Memphis “Beat the Odds”

Supporting the Positive Potential of Young People

MBTO History

The Memphis chapter of “Beat the Odds” was founded in 1994 by Dr. Theresa Okwumabua following a visit to Atlanta, GA where she  observed the program in action. Previous experiences with outreach programs and her later research in the Department of Psychology at the University of Memphis, made Dr. Okwumabua uniquely able to see the import of a program that focuses on “uplifting the quality of life in our community by telling the community, particularly the youth, that they can “Beat the Odds”, too.” Since its inception, Memphis “Beat the Odds” (MBTO ) has received strong support within the community from local and national business, community faith-based organizations, and private citizens.

Each year MBTO recognizes six people between the ages of 13 and 21 who bring positive attention to Mid-south youth through achieving and excelling in spite of a variety of obstacles in their lives. Additionally, two adults from within the community are recognized for their efforts in community service focusing on youth. The Catheryn Rivers Johnson Award is named for an exceptional Booker T Washington School teacher. MBTO is sponsored by a grant through FedEx and through donations from private citizens and local businesses.  Nominations are received through teachers, churches, and other community sources.

MBTO Mission

We are all too aware of the problems that threaten our children - including drugs, gangs, unplanned parenthood, school dropout, guns in schools, just to name a few. All these things put our young at risk of - "increase the odds" of - them becoming victims or perpetrators. By contrast, the MBTO program aims to provide a positive message about young people who have overcome tremendous obstacles (poverty, violence, family break-up, illness, developmental disabilities, death of parents, cultural and language barriers) to achieve their goals.

The stories of these young models serve as a valuable message, an inspiring message that reaches far and wide for the sheer value of their having overcome such challenging circumstances. MBTO focuses on uplifting the quality of life in our community by allowing the community, particularly the youth of the community, know that they can beat the odds, too. We hope that through our efforts, the MBTO celebrations will serve as catalysts for additional community involvement on behalf of children and youth.

MBTO Benefits to the Community

· MBTO raises awareness of the struggle children/youth face in our neighborhoods

· MBTO motivates citizens, businesses, leaders, and the media to advocate for children

· MBTO provides encouragement for struggling youths by recognizing those who have succeeded despite similar circumstances, giving them hope

· MBTO raises awareness for children's advocacy groups and related service organizations and initiatives, inspiring emulation

· MBTO raises awareness that adults matter and can make a difference in the lives of children and youth

· Several past MB TO Award winners have finished high school, gone on to college, and are now making strides as responsible adults and citizens in the Memphis/Shelby County community

· Some past award winners have received national attention in both television and print media for their success in the face of adversity