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100 Black Men of Omaha give mentees life experience through fireworks stand

Posted at 8:47 AM, Jul 03, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-03 09:49:22-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — It's definitely not your typical fireworks tent. Along with the impromptu greeting, inside you will find young mentees from the 100 Black Men of Omaha, helping you with your needs and helping them keep their non-profit organization going strong.

"The fireworks tent helps the 100 Black Men with our real talks, math tutoring and it gives us a chance to learn from them," said Alexandre Jean Pierre, a high school senior. "And it also gives us a little money in our pockets as well and it keeps me from doing things I shouldn't be. I would rather be here than anywhere else."

The group has been doing the fireworks tent for a few years now, and it is one of their top fundraisers.

"I like that we get job experience," said junior Aven Cramer. "I think it is important because it gives us a place to go when we don't necessarily have somewhere to be, like a priority."

Many of the mentees say being a part of the is organization has given them a different perspective on life and what they are capable of.

"Just like our motto says, 'What they see, is what they will be,'" said the group's executive director and CEO, Richard Webb. "They do have the will to be great because each one of them will be great when they get older. A lot of it's all centered around the mindset. If you can convince the mindset that you will do something, you will do it."

They also help them deal with real-life situations.

"We've actually had a couple of real talks with the police...they taught us what to do, and what not to do, and they are always going over safety procedures," said Cramer.

The mentees also think about paying it forward.

"For anybody who was thinking about joining the 100, please join," Pierre said. "We are always happy to help young men."

The 100 Black Men of Omaha tent is located at 71st and Military Ave. They're open from 8 am to 11 pm every day, with July 4 being their last day.