The Kid with the Yellow Crocs, chapter 1

 

Kareen Dunn leading a Huddle at Taylor St.

The first time I saw Traeshawn, he was but a silhouette against the harsh light of a setting sun, casting long shadows on the wall of the Kokomo Urban Outreach Building. At 15, he carried the weight of the world in his eyes, yet his frame was light. He looked fragile. His skin was the rich color of the earth after rain, and atop his head was a cascade of dark braids pulled into a neat bun. 

Traeshawn's clothes were a canvas of his unique expression. His tie-dyed t-shirt, like a coat of many colors, seemed to hold the swirls of a thousand dreams. His tight, ripped skinny jeans spoke of the rough edges of his young life, while his yellow Crocs were a defiant splash of color in a world that often seemed too gray. I sensed he couldn't care less what people thought about him.  He was his own man. He wasn't alone; two girls flanked him, their laughter a stark contrast to his solemnity.

When I mustered the courage to approach Treyshawn, he met my gaze with a guarded look.

"Can I help you?" I ventured, my voice a tentative bridge.

His response was curt yet polite: "Waiting for Kareen. He's taking us to ManUP™ on Taylor Street who are you?" 

"My name is Jeff, and I started the program and work here," I said, extending my hand in greeting. It was a simple introduction, but behind it lay the weight of years spent nurturing the seeds of change within the community. As the founder of the program, my work was not just a job; it was a calling—a commitment to the youth of Kokomo and a promise to guide them toward a future filled with hope and opportunity.

He responded with one word, "Cool." 

His words, though brief, carried a finality that discouraged further conversation.

"Taylor Street," as it was called, stood as a beacon of hope for many young people, a place where futures were forged and dreams were nurtured. The Taylor Street building stands as a testament to resilience and hope amidst adversity. This 120-year-old white frame church, once the heart of a bustling community, now mirrors its worn-down neighborhood. Its walls, which once echoed with hymns and the laughter of a vibrant congregation, are now graffitied walls that hold the silent stories of struggle and survival.

Yet, despite its faded facade, the church's steeple still ambitiously reaches towards the heavens as if to remind the youth that there is always a way to rise above their circumstances. The spiral, piercing the clouds, stands as a beacon of hope for teens grappling with the harsh realities of life in a neighborhood where the sound of gunfire is not uncommon.

Within this sanctuary on Taylor Street, the ManUP and Step UP programs breathe new life into the old structure. Here, struggling young men and women find a safe haven—a place where they can work towards a brighter future. The programs offer job readiness and a chance to earn, learn, and grow. It's a space where they can exchange despair for opportunity, where each task completed and each dollar earned marks a step away from the streets and towards self-sufficiency.

With its history and promise of new beginnings, the church stands as a symbol of the community's enduring spirit. It's a place where the past and the future converge, offering a steady foundation for those ready to build a new life. In the ManUP and Step UP programs, the echoes of the old congregation are replaced with the sounds of progress as each young person speaks up to share their own stories.

The ManUP Program, led by the highly disciplined Kareen Dunn, was more than just a job readiness initiative; it was a sanctuary for those like Treyshawn and his cousins looking for a better tomorrow. Treyshawn found a brotherhood among peers and an older, wiser brother figure in Kareen. The Huddle, their weekly gathering, became a sacred time where stories were shared and wisdom was imparted. During these sessions, Treyshawn's voice, often subdued by the harshness of life, found its strength. He spoke of his dreams, fears, and the world he wished to see.

Kareen Dunn stands as a pillar of strength and is proof that the streets do not have to win. His journey, etched in the ink that winds up his arms, tells a tale of resilience. The tattoos are more than mere decoration; they are chapters of his life, symbols of survival, and reminders of where he's been. His attire is simple—a baseball cap, black t-shirt, and sweatpants—but the Air Jordans on his feet speak volumes about his walk through life.

Each young person who crossed that came through the door was met with Kareen's signature greeting—a firm handshake to show respect and a hug to offer security. It's a ritual that transcends mere pleasantries, becoming a rite of passage into a world where they are seen, heard, and valued.

Kareen's street smarts serve as a compass for those navigating the complexities of their environment. He's not just aware of his surroundings; he's tuned to the silent cries and unspoken dreams of the youth he mentors. By bringing the ManUP and Step UP programs to Taylor Street, he's planting seeds of change in the very soil that once threatened to entangle him in its roots of violence and despair.

His approach to mentorship is grounded in authenticity. "What's UP," he calls out, and in those two words lies an invitation to open up, share, and be part of something greater. He doesn't shy away from tough conversations about education, violence, or anger because he's lived them. His experiences are the bridge that connects him to the kids, and his guidance is the light that leads them toward a path of empowerment and self-discovery.  Trey(that's what Traeshawn asked to be called) and his cousins waited at the main building for Kareen to bring them here, the place where they felt safe and loved. 

In Kareen, the kids see a reflection of what they can become—proof that their past does not define their future. He's not just a mentor; he's an inspiration, a testament to the power of transformation, and a living example that with support and determination, they, too, can rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness.

Trey saw Kareen as a mentor and a stable, trusted man who embodied the brotherhood he was looking for. Their bond was more than just that of a mentor and a student; it was a kinship forged in the fires of shared experiences and mutual respect.

Trey's trust in Kareen was unwavering, a testament to the older man's integrity.  Later, Trey told me that he would "ride all the way" with Kareen. In street slang, "ride all the way"  means showing unyielding loyalty and standing by them through thick and thin. And for Trey, Kareen was that person—the one he would ride with without question.

Kareen's influence on Trey was profound. He provided a template for manhood that was strong yet gentle, assertive yet compassionate. Their interactions were more than just conversations; they were life lessons. Kareen taught Trey how to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. He showed him that vulnerability was not a weakness but a strength, and that true courage was in facing one's fears head-on.

As Trey grew under Kareen's guidance, so did his aspirations. He began to see a future where he was defined not by his past but by his potential.   Ultimately, Trey's journey was not just about finding his way; it was about discovering the power of trust, the importance of loyalty, and the unbreakable bond of a brotherhood that would ride all the way.