should be.
