Several young boys and teenagers had the chance to visit the nation’s capital this month.
The Caraway Foundation sponsored the trip, sending 14 9th-12th graders and two first graders to Washington, D.C.
“The purpose of this trip was to expose our young African-American males to the United States history; to show them a part of the country where decisions that can affect their lives are made; and to show them that they can become whatever they desire,” Angela Caraway, the foundation’s founder, said via email. “This trip showed them that there are many opportunities for them and if they utilize their network and follow through with their connections, anything is possible.”
The group visited the White House, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial and many other sites.
“During their stay, they were engaged in nightly discussions on topics dealing with their character, integrity and attitude,” Caraway said. “Each night, there were local speakers that worked with them on those various topics through exercises such as ‘I AM.’ These young men realized the importance of being respectful and always being aware of their integrity no matter where they are or what they are doing.”
Caraway said the trip was the realization of a long-awaited dream for her.
“God laid it on my heart to take a group of young black males to Washington, D.C. about two years ago,” she said. “Once I was diagnosed with cancer, I had to place the trip on hold. However, once my treatments were over in August, I began working on the trip.”
Caraway worked with Sen. Richard Burr to schedule the visit to the White House, then with county schools to pick which boys would go on the trip.
“My goal was to have only 10 young men, but I ended up with 14,” she said. “This trip not only affected the young men, but it affected the adults that came in contact with them. The reactions that we saw on the faces of strangers were encouraging to them and it made me realize that I did the right thing.”
Caraway taught the boys the importance of citizenship and history, but also of faith.
“I shared it to the young men, if they should ever hear God instructing them to do something, don’t be afraid to do it, just take one step forward towards that task and he will take two,” she said. “That’s what God did for this trip. I took one step forward and God took two and made this trip unforgettable.”
The Caraway Foundation plans to organize a similar trip for girls in the late spring or early summer and is getting funding together for other trips, Caraway said.
The foundation has previously organized other events to benefit county residents, including giving away computers to families and co-sponsoring back-to-school events.
Reach reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-994-5471 and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.
