BEFORE THE BREAKFAST KLUB WAS, THE BREAKFAST CLUB IS: New Majority men's club celebrates 20 year anniversary

The late journalist George McElroy was not only a pioneer in the communications industry, but the Houston newspaper legend enjoyed socials. "We used to have breakfast at Mac's house during the Christmas season," said Harold Green, a United States Air Force retiree. "One guy suggested that we create a charitable club. That was the start of the Breakfast Club."

In 1987 members began having monthly breakfast at Wyatt's Cafeteria off Griggs Road. Since 1992, The Breakfast Club has given away two $4000 scholarships yearly. Besides the ten dollar monthly dues, money is raised through various fundraisers though out the year.

Eighteen is the number of the current association which ranges in age from 49-85 years. The Breakfast Club membership list features a smorgasbord of current and retired vocations in fields such as education, armed forces, real estate, longshoremen as well as business owners. Membership is gained through recommendations from current members. And though providing educational assistance is high on the Breakfast Club list, the third Saturday of the month also serves as a time to talk about the current issues of the day.

"We as older people have dropped the ball," said Lawrence Reese, a retired truck driver in a discussion concerning the deterioration of some New Majority African American families. "A lot of young men don't take responsibility either."
"When I came up there were a lot of single family homes," chimed University of Houston professor, Dr. George Gamble. "But the neighborhood raised the family. Now if a neighbor tries to discipline the kid, the parent wants to beat you up."

Texas Southern Graduate and HISD educator Eddie Henderson said there is no discipline in the schools due to politicians and education administrators who have "taken power away from teachers."
"But discipline should start at home," interrupted retired USAF retired Master Sergeant Lloyd Kemp. "And we've all failed these kids."
So what about solutions?
"We need to rescind laws which forbid corporal punishment in school," said Mr. Reese.
"Prayer should be put back in schools," added Dr. Gamble.

Arthur Bennett, a retired educator voiceed what's become a popular theme for many issues facing 21st century humans.
"We always seem to be working in a gray area where nothing is right and nothing is wrong," said Mr. Bennett.
What is right is that The Breakfast Club is at least trying to do something which makes a positive impact in the city of Houston said Mr. Green.

"That's why we put this together 20 years ago. We use these meetings to fellowship and talk about what's going on. But we also want to be part of the solution for what's ailing our community," said Mr. Green.

< Previous | Next >

From Publisher

The New Majority is not a politically correct publication.The New Majority seeks to have open and honest dialogue. No issue will be subjugated to the outer realm of political and social discussion for fear of offending someone. TNM will expand on those things which all New Majority persons have in common and bring to light those things which brings us at odds with one another.
Paul Fitzgerald Bennett

Picture Media:

Click Image