‘Our Young Men Need Us’: A Call To Action at Wally's Northwest Soul
Walter Washington, better known as Chef Wally, is calling on the community to step up for the next generation. Tomorrow, Monday, April 6th at 4 p.m., he will host a planning session at his restaurant, Wally's Northwest Soul, that’s about creating a tangible roadmap for young Black men in Seattle as their livelihoods and safety continue to be threatened.
With over a decade and half of experience serving up his soulful food to the community, Chef Wally is driven by a personal mission to provide the guidance he lacked as a young man. He observes a community where talented youth are often unaware of their potential and are facing increasing dangers on the street.
Rather than waiting for government intervention or external groups, Chef Wally is mobilizing our Black fathers, local leaders, business owners, and committed adults to take immediate responsibility for their neighborhood's trajectory.
"We’re not waiting on anybody anymore. We’re going to put our foot forward and make sure that it’s getting done,” he said.
The initiative focuses on several key areas of impact:
Mentorship and Success Models: Establishing a "Big Brother" program to reach children in elementary, middle, and high school, providing them with examples of success beyond what they see on the internet.
Professional Development: Creating pathways to construction internships, computer technology classes, and other career avenues.
Life Skills and History: Offering classes on cooking, etiquette, fitness, and history to instill pride and practical knowledge.
Wraparound Services: Providing support for young men in high school and the juvenile justice system to help them understand and navigate life's challenges.
According to Wally, we can’t sit back and watch our youth lose direction. It’s time for our men, our leaders, and our community to come together. This is a call for us to unite, brainstorm, and build a real plan—one that reaches as many young men as possible and gives them guidance, structure, and opportunity.
“Our kids are dying on the streets every day, and we have to stop the slide from going down to our trajectory going up,” he said, inviting all who are ready to work to join the effort. Food will be provided for those attending the session.
When: Monday, April 6th at 4 p.m.
Where: Wally's Northwest Soul, 2218 S Jackson St, Seattle (and available via Zoom here)
Target Audience: Adults committed to youth mentorship and planning
Chef Wally is calling on your skills, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to turn these initiatives into reality. Whether in person or virtually, your voice and dedication are essential to making this planning session a success.
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