Ronnie Roque in the news

On May 10, 2011, Ronnie Roque was asked to speak at the annual conference, “I’m Not The One,” which was held at the Humble Civic Center in Humble, TX.

Below is the article that was written by Jennifer Summer and featured in the local newspaper.

Students from high schools throughout Humble ISD were a part of the “I’m Not the One Conference!” at the Humble Civic Center, where on May 10,2011 they attended several different break out sessions and lunch.

According to research by Humble High School’s Stacey Hamlet, one in two black children grow up without a positive male role model, one in three black children live below the poverty level and there are more.

These statistics are why it was important for Humble Independent School District to organize an event called “I’m Not The One” for black male students to attend an event where they could meet role models and learn from others’ experiences.

“We have hosted ‘I’m Not The One’ for the past three years and even have some students who have attended every year,” Hamlet, Small Learning Community coordinator at Humble High School and creator/director of “I’m Not The One,” said.

The idea for the event, held this year on May 10, was thought up after a group of Humble High School students were set to attend a conference similar to this at Lone Star College-Kingwood. But because of a miscommunication, there were no spots available for the students to go to the event.

“The students suggested we start our own event, so now we have had ‘I’m Not The One’ for three years. It has grown every year. We had the most attendance this year with even more principals asking if their students could attend,” Hamlet said.

“This event is very important for our African-American students because the statistics have not changed, the numbers are the same, so we need to do something to break the cycle and change the future for our students.”

Community members and business owners such as Dr. Darrin Rankin, vice president of student success at Lone Star College-Kingwood; Rodney Jackson, assistant vice president of business development at Smart Financial; Anthony LeDet, manager of a Capital One branch; Dr. E.L. Barrington, associate professor at Texas Southern University; Charles Washington, director of clinical services and operations at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Ferrel “FC” Bonner, certified cyber security practitioner; Ronnie Roque, co-founder of Life Change Ministries; and Pat Patterson, financial advisor, were the presenters throughout the event.

“This is very important for our students because it casts an image for our youth in a way that causes them to reflect on their future and ambitions. The students see our speakers as role models who have been in the same shoes as some of our students; they know exactly what is going on because they have been there,” Reginald Spivey, Summer Creek High School house principal, said at the event.

Fellow Summer Creek house counselor Heidi Thompson added that the speakers are positive role models for the students and also share how to develop healthy relationships.

“It is important for the students to see others who have been where they have and are successful,” Hamlet said.

For more information about “I’m Not The One,” email Stacey.Hamlet@humble.k12.tx.us.

To read the original story go here: Annual event encourages students