Roca Baltimore and Ravens Collaborate to Empower Young Men and Combat Violence

On June 26, Roca Baltimore held its "Night of Elegance" at M&T Bank Stadium’s The Trust club, honoring 20 participants for their dedication to personal development within the program. The event featured a black-tie dress code, inspired by a member's desire to wear a suit for the first time.

Tyrone Kent, director of Roca Baltimore, emphasized the significance of attire in shaping behavior. He stated, "When you have a young man and get him out of his comfort zone to put on a suit and a pair of dress shoes, the behavior changes." He added that such experiences help young men shift their mindset and outlook.

Sharp Dressed Man and K&G Fashion Superstore contributed suits for the occasion, while Brian Collins provided tailoring services for the participants. Kent noted that the impact of dressing well extends beyond appearance, stating, "This is the beginning of what we want to do on a regular basis. When you dress the part, you play the part and the way you think is different."

Founded in 2018, Roca Baltimore aims to disrupt cycles of violence by working with young men aged 18-24, police, and community systems to foster healing and empowerment. The organization recently established a five-year partnership with the Baltimore Ravens, valued at $300,000, to further its mission.

Many participants face significant challenges, with over 80% experiencing multiple risk factors, including lack of employment history and involvement with the criminal justice system. Myron Green, a member of Roca, shared his journey from juvenile delinquency to personal growth, crediting the program's persistent support for his transformation.

Roca employs cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help members communicate their emotions and reshape their thinking. Manuel Brown, another participant, highlighted the program's role in helping him focus on his future, stating, "I learned how to label my feelings... I have bigger and better things to worry about instead of doing the same stuff I was doing in the previous years."

Despite ongoing discussions about youth crime in Baltimore, data suggests that youth offenses have not significantly increased post-pandemic. Kent noted the importance of providing opportunities for high-risk young men, stating, "We didn’t put them in positions to do something different, so our program allows that." Roca Baltimore also offers vocational training and support for food and housing needs to its members.

Reported by HarborBeat based on AFRO American Newspapers (source).