Great news can come from tragedy. Many in the black community have learned how to turn tragedy in to triumph and use these things for help benefit and grow our communities.

This seems to be the case after the police killing of Freddie Gray in Baltimore recently. The Big Brother Big Sisters program in the city has seen an enormous spike in participation.

According to NBC News, Baltimore chapters of this organization has seen a 3,000% increase in participation following the the protest and civil unrest in the city.

The President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chesapeake, Terry Hickey, said the growth is “unprecedented”.

“I was worried people would see the images on TV of young people looting… you don’t know how people are going to react to the image of young teens running through the streets,” Hickey said. “But people are having their own epiphany, they are saying, ‘It just dawned on me that by being an adult in one kid’s life I can make a real difference.’”

Before the unfortunate murder of Freddie Gray, the organization would see 3 to 5 applicants a day volunteering their time to be a big brother or big sister. However, since then, the number has skyrocketed to over 500 applicants a day.

Before the unfortunate murder of Freddie Gray, the organization would see 3 to 5 applicants a day volunteering their time to be a big brother or big sister. However, since then, the number has skyrocketed to over 500 applicants a day.

This is great because many of the kids that have been on the wait list can finally be placed with qualified, eager and concerned adults looking to make a difference in a child’s life.

“I’m hoping this means people aren’t about blaming kids for what’s happened, but are recognizing that mentoring needs to be right up there at the top of the list when you talk about building communities,” Hickey said.

The Big Brother Big Sister organization really works hard to ensure every child has a proper role model to lead and guide them during life’s journey. The presence of a mentor dramatically reduces the foolishness a child gets into, if they will take drugs, join a gang and ensure they are willing to take positive steps in their lives.

This is a great bright spot that has come out of the Freddie Gray tragedy, but hopefully the people will remember we still have to fight and work on the brutal treatment the black community receives around the country from the police force.

SOUND OFF: What do you think of the spike in the BIG program and are you a mentor in your city?

Source: NewsOne