Pictured: Scout Master Patrick Thompson with H. Ron Brashear

Link: Letter of appreciation from Boy Scout Troop 1134

Over 200 young men and their parents listen as
YOH President, H. Ron Brashear, shares some words.

Pictured: Youth of Honor Founder, H. Ron Brashear, and YOH Executive Director, Tom Grason

Photo courtesy of Perfect Focus Photography

Pictured: C. Sunny Martin, Who's Who Publishing Founder,  and H. Ron Brashear

Pictured: Youth of Honor team members H. Ron Brashear and Joyace Lopez

The Youth of Honor organization is proud to have our Founder/President, Mr. H. Ron Brashear, recognized and published in the eleventh edition of Who’s Who in Black Atlanta, along with such prominent leaders such as: Bishop Eddie Long, Judge Penny Brown Reynolds of Family Court, as well as Michael Woodson – coach of the Atlanta Hawks, to name a few.   Mr. Brashear’s photograph, along with his biography, are featured on page 301, under Atlanta’s Community Leaders section of this publication.  The Who’s Who publication is the nation’s largest annual directory publisher targeting influential and affluent African-Americans with a mission to create and distribute a first-class publication that documents the significant accomplishments and outstanding achievements of African-American citizens in the various communities in which they serve. 

Mr. Brashear stated, “I am honored to have been selected for inclusion in this prestigious book, and I hope that the work that I, along with my staff, are doing to inspire hope in the lives of today’s youth will serve as a testimony that all of us are stars…it’s up to each of us to decide how we choose to shine in an effort to make our communities better.  I look forward to the day when some of the youth we serve are featured in future editions of this publication."

The Ritz Carlton Buckhead played host to a special reception and unveiling ceremony of the cover of the eleventh edition of Who's Who in Black Atlanta that was co-hosted by WSB Television's (Atlanta ABC affiliate) News Anchor Ms. Jovita Moore and host of V-103 Radio's Frank and Wanda Show, Mr. Frank Ski. Additionally, a special appearance was made by Reverend Al Sharpton.  Mr. Brashear and members of his executive committee were in attendance and were able to network with other Atlanta Community Trailblazers during the event.  "Lasting connections were made that will surely assist Youth of Honor in continuing to make a difference in our community, and it was certainly an honor to have been a part of history in the making," said Mr. Brashear.

Pictured: The Youth of Honor booth at the A-Town event

The Youth of Honor team was out in full-force and effect at the 3^rd Annual A-Town Day [Spring] Festival and Health Awareness Fair on March 21, 2009.  Sponsored by the B-AWARE Foundation, A-Town Day was a fun-filled family event that was held at Atlanta's home of the Braves, Turner Field.  YOH's President and Founder H. Ron Brashear, Executive Director Tom Grason, and Communications Director Joyace Lopez, along with several volunteers, including Pediatrician, Cindy Gartmond, M.D., addressed the patrons on how a combination of having the right support in every aspect of a young person's life will help shape their world and give them a good start in life.  While Dr. Gartmond provided individual health screenings, Mr. Brashear, Mr. Grason and Ms. Lopez discussed the importance of a well-rounded support system.  Mr. Grason stated 'It is amazing the impact that can be done when we all combine our efforts, talents and passion in a common direction, our future leaders and achievers in Atlanta and beyond - our youth." Copies of Ron's book 'Bouncing back... living life the right way' were on hand in print and audio.  Informational brochures about the Youth of Honor Foundation were also available.

Alcoholism and drug addiction is taking a toll on the American family. As a result, 8.3 million children in the United States, approximately 11 percent, live with at least one parent who is in need of treatment for alcohol or drug dependency. One in four children under the age of 18 is living in a home where alcoholism or alcohol abuse is a fact of daily life. Countless others are exposed to illegal drug use in their families.

The toll addiction takes on these children can be substantial.  Children of addiction or (COAs) are at significantly greater risk for:

* mental illness or emotional problems such as depression or anxiety

* physical health problems; and

* learning problems, including difficulty with cognitive and verbal skills, conceptual reasoning and abstract thinking

In addition, children whose parents abuse alcohol or drugs are almost three times more likely to be verbally, physically or sexually abused; and four times more likely than other children to be neglected. Strong scientific evidence also suggests that addiction tends to run in families. Children of alcoholics are four times more likely than non-COAs to develop alcoholism or other drug problems.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. You Can Help: A Guide for Caring Adults Working with Young People Experiencing Addiction in the Family  (PHD878, (SMA) 01-3544)Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.