“I appreciate any time I get to say my son’s name. He will not be silenced as long as I have breath.”
Photo credit: ASAP Photography
Written by: Tyisha Blade
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released data for gun-related homicides in 2021. An estimated 20,966 homicides occurred in the U.S. in 2021; data tables display more than an 8% increase from 2020's record-breaking data. African American persons continued to experience the highest firearm homicide rates across every age group. Coach James Howard and his wife Veronica Howard began advocacy after the tragic shooting death of their 25-year-old son James Jr. on Dec. 24, 2011. She says the couple decided to become a part of the solution to combat gun violence. Their son's murder remains unsolved.
The Howards are committed to keeping young men off the streets through the use of Howard Huskies, an organization that helps to “promote, sponsor and advance developmental football competition among young men with a focus on individuals who have experienced distress, poverty and barriers to societal re-entry.” Veronica Howard shared information with The East Clevelander Magazine about their organization which also serves as a college-prep program. Eligible men ages 18-20 may receive mentorship and housing while attending Cuyahoga Community College and playing for the Howard Huskies football team. The organization began providing housing for the young men in 2021 and, initially, utilized Noble Motel on Euclid. Howard says due to multiple pipes bursting in the motel in Jan. 2023, they could no longer house the athletes in the motel.
Eligible men ages 18-20 may receive mentorship and housing while attending Cuyahoga Community College and playing for the Howard Huskies football team. The organization began providing housing for the young men in 2021 and, initially, utilized Noble Motel on Euclid Ave. Howard said due to multiple pipes bursting in motel in Jan. 2023, they could no longer house the athletes.
The married couple continued their mission searching for other ways to provide assistance. Partnering with Kevin Salters, the Howards were able to secure and rehab homes on Roxbury Rd., Sixth Ave. and Hazel Rd. as host homes for students. The home on Roxbury Rd. is especially significant to Howard. This is the home that she grew up in; she is now giving back to the community and using her childhood home for the organization.
Students also participate in intense physical training and wraparound services. These services include a financial literacy program provided by Urban Empowerment Outreach and a career development program. Howard said this year, the athletes begin education on sustainable skills that give students the option to learn in areas such as drywalling while participating in the program. “Our
young men are gunned down or jailed everyday,” she said. “They don’t have the proper tools to figure things out. We want to give these young men those basic tools that they can take out into the world
and get started.”
She also mentioned the need to take the students outside of their natural environments for exposure to alternate ways of living. “Providing a different experience along their journey is what
we’ve done so far,” she said. “We are always thinking of ways to keep the boys occupied.” As the young men continue to participate in the program, Howard said her family continues to grow. “ I lost one son, but I have gained thousands,” she said. After the young men complete the program, they continue to keep in touch with the Howard Huskies organization.
Currently, the company is searching for sponsors and donations of items such as computers, desks and chairs to provide for the athletes in host homes. For more information on eligibility requirements and how you or someone you know can get involved, visit Howard Huskies website.
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