The Final Chapter for Books4Buddies

Books4Buddies was conceived in 2012 by teen Toledo native Touré McCord II, grandson of Laneta Goings, who wanted to encourage reading among disadvantaged young men. Evolving into a global nonprofit, Books4Buddies is represented by a diverse group of teenage males from public and private high schools across the USA, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Since its inception, Books4Buddies has collected more than 200,000 books through collaborations with Rotary Club International and American Cultural Education Students (ACES). These books have been distributed throughout Northwest Ohio and beyond, aiming to foster a love for reading.

The initiative was spearheaded by "Book Ambassadors," including Touré and several other area male teenagers. These ambassadors played a crucial role in promoting the program through public appearances and special events, which featured guest speakers and outings with local leaders and celebrities.

However, with heavy hearts, we announce the conclusion of this remarkable chapter. Our Co-Founder, Laneta Goings, is retiring, and Touré has embarked on a new career path as a videographer/photographer in California. We have distributed our final boxes of books, generously donated by the community and stored by The Blade newspaper over the years.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the years. Your contributions have been invaluable in fulfilling our mission to encourage reading, education, and a more fulfilling future for youth. While it's impossible to name all who have assisted us, please know that your support has been greatly appreciated.

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Lartey Abdul Rafiq - Experiences as a Volunteer and Ambassador

Introduction

My name is Abdul Rafiq Lartey. I am 17 years old. I am an exchange student under the Kennedy Lugar Youth and Exchange Studies and American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES). I have participated in many volunteering services throughout my stay in the United States, however, one volunteering organization caught my attention and has so far won exceptional love and favour in my heart. I heard about Books4Buddies through my friend, Birama Ndiaye from Senegal, who became an ambassador before me. My interest in the organization led me to meet the co-founder Mrs. Laneta Goings. I told her about my interest in the organization and my intention to hopefully become an ambassador, just as my friend from Senegal was. I was accepted that same day and immediately started serving with Books4Buddies as an AMBASSADOR. It has been 10 months since I became an exchange student and Books4Buddies played a major role in my growth and leadership qualities today. I have enjoyed every moment of being part of this organization not just because of my interest in it, but also because of the level of service it offers to humanity. It has definitely been a blessing to be part of this organization.

Martin Luther King Drum Major for Freedom Scholarship Breakfast

I had the opportunity to attend the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Martin Luther King Drum Major for Freedom Scholarship Breakfast in Perrysburg, Ohio earlier this year in January (2017). Actually, that was the first day I officially met Mrs. Laneta Goings. At the breakfast, I got to hear the Black National Anthem, “Lift every voice and sing,” being sung in my case for the first time. It was a wonderful experience for me because I got to learn more about the several struggles the African Americans have gone through. It had a positive impact on me because there were a lot of motivational speeches by various men and women. I met very inspirational people like Ms. Rhonda Sewell who spoke personally to me and inspired me to achieve as much as I could. In addition, I got the opportunity to read the profiles of some determined students who were awarded scholarships because of their determination, talent and hard work. As of now, when I reflect back on the experience at the breakfast, I feel very fortunate because I have more experience and knowledge now and I understand more, its importance.

Speaking to Raymer Elementary School Pupils on The Importance of Education

On January 27, 2017, I had the opportunity to speak to a few classes at Raymer Elementary School about the importance of education and encourage the students to take their studies very seriously. I spoke alongside Birama Ndiaye from Senegal and Cheran Lyle, who attends Bowsher in Toledo, OH. I personally have had a deep understanding with education based on my experiences as a Ghanaian student. I am very much aware of the importance of education and its benefits, because I wouldn’t be here in America without education in the first place. I was very elated at the offer to speak to these young leaders and to inspire them to push hard and achieve their goals in life. I was nervous at first to speak to the students but I had to overcome the nervousness due to the realization of the importance of me sharing my experience with them. I knew even before I had began speaking that they would be astonished by how my school life was in Ghana. I was very honored to speak because the TPS superintendent Dr. Romules Durant was present in the classroom. As I spoke, there was complete silence in the room.  The students were very attentive. They kept asking so many interesting questions about how education is in Ghana. In addition to speaking on the importance of education, I also encouraged the students to keep focused and make use of the facilities available to them here in America. I told them about how much it saddened me when I saw students here not taking advantage of the better educational facilities available to them because I knew how it was to study theoretically and not practically.

