Page 11 - LifelineInaugural

Ramon Alexander DYG seeks out those young individuals that have

grade point averages of 3.0 and higher and helps them
nurture and enhance the skills they already posses
The Distinguished Gentleman and add to them by teaching what it means to be an
effective leader in their schools and their community.
by Charles Gee
“We at DYG believe in a thing called servant leadership.
That means that you realize that your leadership calling
is bigger than you; that the calling is significant enough
that you would sacrifice anything for the sake of your
community,” explained Alexander.

When a child attends the summer academy at one of
DYG’s chartered locations, they are expected to read
books, forge brotherhood amongst relative strangers
like themselves, compete in debates and a host of other
Ramon Alexander carries the demeanor of a man twice activities all in the span of two weeks. The end result
his age, the confidence of a lion four times his weight, is a more “polished” young student, one that is ready
and the wisdom of a grandfather. to lead and to spread his knowledge to his community.

“I don’t know where I get it from,” said Alexander, on “I don’t characterize it as joy or fulfillment when I
his vast maturity. “I have just always hung around older see these young men mature and become better
people so the maturity just rubbed off on me. gentlemen,” said Alexander. “I see it as purpose. It’s
my responsibility. It’s what God has put in my life to do.”
In high school he served as class president. In college
he served as student body president as well as a While many men Ramon’s age are preparing for a night
member of the Board of Trustees for Florida A&M out on the town, he’s busy preparing a group kids for a
University. By the time he reached the age of 21, he had debate the next day. Surely, he would probably like to
announced his candidacy to run for city commissioner. go out and spend leisure time selfishly, but he knows
The next year he would begin to aid the Mayor of that’s not his purpose; it’s to continue to serve… as a
Tallahassee, John Marks, by specializing in community leader.
and external affairs. Quite frankly, Alexander’s resume
is too lengthy to run down. But if you were to ask him
what accomplishments make him most proud surely
one would be, The Distinguished Young Gentlemen of DISTINGUISHED
America also known by its acronym, DYG. It’s a non- YOUNG GENTLEMEN
OF AMERICA INC.
profit organization that helps African-American males
in high school realize and unlock their full potential.

“DYG is laying the foundation to breakdown the
generation of cycles in our community. We are not only
changing the perception of African-American males,
but providing them with the tools necessary to change
the world,” said Alexander.

When asked about prior leadership positions he has
held, Alexander quickly shies away from the spotlight
and places the focus back onto DYG.

“My leadership experiences taught me that there are
no natural born leaders. What we teach at DYG of
America is that effective leadership does not come
natural, it’s an acquired skill,” said Alexander.

LIFELINE magazine 11