Posted on Dec 28, 2014 in
FEATURES
Bronson Kersey and Mr. Cool (Dzilanyo Kofi).
By Zeenat Kassam Mitha –
As we begin 2015, many of us think about New Year’s resolutions that allow us to reflect, move forward and commit. Questions in the minds of some are how can we do things to better our lives and relationships, as well as the lives of loved ones, and how can we give back? Amongst numerous New Year’s resolutions come spending more time with loved ones, getting healthier through fitness and/or diet and the desire of giving back to a community or organization. The interesting thing is that these resolutions are similar for people of all cultures in Fort Bend. Society genuinely believes in the idea of progression and giving, but it is those who are perseverant that make ideas become reality.
I have my usual New Year’s resolution list, enhanced each year, of course. I add a specific community involvement aspect on my list, beyond my normal commitments, that allows me to give and grow even further. I am a big believer that helping others matures the soul. If we feed our minds with education and meaningful work, and we strengthen our hearts through relationships we build with loved ones and friends, then does not the soul need to develop and grow? After all, the soul is eternal, and therefore, its necessity to advance should be far greater.
I met a young man recently named Bronson Kersey who spoke with passion about helping others as part of his New Year’s resolution, and his outlook on life is where we both saw eye-to-eye. We decided to highlight his cause as it affects all cultures in Fort Bend. This, we thought, would be a great giving back opportunity to consider for those who wanted to do something meaningful for another human life.
Adrienne Dorman, Bronson Kersey and Zeenat Mitha working with the community to raise funds for Mr. Cool.
Kersey’s sister, Kasidy, began learning about the magnitude of human trafficking in Houston and worldwide while in college. Kersey took a serious interest and began educating himself through research. He shared that Houston was one of the world’s largest hubs for trafficking humans in the United States. He saw the locations where those who were being trafficked were being housed in Greater Houston. “I learned about the supply and demand for trafficking and how much that influences the $32 billion dollar industry annually worldwide,” Kersey said. “In Fort Bend County alone, there is so much assistance needed with trafficking.” Kersey began helping an organization called Elijah Rising, which educates citizens about the industry. Elijah Rising, http://elijahrising.org/awareness/van-tours/, provides van tours of human trafficking areas in Greater Houston to educate volunteers.
Since the problem is worldwide, Kersey traveled to the Volta Region in Ghana, Africa, in October 2014. Ghana is a growing area for human trafficking, and Lake Volta provides much of the fish and energy for Ghana. To increase profits, many of the boats use young boys and sometimes young girls to do the labor. These children work long hours with no pay. Kersey spent a few days at an orphanage near the lake, where several children had been brought after being rescued from suppression. This is where he met Dzilanyo Kofi (aka Mr. Cool), an 11 year-old boy who lost his ability to walk due to an injury that occurred during his time in bondage. The two had an instant connection. Mr. Cool’s spinal injury prevents the use of his legs or any control of them, so most of his movement is done by crawling. Kersey researched the injury and realized he needed approximately $23,000 for the surgery, along with funds for physical therapy and hospital visits to follow. This is when Kersey and his girlfriend Adrienne Dorman created a website for people to support Mr. Cool: https://www.crowdrise.com/believeincool.
Where there is a will, there is a way. Kersey’s New Year’s resolution is to eradicate human trafficking one day at a time with assistance from the community. His vision and hope is for total eradication of human trafficking in this region, even if it takes a lifetime. “Mr. Cool is the first example of a positive future,” said Kersey.
As you finalize your New Year’s resolutions, and if your list involves giving back, I hope you choose what warms your heart and nurtures your soul just as Bronson Kersey has. Happy New Year!
