A mentorship conference, “Cock of the Walk,” will give mentors the opportunity to teach young men about instilling “consistency and confidence” into their lives, said Barbara Gray, the event creator and facilitator.
“Cock of the Walk” will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Leflore County Civic Center.
The name of the event came from Gray’s idea of a rooster as someone proud and respectable or someone who “sets the pace,” she said.
“I figure and envision men to do that,” she said. “They should be that cock of the walk; they should be the one who sets the pace.”
Gray also facilitates the “Me, Too,” conference, an event that teaches young women the transition into womanhood. She created “Cock of the Walk” as an opportunity for young men to socialize and network with mentors and members of the professional Greenwood community. For the first conference, Gray chose chefs as the main occupation to spotlight because of the pride and confidence that goes into that job, she said.
Eight chefs will demonstrate their skills and give attendees the chance to ask questions about the profession and path, as well as try the food.
“ I wanted these young men to see a journey ... bring chefs in and let them demonstrate their skills through education and training and experience,” Gray said. “I wanted the chefs to tell them about that journey, to let them know it is not always just clear cut.”
She has also asked that mentors to bring with them a $20 donation (it is not mandatory) to teach the young men the importance of giving back to the community. Donations will be given to the Community Kitchen and the Community Food Pantry. There will also be someone there to show participants how to save money.
Gray hopes someone from the mentoring community will take over the conference next year and continue the event with a new occupation highlighted every year.
• Contact Lauren Randall at 581-7239 or lrandall@gwcommonwealth.com.
