Humanitarian Malaak Compton-Rock, a partner with The Salvation Army in a unique program that provides at-risk youths with opportunities to serve in poor communities in South Africa, was the featured keynote speaker at the latest Salvation Army Greater New York
Division Book Club Luncheon on May 12th at ‘21’ Club in Manhattan.
Compton-Rock, founder and coordinator of the program Journey for Change: Empowering Youth through Global Service (JFC) was invited to serve as guest author following the recent release of her book, If It Takes a Village, Build One: How I Found Meaning through a Life of Service & 100+ Ways You Can Too. Compton-Rock is also founder of The Angelrock Project, an online “e-village” that promotes volunteerism, social responsibility and sustainable change. JFC is one of six main causes that fall under The Angerock Project umbrella.
Malaak Compton Rock
During her keynote address, Compton-Rock talked a great deal about JFC, which, in July 2008, sent 30 at-risk youths from The Salvation Army’s community center in Bushwick, Brooklyn, to Johannesburg, South Africa, to serve with the poorest of the poor in shanty towns in the area. Following their return, the youngsters served for a year as JFC spokespersons, performing community service and organizing fundraisers. The goal of the program is to teach youngsters lessons of responsibility and giving, even in the midst of their own struggles, said Compton-Rock, and to lay the groundwork for creating future global leaders who will one day themselves serve as catalysts for social change.
The trip and the months leading up to it were captured as part of a CNN documentary hosted by celebrated journalist Soledad O’Brien. Fittingly, O’Brien was on hand to serve as the luncheon’s MC, reflecting on the work of Compton-Rock, describing her as a great humanitarian and friend.
Also offering remarks was Lt. Colonel Guy D. Klemanski, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Greater New York Division, who spoke about the achievements of the JFC program and The Salvation Army’s lasting relationship with Compton-Rock. The wife of comedian Chris Rock, Compton-Rock described her association with The Salvation Army as a way of giving back as a youth her husband had attended programs at the same Salvation Army community center in Bushwick as the JFC youngsters.
l-r Lt. Colonel Guy Klemanski, Malaak Compton Rock
Lt. Colonel Klemanski presented a plaque to Compton-Rock in appreciation of her humanitarian efforts and for serving as the luncheon’s guest author, while Captain Travis B. Lock, pastor of The Salvation Army’s Bushwick Community Center, presented a plaque to O’Brien for her journalistic excellence and contribution as MC.
The program concluded with a book-signing and sale. Among the guests stopping by was actress/fellow author Tina Louise, who TV aficionados probably best remember for her role as Ginger in the zany1960s sitcom, Gilligan’s Island. Louise and Compton-Rock chatted briefly. Unlike Louise’s unfortunate band of castaways, the JFC youngsters not only returned from their trip as scheduled but returned energized and better for the experience!
All proceeds from the luncheon book sales benefitted the JFC program.
The next JFC global service trip, expanded to include youngsters from other areas in Brooklyn in addition to Bushwick, is scheduled for August 18 to September 3, 2010.