{"id":36523,"date":"2020-12-30T22:29:45","date_gmt":"2020-12-31T03:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/?page_id=36523"},"modified":"2025-01-13T15:34:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T20:34:57","slug":"who-we-are","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/who-we-are\/","title":{"rendered":"Who We Are"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Developing Creative Talent<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Expanding on what we have, while building something new.<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Who We Are<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Our Founder, Mr. Robert Ricks<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Mr. Ricks created the Artistic and Academic Development Program,\u00a0<\/span>M.I.B&G<\/i><\/span>\u00a0(<\/i>Mentors Inspiring Boys & Girls)<\/i><\/span>\u00a0for youth ages 5-18, aimed to provide a creative outlet for youth, and safe place for our youth to learn, grow, building community, self-esteem and self-confidence. The program also established a 7 week reasonably priced summer camp, to give youth who normally could not afford summer camp an opportunity to flourish in a fun and safe environment. Through the M.I.B&G program and summer camp, youth produce variety of shows which include, music, song, dance, skits and monologues throughout the year, showcasing their newfound skills. These performances brings in audiences of\u00a0 300 to 400 people. Mr. Ricks co-authored the poetry and short story collections\u00a0<\/span>‘My Voice,’ ‘Balance, ‘A Star Sprouted,’ ‘Nothing Redder Than The Beautiful Sunset,’<\/i><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u2018Young Gifted and Going Places\u2019<\/i><\/span>\u00a0\u2018<\/span>This Mouth Will Speak<\/i><\/span>, \u2019 with youth.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Mr. Ricks also co-authored and co-directed stage plays, ‘The Streets Are Talking,’<\/i><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>‘Rated Real’<\/i><\/span>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>‘Resurrection of Hip Hop,’<\/i><\/span>\u00a0with youth.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

For over 25 years, Robert Ricks has worked with numerous organizations including Writers & Books, the Rochester City School District, the City of Rochester Department of Youth Services, and Kumba Consultants, teaching theater and creative writing to youth. Mr. Ricks has mastered the art of weaving tales that touch and change lives.\u00a0 His unique theater experience integrates song, monologue, poetry, comedy, and dance, in a way that everyone can relate to.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

His first novel,\u00a0<\/span>\u2018Mastermind\u2019<\/i><\/span>\u00a0was released in January 2006<\/span>,\u00a0<\/i><\/span>followed in 2009 by\u00a0<\/span>\u2018Bastards and Bastresses.\u2019\u00a0<\/i><\/span>\u00a0Both are centered on the issues facing today\u2019s young people, although it’s<\/span>\u00a0written for adult audiences.\u00a0<\/span>
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His first play, \u2018<\/span>Down in the Dirt,\u2019<\/i><\/b> conveys the story of inner-city pain, youth violence, absentee parents, the disease of addiction, teen pregnancy, hope, and the endless possibilities that reside in our tomorrows. <\/span>Down in the Dirt<\/span><\/i> was performed and embraced at several venues in Upstate New York, as well as local high schools and colleges such as Monroe Community College, St. John Fisher College, SUNY Potsdam, and Nazareth College.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Robert\u2019s second stage production, <\/span>\u2018Where Are You Lord-A Grandmother\u2019s Prayer,\u2019<\/i><\/b> merges two worlds–the spiritual and the natural.\u00a0 It delves into alcoholism, drug addiction, youth violence, absent parents, and over-taxed grandparents.\u00a0 This well-received production toured several cities.\u00a0 In 2012, Mr. Ricks presented the musical <\/span>\u2018Generational Curses, A Dream Deferred-NOT DENIED\u2019<\/i><\/b> which explores some of the issues afflicting our community that are passed down from one generation to the next. This production holds up a mirror and forces the audience to look at themselves. You will laugh, cry, and be inspired to grow and change. Mr. Ricks\u2019 fourth play to hit the stage, <\/span>\u2018Black & Blues<\/i><\/b>– <\/span><\/i>A Powerful Stage Play\u2019<\/i><\/b>, tackles the aftermath of years of domestic and substance abuse, following one woman\u2019s journey as she finds redemption. <\/span>\u2018<\/b>Breaking the School to Prison Pipeline,<\/i><\/b> was Mr. Ricks\u2019 fifth stage production, which is a searing look at the things in our educational system, in our children\u2019s homes and communities that lead to a criminal record or prison sentences instead of a high school diploma or a college degree.<\/span><\/p>

