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Black History: Building Better Lives Through Mentoring

DETROIT (WWJ) - Odis Bellinger wears many hats. He's the assistant director of the Matrix Human Services Center on Detroit's east side working to improve conditions in a hard-hit area of the city.

"We have various social service agencies and community partners that partner with us to serve the residents of the 48205 zip code - years ago saying it was one of the worst zip codes in the nation, but at Matrix we are here to prove to the world that something good can come out of 48205," says Bellinger.

In 1991, Bellinger began the Building Better Men mentoring program, knowing that many of the young men in the city are growing up just like he did.



"When I was 12, I grew up in the Dexter - Davison area, so I promised myself that if I was ever able, and God would get me out of that situation, that I would do something for other young men. And myself, and my father walk in here now - so I know what that feels like. I know what that pain in that boy feels like, so pretty much, dedicated my life to the development of brown and black males," he says.

Bellinger spends a lot of time talking to young men about becoming better people.

In the background you hear the stats: 85 percent of all youth in prison come from fatherless homes -- 20 times the average. "Despite those statistics, you can make it," he tells the young men in the program.

The organization will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, and the achievement of sending over 600 young people attend college. A two-day summit will take place in June with about 300 young men and about 1000 parents in attendance.

WWJ celebrates Black History month this year by highlighting local outstanding African Americans who inspire others. Tune in for the reports throughout the day at: 6:20 a.m., 10:40 a.m., 3:40 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.

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