Charlotte student ambassadors uplift citizens of Belize

YOUNG BLACK LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE

The Charlotte-based Young Black Leadership Alliance will embark on a service project to Belize as part of a collaboration with Samaritan’s Feet.

Charlotte high school students Jade Smith and Ryan Davis share a unique bond as trendsetters in the Young Black Leadership Alliance.

The Charlotte-based group founded by John and Tammy Martin focuses on uplifting young adults while equipping them with the tools needed to have successful and impactful careers.

“They have taught me the importance of leadership, service and education,” said Smith, a member for two years. “It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone.”

Participants are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average in addition to being positive influences in their community and school. This year, YBLA members engaged in an education retreat in Black Mountain, with public speaking courses with Toastmasters International and a toy drive for elementary school students.

“I've seen a lot of changes with the people in my cohort and myself,” said Smith, who along with Evans collected over 900 gifts for students at Tuckaseegee Elementary.

Now, the two are gearing up to launch international service efforts in Belize.

“For us, it’s clear that it doesn’t matter how old you are or what you come from, you can make a difference,” said Davis, whose self-inspired community service projects started as a seventh grader at Piedmont Open IB Middle School.

Davis and Smith are raising funds to take their passion project global with Samaritan’s Feet to provide shoes and shelter to people in need.

“I’m looking to gain a shift in my perspective,” Smith said. “I know Belize is very different than here and as a teenager we take a lot for granted.”

Smith adds that the group will wash the feet of teens in Belize and build a home from the ground up. Two groups of 25 YBLA members will visit the country within the span of a month to ensure the construction team is well staffed.

Their funds will ensure the project is continuously supported. Those who are interested in donating can watch the promo video with more information here.  

This article corrects Ryan Davis' last name.

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