Over the years, Ricks has garnered numerous awards and accolades from various organizations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Mr. Ricks’ works have been well received and celebrated by diverse audiences. In 2003, Writers & Books honored him with the \u201cTeacher of Young People\u201d Award.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Mr. Ricks received the 2014 <\/span>Man of the Year Award<\/i><\/b> from the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women\u2019s Clubs Inc., He was recognized as the July 2014 Time Warner Cable News\u2019 <\/span>Unsung Hero<\/i><\/b>. His play, Black & Blues won the 2014 Roc Awards for <\/span>Best Stage Play<\/i><\/b> and in July 2021 Mr. Ricks received the Believers Award from the City of Rochester. Mr. Ricks also received a plaque from Monroe County\u2019s Legislature President Sabrina Lamar for his hard work and commitment to the youth in our community.\u00a0 , Mr. Rick’s hope is that his continued youth advocacy work, on stage, in the classrooms, and in the community, will<\/span> be the dose of reality desperately needed to overcome the litany of issues that plague our city.<\/span><\/p>

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Our message is one of hope, purpose and opportunity<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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We aspire to illuminate the possibilities that reside in us as individuals, communities, and families. Through our artistic development classes, stage productions, books, and family events, we will educate, inspire, and incite change. As an organization, our objective is to surface the problems that hinder our youth, and provide solutions which will help them work through these issues.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Our Approach<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"We perish, for lack of knowledge\u201d

Ephesians 4:15<\/h3><\/a><\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Mentors Inspiring Boys & Girls combines youth and arts in one space. We introduce children to the world of art, as a coping mechanism, a learning opportunity, recreation, and to spark change.\u00a0<\/p>

Our message is one of hope, purpose, and opportunity. We illuminate the possibilities that reside in our hearts and minds.\u00a0 Through our artistic development classes, stage productions, and family events, we educate, inspire, and incite dynamic change. We believe that the by-product of high expectations is excellence. We set the bar and toe the line, never giving up, never giving in, and never wavering; staying steadfast and true in our efforts to motivate and cultivate change.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Mentors Inspiring Boys & Girls is dedicated to producing plays, books, workshops, conferences, classes, and other events that are not only entertaining but also educational. We firmly belive that, \u201cWe perish, for lack of knowledge.\u201d\u00a0Ephesians 4:15<\/span><\/p>

MIB&G combats issues that plague our community such as illiteracy, youth boredom, and violence. We envision a community where hope replaces hopelessness, faith replaces doubt and peaceful resolution is the rule, not the exception.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\u2014 Our Mission<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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MIB&G educates, inspires, and incites change through mentoring, arts, plays, theatre performances, literacy, and family engagement. We strive to cultivate a world where community is restored and families are strengthened.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\u2014 Our Vision<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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We envision a world where youth\u2019s concerns are at the forefront, resolutions are fruitful, accurate, and impactful information is imparted to the Rochester community.<\/div>
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Partners<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Our message is one of hope, purpose and opportunity<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Please help us aspire to illuminate the possibilities that reside in us as individuals, communities and families.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet Across the Globe, We Are United in Our Dedication to Children\u2019s Rights Who We Are Partnering to build a world where all children are lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut …<\/p>\n

Who We Are<\/span> Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36523"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36523"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37780,"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/36523\/revisions\/37780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mibandg.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}