Welcome to The Beaux Affair
In 1990 The Council to Foster Male Leadership, Inc. was established under the leadership of Gail Blair, Dr. Delma Woods and David C. Floyd. The organization’s program was named Beaux Affair and was designed to provide opportunities for African-American boys, where they could be recognized and highlighted for their accomplishments. Most importantly, it became a boyhood to manhood ‘Rites of Passage’ program. A great deal of emphasis is placed on developing and enhancing attributes of character, leadership, scholarship, and awareness.
The organization for the Beaux Affair has changed since its establishment in 1990. In 1995 its name was changed to the Charleston Youth Leadership Council, Inc. (CYLC, Inc.). CYLC, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 c (3) organization with a mission to “promote and enhance character and leadership development in adolescent males transitioning from male hood to manhood.”
About the Beaux Affair ‘Rites of Passage’ Program
The Charleston Youth leadership Council, Inc., Beaux Affair ‘Rites of Passage’ Program is a nine-month Mentor & Leadership Development program for high school juniors and seniors in the Tri-County area. The program consists of three-hour workshops held every other Sunday addressing a variety of topics. Discussions include, but are not limited to:
- Preparing for College
- Etiquette
- Dress for Success
- Public Speaking and Debating
- Social Skills/Manners
- Leadership Development
- Current Events
- Community Service
- Conflict Resolution
- Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Planning
In the twenty year history of the program, over four hundred young men have completed the nine-month ‘Rites of Passage’ program and over one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) have been awarded in scholarships. Several young men who participated in the nine-month ‘Rites of Passage’ program have returned to be part of the Council of Elders, which is a testimony of the program’s effectiveness. The Beaux Affair Program, which has been recognized by President Bill Clinton, continues to be one of the most successful and highly acclaimed programs for males in South Carolina.
