Black
Diamond B.A.D. Boys
Barrier-breaking. Awe-inspiring. Dad……
The
expressive chronicle for this month’s Black Diamond B.A.D. Boy is
extraordinarily fitting for the likes of barber-stylist Lamont Robinson, affectionately
known as "Twin". This 42 year-old single father of two graduated from Shaw High
School in 1987 and moved on to attend Kent State University. If you can’t
catch up with Twin to be graced with one of his signature fades at Today’s Cut and
Styles Barber Shop, perhaps he is at a ball game with his children:17
year-old Lamari and 13 year-old Clarke. The fact of the matter is that
apart from his time spent at work and his church, New Community in
Cleveland Heights, Twin can be seen working diligently in the community. Together with his children and other family members he promotes autism awareness and anti-bullying.
Responding to the need to advocate for his own autistic child, Twin founded an organization called Lamari Speaks. An
incident of bullying at Lamari’s school prompted this dad to gather the
instigators and educate them. He explained to the other young boys in Lamari’s
class that “God made us all different”. He assured them of the beauty of these
differences and highlighted characteristics that make Lamari so special.
Discovering that these young men were very receptive to the information and subsequently embraced
Lamari, Twin recognized the need to raise awareness about autism and its implications for non-autistic children. “All kids want normalcy," Twin explains. So this Black Diamond
B.A.D. Boy set out to partner with larger organizations in order to bring this
subject to light. He realized that we can and should work together as a community to offer a
lifestyle that makes kids as special as Lamari feel included.
Since 2010 Twin has worked with organizations such as Autism Speaks, Mile Stone, and the Boys and Girls Club to bring about the change. As he continues to break barriers, February’s B.A.D. Boy also speaks on behalf of the University of Phoenix concerning autism and bullying. An East Cleveland native, Twin has been afforded the opportunity to speak to the broader community in the mid-west and the south. He prides himself on making certain that the Black community has a voice in this plight. Nevertheless, Twin is astonished to discover when attending many conferences and seminars that he is the only person of color in the room. Twin represents the Black community well and hopes to encourage others to come out of the darkness to speak very loudly and clearly about how we, together can make this world a better place for all.
If you know any B.A.D. Boys like Twin, who would qualify as Polished Diamonds click the link above for a nomination form.You will also discover criteria for age categories 10 years old and up. Recommend an African American male to be honored at the Black Diamonds Celebration this June. HURRY!! Nominations close March 9, 2012. Don't forget to follow our blog to keep up with the Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center as we salute the next Black Diamond B.A.D. boy!
Since 2010 Twin has worked with organizations such as Autism Speaks, Mile Stone, and the Boys and Girls Club to bring about the change. As he continues to break barriers, February’s B.A.D. Boy also speaks on behalf of the University of Phoenix concerning autism and bullying. An East Cleveland native, Twin has been afforded the opportunity to speak to the broader community in the mid-west and the south. He prides himself on making certain that the Black community has a voice in this plight. Nevertheless, Twin is astonished to discover when attending many conferences and seminars that he is the only person of color in the room. Twin represents the Black community well and hopes to encourage others to come out of the darkness to speak very loudly and clearly about how we, together can make this world a better place for all.
If you know any B.A.D. Boys like Twin, who would qualify as Polished Diamonds click the link above for a nomination form.You will also discover criteria for age categories 10 years old and up. Recommend an African American male to be honored at the Black Diamonds Celebration this June. HURRY!! Nominations close March 9, 2012. Don't forget to follow our blog to keep up with the Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center as we salute the next Black Diamond B.A.D. boy!
