Sep 29, 2007 7:22 am US/Eastern
'Karate Kids' From Liberty City Head To Disney
vm/sr
LIBERTY CITY (CBS4) ―
For many children who are part of a karate class in Liberty City, it will be their first trip out of South Florida.
Kdem Howard, 16, said, "It's going to be amazing, because first I never met the Mick, and I'd like to meet Mickey Mouse."
Terry Spears, 46, with five children, said, "It's a dream. It's a dream come true." She will be going on her first family vacation.
Some sixty children and their parents are headed to Disney World. The children are part of a class founded as a community project by Miami Police Commander Sensei Lorenzo Whitehead.
The "Karate Kids" Of Liberty CityHe teaches children twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. The class is karate, and it's free as long as the children do four hours of chores and homework at home.
What he teaches doesn't stop with the children, it extends to parents who must also make a commitment of getting involved, keeping the children in the classroom.
He started this uplifting and challenging program in a neighborhood he once lived, and where he's since moved back.
He said, "We have two jobs. Our core function is protecting the community, but we have an opportunity to reform lives. We can do that one life at a time."
He had a vision, and now one part is coming true.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
