Because of you... DT attends college
Davionte Tasker, 18, of Benton Harbor
Benton Harbor High School football defensive back Davionte "DT" Tasker just graduated and is on his way in the fall to Ferris State University in Big Rapids. DT has been awarded numerous scholarships for his community service and involvement, and will be playing on the Ferris State football team, which won the NCAA Division II National Championship the last two years in a row.
BECAUSE OF YOU…
Going to a new school in a new town can be a difficult transition, and DT has done it before—but this time, with the help of United Way impact partner 400 B.L.A.C.K Mentoring Program, he has the skills to successfully step up to the challenge. When DT moved to Benton Harbor from Three Rivers during middle school, he struggled finding himself socially and academically. DT was failing most of his classes his freshman year and had a hard time surrounding himself with positive peers. Since joining the 400 B.L.A.C.K Mentoring Program, his mentor, Nick Blue—founder of the program and athletic administrator at Benton Harbor High School—helped DT with tutoring, post-graduation planning, and healthy decision-making. Nick helped DT navigate the recruiting process for football, as well as scholarships, applications, and applying for financial aid.
Nick Blue, DT's mentor. Photo by Ashley Tenter
Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation’s 400 B.L.A.C.K. (Building Leaders and Cultivating Kinship) Mentoring Program works with Black youth ages 10-17. Nick Blue started the 400 B.L.A.C.K Mentoring Program with two others in 2020, after hosting a community meeting with the men of Benton Harbor to respond to violence in the city. The program focuses on mental health, education, and community support. Nick graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 2007. After college, he worked with youth in residential treatment facilities and juvenile detention in Arkansas and Northern Michigan and returned to Benton Harbor in 2017 to serve his hometown community.
Davionte Tasker. Photo by Ashley Tenter
Photo by Ashley Tenter