CNN Hero Tawanda Jones visits Bonsall Elementary School in Camden, New Jersey. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 42% of Camden's population is living below the poverty line, making it one of the poorest cities in the United States.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
CNN Hero Tawanda Jones visits Bonsall Elementary School in Camden, New Jersey. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 42% of Camden's population is living below the poverty line, making it one of the poorest cities in the United States.
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Jones is <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2013%2F03%2F28%2Fus%2Fcnnheroes-jones-drill-team%2Findex.html">on a mission</a> to change Camden's downtrodden reputation and empower its youngest residents. She started a dance team, the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcamdensophisticatedsisters.org%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team</a>, to entice young girls to stay off the street and do something positive with their lives.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Jones is on a mission to change Camden's downtrodden reputation and empower its youngest residents. She started a dance team, the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team, to entice young girls to stay off the street and do something positive with their lives.
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Jones visits children at the school. "People perceive Camden and its kids as garbage," Jones said. "We have so many gifted kids. They want more out of life."
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Jones visits children at the school. "People perceive Camden and its kids as garbage," Jones said. "We have so many gifted kids. They want more out of life."
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Through the drill team, Jones aims to teach kids about discipline, dedication and self-respect, things she believes are necessary to survive and thrive in Camden and beyond.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Through the drill team, Jones aims to teach kids about discipline, dedication and self-respect, things she believes are necessary to survive and thrive in Camden and beyond.
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Jones also stresses education, as kids in the program have to keep a C average in school.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Jones also stresses education, as kids in the program have to keep a C average in school.
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"I don't think people really understand how important it is to have these children succeed as far as graduating from high school," Jones said. "That's a big deal in our city."
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
"I don't think people really understand how important it is to have these children succeed as far as graduating from high school," Jones said. "That's a big deal in our city."
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Jones leads drill team practice inside the Camden Water Tower. "Drill team is good as far as structure, because you have to be precise," she said. "You have to be on point."
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Jones leads drill team practice inside the Camden Water Tower. "Drill team is good as far as structure, because you have to be precise," she said. "You have to be on point."
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Jones, who often uses her own money to fund her organization, is still looking for a permanent place for her drill team to practice.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Jones, who often uses her own money to fund her organization, is still looking for a permanent place for her drill team to practice.
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Over the years, Jones has incorporated boys into the team and also started a drum line program.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Over the years, Jones has incorporated boys into the team and also started a drum line program.
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Jones said all the children who've participated in her program -- more than 4,000 kids since 1986 -- have graduated, and more than 80% of them have gone on to college or technical schools.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
Jones said all the children who've participated in her program -- more than 4,000 kids since 1986 -- have graduated, and more than 80% of them have gone on to college or technical schools.
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"These kids didn't ask to be here," Jones said. "They didn't ask to be put in this situation. But being that we're here, we have to make the best of this situation, and it's going to take everybody in this community to do it."
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
"These kids didn't ask to be here," Jones said. "They didn't ask to be put in this situation. But being that we're here, we have to make the best of this situation, and it's going to take everybody in this community to do it."
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"If this was Gotham City, (Jones) would be Batman," said Taron Green, who was on the verge of joining a gang before he became a member of Jones' drum line.
Giving kids a way off deadly streets —
"If this was Gotham City, (Jones) would be Batman," said Taron Green, who was on the verge of joining a gang before he became a member of Jones' drum line.
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