On the Summit’s Horizon: Believe in a Dream, Inc.

By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer

“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” – Mary Mcleod Bethune

Mary Mcleod Bethune (1875-1955) was an American educator, philanthropist, womanist, humanitarian and civil rights activist. She is well-known for founding the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 and what is known today as Bethune-Cookman University, an HBCU in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1904. (Editors 2021)

The United States has several programs that cultivate the creative genius in our youth. For example, New York and Los Angeles is home to Urban Arts which teaches digital game design as a pathway to college and career. Because a quality education shouldn’t depend on a child’s zip code. When students make their own video games they learn high-level tech skills—computer science, coding, animation, music, storytelling, as well as collaboration and leadership. (Urban Arts 2024)

The Summit City is no different. Believe in a Dream, Inc. whose mission is to foster confidence and growth in youth through immersive experiences in entrepreneurship, leadership, and the arts. BIAD is the brainchild and vision of Northrop High School and Purdue University Fort Wayne graduate Jamal Robinson. “We can become whatever we want in life, the earlier we are exposed to that type of thinking the better. All have a gift and a purpose in life,” said Robinson.

Robinson was inspired by his parents, Earl and Dr. Audrey Frison-Robinson who encouraged him to “believe in his dreams’ which led him to the University of Central Florida to play soccer on the collegiate level. After studying at UCF for two years he returned home with the goal of giving back to his community. “I realized that everyone did not grow up in households where they were told to “believe in their dreams,” said Robinson. I immediately reached out to my former teachers and asked if I could speak to classes about believing in their dreams.

“During this time, I learned that the Fort Wayne Philharmonic was struggling financially due to the inability to engage a new audience which negatively impacted ticket sales. As an athlete I remembered that sports were well-funded. Based on the premise of Believe In A Dream, could we work from a bottom-up approach and raise awareness of orchestral programs. I approached Colleen Patrick Phillips who was the band teacher at Northrop and she knew the orchestra conductor from Snider at the time, Dean Smekens. Hence, we did a benefit concert featuring the orchestras from Snider and Northrop that is known today as the Our String Dreams Concert. Our first performance had 75 students on the stage and raised just under $1,000.” According to the BIAD website, As of 2020, Believe In A Dream has donated over $75,000 raised from the annual String Dreams concerts to support 15 orchestra programs in Fort Wayne Community Schools.

Today, Believe In a Dream has three major programs: Master the Music, Be Your Own Boss and Pave the Path. BIAD has seven program employees and an aggregate reach of over 1,000. One of the employes Alex Moss serves as a program assistant and is a former youth participant. “We have also expanded into Kosciuszko County with Be Your Own Boss.m,” said Robinson. Steve Franks, Entrepreneurship Program Director attended the benefit concert over 13 years ago. Today he is the Program Director of the entrepreneurship component, Be Your Own Boss which was started with Riley Johnson who is now Vice President of the Board of Directors and Advisors and Robinson.

Robinson’s entrepreneurial journey began with the creation of Desiar (pronounced De-e-air/derivative of the word desire) specialty sunglasses. As a result of meeting Hip-Hop Artist Soulja Boy whose real name is Deandre Cortez Way backstage at a 2008 HOT 107.9 concert Robinson began to gain popularity of the designer eyewear. He also heads the CEV Collection of eyewear by fellow Fort Wayne native and Bishop Luers graduate Jaylon Smith who went on to play in the NFL.

“Never forget the experience that teaches them they can do it. Make them experience it so they can do it later,” Franks reflected on Robinson as a visionary. “Jamal Robinson sees and seizes an opportunity. I wish he was back in town,” said Franks.

Jeff Roberts is the Founder and Program Director of Pave the Path which is the Leadership component of Believe in a Dream, Inc. Pave the Path consists of Jumpstart, Start Where You Are, Summit, Discover Your Brand and Trailblazers, You, Inc. which is a group of Summit Alumni committed to mentoring younger students who participate in Jumpstart and Summit.

Robinson credits his wife Edna who indirectly influences and touches everything he does. “She hears the calls, the wins, and challenges. She truly makes me better; she was made for me.” The Robinsons live in Northern Virginia but travel back to the Summit City often.

Joe Jordan, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Wayne has been a mentor to Robinson over the years. Jordan offered the Boys and Girls Club as Believe in a Dream’s fiscal agent before obtaining 501(c)(3).

“It's remarkable to witness the visionary leadership of Jamal Robinson. His vision, his passion and ability to bring people together around a common cause is truly remarkable. The Believe In A Dream organization" has impacted so many young people in our community, and I congratulate them on their tremendous impact.”

Believe in a Dream, Inc. will celebrate its success with an annual Gala on Saturday, September 28, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Parkview Mirro Center. Not only is this event a fundraiser but those in attendance will experience student performances/exhibits in all three programs.

For more information about Believe in a Dream, Inc., you can visit the website: www.beleiveinadream.com. You can also contact them via email: admin@believeinadream.com.