The staff at the school treated us very well and snacks were provided for us which I really appreciated. It was a wonderful day to me and the experience was one that definitely helped me improve on my public speaking and leadership skills. I will be forever grateful to Books4Buddies for choosing me and Birama to speak to these young leaders whom the future world will depend on. 

ANGELA DAVIS BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Thanks to Mrs. Laneta Goings, I had the chance to participate in the Black History Month celebration and soul food luncheon at the University of Toledo, where I met the Civil Rights Activist, Angela Yvonne Davis. I was blessed with the opportunity to listen to her speech. I learned so much from her speech. I realised that I knew nothing during and after her speech. She hammered so much on  events pertaining to racism and police brutality. She also talked on her experiences as a Civil Rights Activist. She spoke so passionately and emotionally and I realised  she had been through so many tough times, and to meet and listen to such a survivor made me feel very fortunate. I had the opportunity to speak personally with Angela Davis for a short while, and she was a wonderful person. Everything I learned during this day up to now still inspires me and I believe that her experiences will continue to be an inspiration for me to achieve my goals in life, and to be a contributor to the rise in the status of Africans the world.

Books4buddies, Meet and Greet

Books4buddies, Meet and Greet

I participated in this year’s Books4Buddies, Meet and Greet at the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library. It was wonderful. I got the chance to meet the other ambassadors. I had originally seen many social media posts of them collecting books and I was astonished by how many books they've collected. I was very eager to meet them due to their tireless efforts in making the organization stand with the prestige it has as of now. I had, still have, and will continue to have maximum respect for them due to their dedication to serving humanity. The meeting was very successful and I was glad once again to have had the chance to share my experiences as a student in Ghana with them. They were very nice people and they were brilliant as well. I hope to keep on working alongside with them even when I go back to Ghana. I received a 'Certificate of Participation' as an exchange student for which I am most grateful. I believe that it is just the beginning, because I have a vision that is going to take Books4Buddies to a whole new level.

I am very happy to have been a part of this organization and I look forward to being a contributing factor to its success. It is my intention to start a chapter of this organization in Ghana and I am hoping all goes well and that can be achieved.  I am a proud representative of this r and I believe, that not only my shirt but my lifestyle, will reflect this organization everywhere I go. Once an AMBASSADOR, always an AMBASSADOR!

Books4Buddies AMBASSADOR Highlight - Benjamin Williams

Benjamin had just moved to Toledo when he saw a Books4buddies poster with pictures of a diverse group of teen young men, many who looked like him, promoting literacy. These young men attended public and private high schools.

He was eager to get involved and immediately reached out to inquire how he could become a GLOBAL Books4buddies AMBASSADOR. Benjamin found signing up was easy by simply completing the ‘criteria’ form posted on the Books4buddies website.

Books4buddies collaborates with American Cultural Exchange Services (ACES) and is believed to be the only program of its kind ‘in the world. The AMBASSADORS live in the USA as well as Africa, Asia and Europe.

The virus impacts everyone and thereby has limited several interactive events.

However, Benjamin met several Ambassadors at a Meet and Greet; Josh from Nairobi; JaDen Jefferson and Ian English, MVCDS. Christopher Smith, Lead MENtor explained the program and tee shirts passed out.

A few weeks later 2-4 p.m.,on a Sunday afternoon at the main library downtown, Ben was among a dozen of ‘GLOBAL’ Ambassadors who exchanged Information on education, service, cultural beliefs, norms, social media, etc. The librarian invited them to enjoy challenging each other playing games using the TV monitors loaded w/countless games. The conversation continued in the cafeteria as they enjoyed pizza.

