Ties That Bind brings young boys, men together for annual luncheon with a purpose

ALBANY – From the plain to the brightly colored yellows and oranges, stripes and even paisleys, a wide range of neckties were on display for a group of boys selected to participate in the 2024 Ties That Bind event.

During the gathering, which has been held for about 20 years, the young men from community leaders learn to tie a necktie, but it’s about more than that. The annual luncheon is also a chance for the young ones to interact with men and learn about forging relationships as well as how to properly execute a Windsor or four-in-hand knot as the perfect accessory to a suit.

About 38 boys took part in the 2024 edition of the event on Friday at the Albany State University East Campus.

David Canton, who served as speaker for the program, related some of the lessons he came to grasp growing up in the Bronx in New York, as a college student and beyond. In college, it took Canton five years to manage his bachelor’s degree in history from Morehouse, but it was during that time he figured things out.

He went on to receive a master’s degree in Black Studies from Ohio State University, and currently he is the director of the African American Studies Program and an associate professor of history at the University of Florida. He teaches courses on struggles or black freedom and civil rights in the North, the history of hip-hop music and culture and an introduction to African American studies.

“If you told me 45 years ago I’d be in Albany, Georgia, giving a talk to young people, I’d have said you were crazy,” he said. “I wanted to play baseball for the Yankees.”

The speaker’s advice included an admonition that the youngsters can be both studious and have fun with friends, should follow the rules and avoid groups that will put their futures in jeopardy, and to pursue peace.

“Pay now or pay later, but you have got to pay,” he said. “Everyone (adult) in here paid the price. The amount of work required to be good in anything requires that pain. Definitely hard work, commitment, sacrifice, that’s what’s required.

“As my mom says, ‘Association is assimilation.’ Whoever you’re hanging with is who you’re going to end up like.”

That message of hanging out with the right crowd is a part of the message of Ties That Bind, and it offers the boys the opportunity to meet, hang out with and learn from leaders in the community.

Among some of those in attendance on Friday were Albany’s first black Mayor Willie Adams, Sheriff-elect Terron Hayes, a contingent from Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany that included its commanding officer, top enlisted officer and chaplain, as well as a cross-section of community and business leaders from around the city.

“It’s those ties that bind that help us all,” Canton said. “Take those ties and use them to be successful.”

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]
Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]

Staff Photo: Alan MauldinAlanMauldin[email protected]