Speaker offers advice to youths dealing with loss
CHAMPAIGN – At one point in his life, Javae Wright Sr. had nothing but $500 and a dream – a dream to own his own shoe company.
Not only did Wright make his dream come true, establishing Leadaz International Sportswear in Champaign-Urbana, he also devotes time to working with young people, to inspire them to realize their own dreams.
About 50 students from the READY alternative education program listened Wednesday night as Wright urged them to make the most of their lives following the recent shooting death of a fellow student, Kiwane Carrington.
"The school brought me in to help out with the first phase of the healing process," Wright said. "I wanted to help the students get through the healing process of losing a close friend."
When he isn't running his sportswear company, Wright also serves as chairman of an educational motivational company called Lead4Life.
After the students shared a meal at Illinois Terminal, Wright held up two light bulbs, one a 60-watt bulb, and one of 100 watts.
On the outside the two bulbs looked alike, but the 100-watt bulb was much brighter when Wright lit them.
"It's not the outside that makes your light shine; it's what you are on the inside that makes a big difference," he said.
Wright urged the students to visualize their goals, map out an action plan and then take action to meet those goals.
READY computer applications and consumer education teacher Anita Lotts said Wright's presentation was intended to motivate the students.
"We want to encourage students to realize they can become anything they want to be in life," Lotts said. "I can't always deliver that message by myself. I need people from the outside to help me with it."
Wright asked the students to share their dreams for their careers. The students' answers ranged from becoming an interior designer to a cosmetologist, a physical therapist, a design engineer, a social worker and a chef.
READY student Precious Green said she learned the importance of communication in pursuing her dreams.
"I learned that interaction with a lot of people gets you ready for life," she said.
"I learned a lot of everyday life skills that will come in handy as I go through life," said READY student Virginia Williams.
Mr. Carrington, 15, died from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Champaign County coroner, as the result of a burglary call to police at 906 W. Vine St., C, on Oct. 9.
Mr. Carrington was killed and another teen arrested in a scuffle with police, including Chief R.T. Finney, who responded to the burglary call.
"My primary message is the importance of keeping your life positive while living your life to the fullest," Wright said. "Regardless of race, gender, age or socioeconomic status; we all have been blessed with gifts that can allow us to excel in life."
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