Real Men Real Heroes, a mentoring program for young men, will host its 10th annual awards banquet in Wichita on Thursday.
Actor Ernie Hudson may be best known for his role in the 1984 blockbuster movie Ghostbusters. Real Men Real Heroes co-founder Buddy Shannon says Hudson will share some of his life experiences at the banquet.
"A lot of the challenges our boys in our community are facing, he’s been there, done that, and he's going to talk about his story and his path to success," Shannon says.
According to Shannon, the mentoring program, recognized by the White House, has helped hundreds of boys succeed by teaching life skills and through tutoring.
"I just find that so many of our boys just need a male in their lives that they can look up to, who can hold them accountable," Shannon says. "A lot of these boys, they have really excelled, not just because we're great tutors, but because they know that we care."
USD 259 Superintendent Alicia Thompson and the Wichita chapter of Links, Inc. will also receive special recognition at the banquet. The banquet takes place Thursday, July 26, at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Wichita.
Carla Eckels is director of cultural diversity and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels. To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