Benjamin attended an event a few weeks later. It gave him an opportunity to see, in real-time, community service. He interacted with kids and books and schools supplies were ‘gifted’ to kids in a socially-economically community.

Benjamin strongly believes helping others brings satisfaction, joy and is purpose-driven. It is mutually gratifying knowing the recipients’ need is met and is appreciated. ‘That’s what community service is all about,’ says Benjamin.

Justin Teamer heading to BGSU!

Books4buddies GLOBAL Ambassador Justin Teamer, recent St. John’s Jesuit graduate, has decided to take his talents south, to Bowling Green State University. Christopher Smith, Lead MENtor, was present to wish him much success and to remind him that “once an Ambassador, always an Ambassador!"

Hats off to L.J. Hancock!!

L.J. has been a Books4Buddies GLOBAL AMBASSADOR SINCE 2017. He is a 2022 SJJ grad and senior class president. He also was voted the most outstanding Senior!

L.J.’s goal is to become an entrepreneur and his next journey is Miami (OH).

Hats off to L.J. Hancock!!

The Movement and Toledo Lucas County Health Department - Christmas Extravaganza!

It was raining, cold and long before the doors officially opened at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 18, 2021, excited kids and adults were lined up at the Wayman Palmer YMCA. They were there so the kids could get vaccinated. The official count (so, I was told) 500 kids were successfully vaccinated. Some of them could be seen jumping up and down excited that they were vaccinated…not to mention prizes and toys, too.

Kudos to ‘The MOVEMENT’ and its leader, Tina Butts, and the Toledo Lucas County Health Department for another successful event.

Once again a couple Books4buddies Ambassadors, committed to service, spent several hours giving FREE books to the kids. It’s hard to tell who has more fun..the kids or Ambassadors. One mom stood near the line and held a sign encouraging kids to visit the Books4buddies table that was not in plain sight.

A special thanks to Bishop Robert A. Culp who understands the importance of literacy, encouraging the kids to take a book/s and congratulating the Books4buddies ‘GLOBAL’ Ambassadors who are young servant leaders!

“There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” — Nelson Mandela

Greenbelt Place Resources Event - COVID and Flu Vaccines and BOOKS!

It was a gloomy, overcast Saturday but that didn’t dampen the spirits of hundreds of adults and kids. The goal was bringing vaccinates to the community. It was tremendous success. Nearly 300 adults were vaccinated.

Knight Middle School 8th grade teacher sends a thank you to Books 4 Buddies

“The books mean the world to my students! They were so happy to have the books of their own. Several of them finished their books and have swapped them with their friends. It’s so important for my students to get my the books because it is more than just literacy. It shows them that people care and want them to succeed. This wonderful act of kindness shows my students that website invested in their future. You should have seen their faces light up over getting to pick their own books!!”

-Lori Lynn Weber (8th Grade Teacher)

Books 4 Buddies is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo

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We know where great futures start.

That's why Books 4 Buddies is proud to announce its Book House has found a new home at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo.

The Book House was originally donated by Chick-fil-A to Books 4 Buddies during the Ribbon Cutting for its Central & McCord location. Owner Justin Amburgey and Emily Lange, New Restaurant Marketing, selected Books 4 Buddies for the Book House because of its dedication to improving literacy. Mr. Amburgey presented the gift to Book Ambassador Jordan Topoleski who accepted on behalf of the program.

Books 4 Buddies is confident the new home will allow many boys and girls to make good use of the books contained therein. Thanks to Ryan Geske, Director of Operations and Gerri Peters, Director of Programming, for creating such an inviting space at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo.

The future starts here!

SPOTLIGHT on Global Ambassador Brandon Jackson

Books4Buddies ambassador Brandon Jackson (a B4B founding member), a Rogers High School and The Ohio State University grad, and Evan’s scholarship recipient, is now a professional caddy and a global B4B ambassador. We asked him to tell us about his experience as a professional caddy.

What is caddy life like on tour?

Life on tour is pretty hectic especially during these times but also a lot of fun. The travel takes some time getting used to but I’m slowly getting used to it.

