The Ivy Center for Education Inc. recently presented workshops entitled “Real Talk” at The Generator in downtown Pine Bluff. Judge Earnest Brown was the keynote speaker.
Brown talked about his life and how he initially wanted to become a doctor until the age of 11 when he found out the details involved in becoming a physician. He said that he loved civics and history and later chose to pursue a law degree, according to a news release.
The judge, who oversees juvenile cases, discussed his family and his love for Pine Bluff and its youth. He emphasized the importance of time management and the importance of students going to class and getting a good education.
He shared with youth and parents a STAR Guide to decisions:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
S – Stop
T – Think
A – Act
R – Review
He encouraged the students not to waste their time. “More work over more fun.”
He further stated, “Don’t ever think that you know everything, but seek out wise counsel.”
Scholars who showed an interest in law were Landon Rhodes, Carmello Wilson and Debra Rauls. Other students included Alexander Walters, Adam Price, Kendol Greenwood, Jalese Allen, Dylan Parker, SaSha Miller and Sean Perry. Scholars on Zoom were Mariya Greer, Danielle Scarborough and Tiana Butler.
Brown currently serves both Jefferson and Lincoln counties as the juvenile judge. He announced that those interested in joining Teen Court where they get to see real-life cases should sign up at the Juvenile Building located on Second Avenue.
Also during the event, the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.®, the Alpha Rho Chapter at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, talked to girls and guys about making healthy decisions, peer pressure, conflict resolution, and much more. The guys were also taught how to properly tie a necktie and were presented with the necktie as a gift from the fraternity.
Student Christopher Carlock presented meditation before the workshops started. Workshop facilitators from AKA were Madison Powell, Janiya Fellows, Kennedy Stanley and Olivia Garrett. Workshop facilitators from Alpha Phi Alpha were Brandun Flannigan, Judge Jackie Harris and Frank Dorsey.
The Ivy Center was also joined by supportive parents in attendance. The graduate advisors to the Alpha Rho Chapter at UAPB are Marguerite Flannigan and Damiccah Robertson. The center offered thanks to officials at The Generator.
The mission of Ivy Center is to “Promote Excellence in Academics & Character.” Mattie Collins serves as Ivy Center president.
For more information about the Ivy Center, send an email to mattie1908@gmail.com. Follow the Ivy Center on Facebook, Instagram and website www.ivycenterforeducation.com.