Local teen graduates from prestigious Law Literacy Program
Deviyoun Williams was celebrated on Monday, May 17 for his accomplishment.
{Timogi Jackson/Davidson Local}
To those entering the doors of Journey Church on Monday, May 17, it was evident people were there for something or someone special. Pastor Matthew Leonard welcomed the opportunity to celebrate one of his youth members, Deviyoun Williams.
Over the last several years, Leonard’s seen him grow. He said, “Deviyoun is a bright young man. I think he has any opportunity ahead of him. And I hope he embraces that.” This attitude was prevalent as many people, including teachers and local law enforcement officers, directed their excitement toward a young man who worked hard to earn this moment.
Left to right, Robert Robinson, Chief Robby Rummage, and Melvin Wilkins, Jr. pose with Williams (center) at his ceremony.
{Timogi Jackson/Davidson Local}
Williams is the first graduate from the Law Literacy Program of 100 Most Repeatedly Broken Laws in America. He is a member of Davidson County’s inaugural class. With diligence dedication over the last six months, he earned his completion certificate.
Melvin Wilkins, director of National Business Alliance Network (NBAN), who sponsors the program, along with Robert Robinson, public education outreach facilitator, helped raise funds for young people to be able to participate in this life-changing opportunity. Its website states “The earned certificate will be added to each participant’s resume, to instill confidence and discipline to make better decisions to deter from criminal behaviors.”
Robby Rummage, Lexington chief of police, was active with Williams in this program and stated, “Deviyoun put in a lot of work.” Rummage was personally vested in Williams’ success communicating regularly with him via email and visiting him at home where he met his family, including his aunt, grandmother and father, who were present at the ceremony. Rummage believes education about the law will help young people make informed and right decisions when confronted with challenges that often expose them to the wrong options. This program “is a good partnership between the police and school system that helps young people make good decisions by educating them around the law,” Rummage reiterated.
Family and supporters attended Williams’ graduation held at Journey Church.
{Timogi Jackson/Davidson Local}
Lisa Childress, a career educator, spoke passionately about Williams, whom she’s known since he was five. She wanted everyone present to know that Williams’ heart is big. Once, he contacted her about a friend who was depressed and she attributes Williams’ intervention as life-saving. Upon completion of her heartfelt tribute to Williams, Childress hugged him and let him know she loved him.
Williams said he knows many young people who went down the wrong path. However, he believes “if everybody had someone like the group I have here, and the teachers that I have, their lives could have been turned around or changed in some type of way.” He is so confident in the program that during his acceptance speech, he nominated a young woman he trusts would be an ideal candidate for the program. In his brief address to the room filled with family, friends, teachers, law enforcement and leaders, he expressed his gratitude and appreciation for all they have done for him.
Williams displays his certificates with his father, Shannon. {Timogi Jackson/Davidson Local}
According to the NBAN website, an initiative called the “Lexington Project” is going to provide opportunities to over sixty students, including Applied Leadership Activities Scholarships through referral partner, the Lexington Police Department.
For more on the Lexington Project visit, https://www.thenationalbusinessalliancenetwork.com
