Meet Victor Blair, sixth grader and Just Leader of the Month.
But first, meet JustLead.
JustLead is a program of Emerald Youth Foundation, a collaborative ministry serving children and youth in the urban neighborhoods of Knoxville, TN. Their mission is to raise up a large number of youth to love Jesus Christ and become effective leaders who help renew their neighborhoods.
JustLead program strategies include faith development, academic reinforcement, relationship building, sports and cultural enrichment. Through JustLead, urban churches and faith-based organizations are networked together to connect youth and their families with a congregation and with growth experiences so they will grow up loving Christ and making their city a better place to live.
JustLead provides a wonderful example of a community-based ministry that focuses on the potential of youth rather than their risk factors. And Victor is a wonderful example of a potential future community leader.
From an Emerald Youth Foundation News Release, July 1, 2008:
Victor Blair, a rising sixth grade student at Vine Middle School, is being recognized as the July Just Leader of the Month by Mount Zion Baptist Church and Emerald Youth Foundation.
Blair entered the JustLead program in 2005 as a quiet young man who did not particularly like engaging with other young people or the adult leaders. Since that time, he has matured and become a youth admired by others.
Robin Johnson, the JustLead coordinator at Mount Zion, appreciates Blair’s growth and enthusiasm for the ministry. “Victor is a joy to have in JustLead. He is always willing to participate in the various ministry components, whether completing his homework, leading prayer or building relationships with his friends and the adults. Victor is more than willing to do what he can to get the most out of the ministry,” Johnson said.
As Blair prepares for middle school to start in August, he is able to look back on his time at Green Magnet School with fondness. He was an excellent student, and throughout his elementary years his teachers were very positive and encouraging regarding his success. Johnson always received affirming reports about Blair from the staff at Green Magnet.
While Blair is not sure what his future holds, he eagerly speaks about what’s going on in his life. “It’s a little too early for me to know what I want to do for a career. Right now I’m having a great time in JustLead and enjoy everything we do; I especially like the recreation times when we get to play basketball. Oh, and I also like the small groups…I learn a lot from the adults and what they’re teaching,” said Blair.
Blair quickly credits his mother, Kim, for helping him grow in many areas, including his academics. “She is always there and teaches me things I don’t know. She helps me to see the difference between right and wrong,” he said.
Mount Zion Baptist and Emerald Youth Foundation are honored to have Victor Blair in JustLead and excited about his future in the ministry and beyond.
Learn more about Emerald Youth Foundation and JustLead online at emeraldyouth.org or call (865) 637-3227.
