Two Atlantic City men are hoping to find ways to bring boys together among growing bullying and violence.
Lamont Carson and Dayshawn Reynolds started their “Brothers Over Bullies” in response to what they were hearing while working with kids at the city’s Boys and Girls Club.
“We feel as though by channeling their energy into something positive, we will be able to bring the community together,” Carson said.
Thus, a flag football tournament was born.
The first in what the pair vows will be an annual event is set for Sunday, July 28 at Dolphins Field from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Carson originally planned to just have four teams play. But then it grew.
Now, there are three categories: varsity for ages 10-13, high school for those 14 to 17 and college for 18 and older.
While gun violence seems to get much of the focus in Atlantic City, there are other ways children are being harmed, Reynolds points out.
The mental and sometimes physical abuse has led to some suicides over the past few years. It’s something many don’t talk about but a problem that needs to be addressed, the young men say.
“We want to give voice to the voiceless,” Reynolds said.
The childhood friends both grew up through the Boys and Girls Club. Now, they volunteer themselves in an effort to give back what they got.
“The Boys and Girls Club was my father,” said Carson, who grew up with his mom and grandmother.
“Our mission statement is to help bring awareness to bullying and to give youth a chance to channel their energy and aggression into something positive,” he said.
Children can still be signed up for the event by calling Carson at 609-338-4983.
Admission is free.
