She’s a mother who has seen more than her share of the negative impact of drugs and violence, which is why she was the ideal person to address the students at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School on a day marking the 2nd anniversary of the murder of one of the school’s employees.
Dr. Lonise Bias, the mother of Len and Jay Bias, two young men whose promising futures were cut short by drugs and violence, was invited to address the students as part of Cristo Rey Jesuit’s “Think Big” speaker series, which brings prominent business and civic leaders to the school. The goal of the program is for students to begin to understand what life after high school might be like, how their classes in school relate to workplace expectations, the benefits to them of doing well in high school, and that someone out there cares about their future.
Dr. Bias has similar motivation. Her inspiring presentation to the Cristo Rey Jesuit students is part of her effort to empower, educate, and uplift young people. She brings a unique perspective, informed by the loss of her son, Len Bias, a University of Maryland All-American basketball player drafted by the Boston Celtics, who died in 1986 of an overdose before he began his professional sports career. Her younger son, Jay, also a promising basketball talent, was shot to death at Prince George’s Plaza, a Hyattsville shopping mall, in 1990.
Cristo Rey Jesuit addresses violence in community
In addition to Cristo Rey Jesuit’s mission to prepare students for a productive future the school is involved in an on-going effort to raise awareness about the issues of violence in our community. The school has sponsored peace marches in honor of their employee Aysha Ring (who was murdered on November 22, 2008), participated in an anti-violence video, and served as the site of Mrs. Annette Harris’ first public remarks after the murder of her husband Councilman Ken Harris.
“Dr. Bias' visit to Cristo Rey Jesuit comes just after the second anniversary of the tragic loss of our beloved employee Aysha Ring,” explained Rev. John W. Swope, SJ, president of Cristo Rey Jesuit. “Dr. Bias urged our students to be peacemakers for our community. And that's what we are doing here: educating boys and girls who will bring positive change to Baltimore.”
Comments
Dr. Bias inspired everyone in the room with her uplifting and inspiring message. "Our children are reachable, teachable, lovable, and saveable." Amen to that!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!