From the CEO
January 2009
Well we have to be among the most unusual of musical groups to be chosen to play in this year's Presidential Inaugural Parade. Josh, one of our "senior" Bonnie Brae Knights, just can't stop smiling. His two favorite quotes for the mass media are "I am television" and "We ARE going to meet the new President." Having defied all the odds to have been selected for this historic event, who dares to say no to him?
Entering our now twice daily rehearsals your first impression is that the Bonnie Brae Knights are a truly diverse and colorful crew: black, white, brown and all shades in between. They are also a very loud group. Probably even louder now that they have been selected. You have to speak very loudly to be heard above the constant drumming and the excited buzz of conversation. You have to stand on a chair, to get some elevation, to get their attention.
They have been repeatedly interviewed by newspaper, radio, and television reporters. They are all eager to share their stories. Mike, who has logged the most interviews, is now becoming blasé about the whole process. Who's on the telephone? U.S.A. Today! Okay, just let me finish this game. Mike then dutifully answers the same questions: "How did you learn the news? How does it feel?" One reporter tries to get some background on Mike's personal story. Mike skillfully deflects the reporter's question to safer, more neutral ground. While Mike has overcome more than his share of personal hardships and challenges, he would prefer, like most of our guys, to focus on the future. Mike would prefer to be known as a very talented snare drummer, someone who has been chosen to play in this year's Inaugural parade.
In the back of the rehearsal room Alquan, the semi-respected leader of the band, is complaining to Matt about something. I have to smile. Alquan is a seasoned complainer. As Bonnie Brae Ambassadors, Alquan and Mike helped to give water bottles to thousands of thirsty runners at the annual Tunnel to Towers Run. To reach our designated water station we hiked from the Staten Island Ferry terminal to the site of the former World Trade Center Towers. Alquan complained the entire route: "How far do we have to walk? Why can't we take a cab? When do we get to eat?" And the classic "are we there yet?" Still, once we reached our designated site, Alquan became a tireless worker.
Josh, Mike, and Alquan represent not only the now famous Bonnie Brae Knights, and amazingly the entire state of New Jersey, but they also represent the real purpose and value of our work at Bonnie Brae. All of these young men arrived at Bonnie Brae with multiple negative labels and long histories of failure. We ignore these labels. We ignore past failures. Instead we envision each of these young men as we would hope to see them in five, ten, or twenty years. Then we get right to work to make these visions a reality: like playing for the new President in the Inaugural Parade!