Syndicated radio host to bring mentoring drive here

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Radio personality Michael Baisden’s One Million Mentors Campaign will come to Ford Family Recital Hall at DeYor Center, Federal Street, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, to host a forum to encourage mentoring of young adults.

Panelists will include Madonna Chism Pinkard (WFMJ Channel 21), Pastor Terrance Claybrook (Heartreach Ministries), Dr. Necia Boone (White Hat Management), Joe McGeorge (Warriors Inc.) and state Sen. Joe Schiavoni.

Admission is free.

“The videotaped beating of Chicago teen Derrion Albert was truly the final straw for me,” said Baisden in a news release. “After seeing it broadcast repeatedly on national news, I knew I needed to step up and get involved personally in the effort to save our kids. My hope is that by touring across the country, this national mentoring campaign will have an impact on some of these young people who need caring adults involved in their lives.”

At Wednesday’s event, local mentors will share their personal success stories of working with children. Representatives from local mentoring programs will be available to register qualified adults for training and match them with area children on waiting lists for mentors.

In addition to increasing the numbers of mentors, Baisden also will be raising funds for mentoring programs by matching contributions from participants, up to $350,000. The Michael Baisden Foundation, which is dedicated to providing educational support in communities, will direct the money toward local mentoring programs.

The Michael Baisden Show syndicated radio program airs Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. It combines music, comedy and social commentary to inspire change and is heard in 22 of the top 25 urban radio markets. It can be heard in the Youngstown market on WASN-AM 1500.

Baisden will broadcast his show Wednesday from the downtown studios of WASN, 22 W. Federal St.