About Diane:
Born May 23, 1956. Hammond resident with eight children and two grandchildren. Bus monitor for School City of Hammond. Member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Hammond. Likes cooking and shopping.
Accomplishments: Diane Hicks is founder and leader of The Brotherhood, a group honored with an Outstanding Youth Team award at Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.'s Volunteer Luncheon. The group of African-American males between 13 and 18 years old works through their church, New Hope Missionary Baptist, to make contributions to the community and abroad. "Our mission is building God's kingdom and the community one young man at a time," Hicks said. Some of their contributions include adopting a homeless African orphan, collecting items and volunteering at Sojourner Truth House, cutting grass on vacant lots in Hammond and Gary, collecting suits for young offenders who need clothing for court, and preparing gift baskets for Hazel Young Academy. "They are a wonderful group of boys, and I'm excited they were honored," she said. Hicks prepares a full dinner for the boys every Sunday and invites guest speakers to address relevant issues. "It's meant so much to them to have the camaraderie and to
have good food," she said. "The Brotherhood is a dream born out of a dream. I wanted to find a program directed to boys and I couldn't find anything, so I started this. I don't need a pat on the back, but the boys do. I show them by example that it's all about giving, and in time the seeds I planted in them will grow and they will reach out and help someone."
What is most rewarding about volunteering? "Oprah says whatever you do for free is where your heart is. This is where I get joy. It's my passion."
Personal hero: "I really look up to the Rev. Herman Polk, pastor of my church. He's definitely a man of honor."
What I read: "Usually I read newspapers and magazines and my children and grandchildren read to me."
Advice: "I always say 'If it doesn't kill you it will make you stronger, and everybody gets a turn.' "
How to get involved: Contact The Brotherhood at P.O. Box 231, Hammond, IN 46320 or call (219) 677-6369.
- SUE BERO, Times Correspondent
To nominate someone for this feature, e-mail slbero@hotmail.com.
