TMP TEAM
Meet the minds and men behind The Man Project
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Richard Cade
Founder | Program Director
I truly believe that The Man Project mentorship program can produce two types of men: profitability & productivity and leadership development for sustainability throughout their life which means they are ready to achieve their goals, assist their colleagues and understand how their role can make a difference in the community and their own future. - Richard Cade
Born and raised in Birmingham Alabama, Rev. Richard Cade is a proud alumni of Southeastern Bible College, situated in his hometown. A distinguished figure, Rev. Cade is known as the founder of The Man Project. Richard is also a devoted husband and father. His professional journey has seen him excel as an Executive Director of Engineering, showcasing his leadership and expertise in the field.
Favorite Quote:
"God does not give us what we can handle. He helps us handle what we are given."
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Marcus Laister
Co-Founder | Team Leader
I believe the investment of The MAN Project will impact at most basic level of understanding that an individual will mature into a new normal and become a productive citizen in society. - Marcus Laister
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Born and bred in Birmingham, Alabama, Rev. Marcus Laister is an esteemed alumni of Miles College, nestled in Fairfield, Alabama. As a devoted husband and father, he co-founded The Man Project as a testament to his commitment to empowering others. Beyond his role as a reverend, Marcus boasts a career as a distinguished medical laboratory scientist.
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Favorite Quote:
"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. " Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Favorite Bible Verse: II Corinthians 12:9-11 (NIV)
"But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Neville Pal​mer
Team Leader
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Meet Neville Palmer, a proud native of Birmingham, Alabama. Neville is a graduate of Huffman High School and holds a degree in Computer Science, accompanied by valuable experience in the field. With a passion for making a positive impact on the city's youth and expanding their horizons, Neville is dedicated to his community. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys indulging in hobbies such as watching movies, following sports, and exploring both foreign and domestic cars.
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Favorite Quote:
"There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time" Malcolm X
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Darrell Forte
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“I undoubtedly believe in the importance of mentoring especially for young men of color. It is very important for the youth to see strong and righteous examples of manhood. My ultimate goal in life is to support as well as uplift our communities so that we can lead with complete self-love and self-sufficiency.” – Darrell Forte
Darrell Forte is a Birmingham Alabama native and experienced youth advocate. Graduating from UAB in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in African American Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice, he has since continued his academic journey as a graduate student, focusing on Public Administration at UAB. Beyond academia, Darrell is a published author and a certified personal trainer. His ethos revolves around the pillars of health, education, innovation, and success, driving his commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
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Favorite Quote:
“Great things come from hard work and perseverance, no excuses.” – Kobe Bryant
Favorite Bible Verse: John 16:33
Ray Howard
CommUNITY Mentoring Manager
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Alabama's Own Youth Advocate, Minister and Mentor
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Raymond Howard began dealing drugs around the age of 14 years old during the crack epidemic. He was first arrested at age fifteen. By age seventeen, he was counted as an another statistic who would be "dead in a year”. By nineteen, he found himself behind bars in an Alabama prison, serving time for violent offenses like armed robbery. Recidivism marked his path, with two returns to prison for parole violations, a combined total of almost seven years of incarceration and thirteen on parole. Amidst the chaos, many of his former gang and drug affiliates were murdered, including two close relatives.
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However, Raymond's story takes a dramatic turn. In 2012, a divine intervention began a fiery journey of deliverance and restoration. Today, he stands as a testament to transformation, a married man and devoted husband. His remarkable odyssey is chronicled in his internationally acclaimed books, "From Crime to Christ: The Way of Escape" (2015) and "Arrested," delving into the depths of his experiences.
Raymond Howard's testimony resonates as a beacon of hope, transcending from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of victory. His narrative, hailed as unlike any other, encapsulates the profound journey from dope dealer to hope dealer.
MEET OUR MENTORS
Clyde Bell
Brandon Bynum
Richard Cade
Kevin Carden
Antonio Carrithers
Marcus Evans
Markino Hill
Ray Howard
Cliff Jones
Clifford Kennon
Chevelle Lee
Perry Macon
Aubrey Richardson
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