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What is it like to be a caddy?

I have been caddying since I was 13 years old so caddying is almost like second nature to me at this point. But, caddying on tour has added a little more focus and concentration in my preparation which has been really fun.

How were you chosen?

I was helping out at Stone Oak Country Club and I ran into Bianca Pagdanganan on the golf course. We ended up talking about the Inverness Club tournament that was coming up and one thing lead to another. It was truly a blessing how it happened.

How long can/will you be caddying and can you turn professional?

There really isn’t a set time it just depends on results and how our relationship grows over time. I am technically considered a professional caddy now.

How many African American male/females are on the tour?

Mariah Stackhouse is the only fully exempt African American female on tour and there are about 10-15 African American caddies.

Can you tell us a bit about Bianca Pagdanganan, the golfer you caddy for?

Bianca Pagdanganan is 23 years old and is from the Philippines. Bianca played golf at Gonzaga University for two years and then transferred to Arizona University for her last two years. This is her first year on tour and she has currently played in seven professional events. As far as caddying for just her, it all depends on how the relationship goes and the results we produce.

There are a lot of cases where caddies move around to different people because the results aren’t what the team is looking for. But, as far as my situation goes, I am locked in with Bianca until she tells me otherwise.

I am happy with the little time that we have spent together and the relationship that we have started to build. Hopefully we can continue to build off the good vibes and continue to get better each and every event.

What have you learned? What didn’t you realize before about caddying?

I studied Professional Golf Management at Ohio State University. I have learned a lot in the first few weeks on tour but the most important thing that I have learned is just how important it is to stay calm no matter the circumstance. The more I can keep my composure, the more confidence that I can give to Bianca. What I didn’t know was just how much preparation it takes to fully prepare for a tournament. I have so much appreciation for my fellow caddies that have been on tour for a while.

Tell us about your experience as a Books4Buddies Ambassador.

I was a Books4Buddies Ambassador for two years (2012- 14). During that time, it taught me how to make a difference; I learned just how important it means to give back to others and how impactful I could be in others’ lives. Being able to give to those less fortunate a gift is incredible, but to give them a gift such as a book will impact their lives forever. Books4Buddies reiterated to me just how blessed I am and how I can be a blessing to others.

What is your long range goal?

Eventually I hope to pursue my dream of getting into sales in the golf business but for the moment I am enjoying the opportunity on tour and hope that we can continue to have success in the future.

We are proud of Brandon, one of our Books4Buddies founding members, and wish him much happiness and success in his career!

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Ambassador updates!

We wanted to take the time to recognize some of the amazing achievements of our ambassadors. We are so proud of them and wanted to share their success with all of you so that you can join us in our pride!

LJ is a student at SJJ and is a Books 4 Buddies GLOBAL Ambassador. A heartfelt congratulations to him!

LJ is a student at SJJ and is a Books 4 Buddies GLOBAL Ambassador. A heartfelt congratulations to him!

LJ Hancock was recently selected to serve on the Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Ambassador Board for the 2020-2021 school year. The Teen Ambassador Board is an opportunity to meet students from across the country who are interested in Law and government and work with them to solve problems and provide suggestions to the Attorney General on vital issues facing our state. He will have the opportunity to learn about the Attorney General’s office, meet and interact with government officials, work in groups on key initiatives, and discuss issues of importance to Ohio citizens.

Ivan Dye, a founding member is a 2020 Miami (OH) grad/Architecture; Suma Cum Laude. He's headed to Rice University in Texas for Masters/Architecture.

Scottie Seymour, Books 4 Buddies Global is a 2020 The Ohio State University grad. Scottie has a double major/economic and finance. He's an awesome baseball player so he's able to return in the fall to play baseball and earn a masters in accounting.

Jordan Topoleski is a rising junior at Harvard. He was recently named CEO of the month in a school publication.

Congratulations again to all of our Books 4 Buddies ambassadors! If you know any of these fine young gentlemen, reach out to them and give them your praise and recognitions, they deserve it!

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