YELLS Community Action Cafe CEO, Zacchaeus Johnson, and Director of Marketing, Joaquin Santana, recently had the opportunity to represent Franklin Gateway in a two high-profile events within Cobb County. The two Cafe veterans first spoke at a Cobb County Commissioners meeting in front of the whole board and followed this by accepting an award on behalf of YELLS from the Cobb County NAACP during their 36th annual Oscar Freeman Freedom Fund Banquet. With their ability to speak and network with any member of their community and their drive to speak for a higher cause, these two gentlemen demonstrate what leadership is as envisioned by Youth Empowerment through Learning, Leading, and Leading.
The Oscar Freeman Freedom Fund Banquet, whose theme for this year was NAACP – Steadfast & Unmovable, selected YELLS in the category of “Youth Achievement,” and it was clear that these young men best exemplified this value. Attending with out YELLS Americorps VISTA members, Versandra Kennebrew and Chris Salley, the teens had the opportunity to meet and network with Deane Bonner, President Cobb County NAACP, Lisa Cupid, Cobb County Commissioner, and Jeriene Grimes, Marietta City School Board of Education Member.
Zacchaeus and Joaquin were perfect models for their peers as they spoke eloquently in front of a full session of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. They specifically requested that younger YELLS members join them at this meeting so others could learn how to represent their Cafe and community. Joaquin and Zacchaeus are veterans who are passionate about YELLS and committed to ensuring the next generations lead with strength after they graduate this year. They are currently mentoring other teens on their Apprenticeship Teams to step up in their leadership roles and build a legacy of strong voices within the Cafe that are powerful enough to be heard throughout Atlanta.
