WS Chronicle

By Tevin Stinson and Busta Brown

Last year, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) invited local men to come together for breakfast and fellowship at the Benton Convention Center. Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough said the event was designed to shine a light on the importance of fathers and father-figures. 

“The relationship between a father and son is unique and impactful. This event is to honor those bonds. To celebrate the connections that a father and son share, in their many forms, throughout our community,” Kimbrough said. 

Due to the pandemic, last year’s event had to be canceled, but last Saturday morning, more than 100 men and boys finally got together for the inaugural Mancakes Breakfast. 

While they enjoyed pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast favorites, members of the sheriff’s office joined some of the young men in attendance. Throughout the event Sheriff Kimbrough and the FCSO were applauded for putting the event together. Sam Lewis, who is a youth football coach with the Winston-Salem Indians, said he saw firsthand the impact a positive male figure can have. 

“Seeing positive males like yourself and Sheriff Kimbrough all coming together just to show these kids a good time opened my eyes to want to do more than just coach kids,” Lewis continued. “In the eyes of the kids, I could see the joy they had from just being around a bunch of men, who had nothing but love for them and were willing to help them in any way possible.”

Forsyth County Commissioner Fleming El Amin said he was proud to be a part of the event. “I was honored to give closing remarks on such a powerful program for our collective sons,” he said. 

“The vision of Sheriff Kimbrough to have this event was so timely and needed. I am thrilled that the county commissioners shared this vision and funded this remarkable event.” 

Other sponsors for the event were Neighborhood’s Hands, SPARK (Share Peace and Rekindle Kindness, Inc.), and Healing Ministries. 

After breakfast the keynote address was delivered by two-time Super Bowl Champion Anthony Levine. Levine, who is a graduate of Reynolds High School and Tennessee State University, played in the NFL for 12 years with the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens. 

During his address, Levine talked about his journey to the NFL, how he went from being undrafted, to a two-time champion and team captain with the Ravens. He also discussed how his father and other mentors kept him on the right track and instilled in him the importance of hard work. 

There were several award presentations at the Mancakes Breakfast as well, including a scholarship to Carolina University, which was awarded to Christopher Thorns. 

To be considered for the scholarship, students had to write an essay in response to the prompt, “How do we overcome systematic poverty in Winston-Salem, which has one of the worst socio-economic upward-mobility rates in the United States?”. 

For his essay, Thorns, a senior at Walkertown High School, will attend Carolina University (formerly Piedmont International University) tuition free. Second place received a $500 gift certificate and third place received a $250 gift card. 

For their dedication to uplifting young people in our community, Antonio Stevenson, founder of My Brother’s Second Chance, and Bryant McCorkle, longtime director at Willie R. Anderson Jr. (Reynolds Park) Community Center, were awarded the Atmosphere Award. 

Carolina University, Flow Automotive, Maxwell Group, Truant Federal Credit Union, and Wellpath were recognized with the Beyond the Call Award. 

When discussing the Mancakes Breakfast Saturday afternoon, Levine said he can see the Mancakes Breakfast becoming one of the city’s biggest events. 

“It was a great event. Our male figures should be honored for what they did today … it’s a step in the right direction,” Levine said. “This event will turn into one of the biggest banquets ever. Sheriff Kimbrough is doing such a great job. I appreciate him more than he knows.”