I love that HumorOutcasts.com can help out charitable organizations on occasion. This week I did an interview with TV producer Kara Vallow (Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show) who is also part of the HumrOutcasts.com family. Kara, who is an equestrian, works with Compton Jr. Posse (CJP) in Los Angeles. Founded by Mayisha Akbar, CJP provides inner-city youth with year round after school programs using equestrian activities which help develop responsibility, disciple and self-esteem. Students learn to set and achieve both academic and career goals which is a powerful alternative to the equally powerful lure of gang and drug lifestyles. CJP’s award-winning program has given inner city kids a framework for success by teaming them with horses and highly skilled instructors, including Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson and Olympian & International Dressage Judge Charlotte Bredahl-Baker.
On May 18th, 2013 the 6th Annual Compton Jr. Posse Gala will be held and Television stars Patricia Heaton and Portia de Rossi will be honored for their work and vision. CJP is in need of some help from the community and beyond. If you cannot buy tickets to attend the gala, contact information is below for donating to this worthwhile cause.
Tell us about your experience with horses and riding?
I became obsessed with the idea of riding horses when I was around 8. I think it was through reading a scholastic book about twins who find a lost pony moseying through their yard. I lived for having a stray pony wander in to the alley behind my house. I was a competitive figure- skater against my will and begged my mother to let me ride instead. Where we lived in Philadelphia, we weren’t anywhere near any horses, but my mom promised that when we moved to the suburbs, she’d look into it. Ultimately, I was able to abandon the ice skates and take up riding. I became a serious rider and even had my own pony and did a lot of horse shows. That experience was completely transforming in ways that I only realized recently – when I took up riding again for the first time since I was 15. I came to figure out that as a young girl, through riding I found reserves of strength and peace that I was missing in my life. It gave me a sense of identity, self respect, a sense of control and an almost mythic understanding of nature. I became brave, and able to gain some measure of control of my life.
How did you get involved with Compton Jr. Posse?
I will admit to you that I learned about Compton Jr. Posse by reading something called THE EQUESTRIAN NEWS – that ran a piece about the program. I was intrigued and called the program founder and director, Mayisha Akbar. We clicked immediately. We both feel that our experience with horses as youngsters played a huge part in forming the people we are today and whatever level of success we’ve had in our lives. By giving themselves over to something much bigger and stronger than they are, to be in control -or out of control- on a huge 1500 lb. beast, is wilder than anything they’ll experience in Compton.
What do you do as a volunteer with the organization?
Right now I am concentrating on the upcoming fundraiser in May. I foolishly took on too many responsibilities as is my way. I am trying to increase awareness out about the program and the good they have done for the Los Angeles community for the last 25 years. CJP helps kids with more than just the physical skills of riding. The whole experience of being around and caring for horses – grooming, tacking up, feeding, cleaning, mucking stalls, hauling shit, picking hooves – allows the children to develop the ability to set personal goals for themselves, and develop high standards of behavior and leadership. Mayisha uses riding and the work with the horses as a motivational tool to help kids set academic and personal goals as well as an acceptance of socio-economic and cultural diversity.
How do you think being a part of the organization has affected you?
It’s easy to see children blossom under the life-enhancement that comes the nurturing aspects of the work in a consistent environment and from the success that comes from cooperation, independence and respect for others. They love learning the skills and level of competence it takes to care for a horse. And it is a real treat for those who are not daughters of the Bloombergs to experience that. No feeling is universal, but sometimes there are connections that are found with others that can transport you.
What message about the organization do you want to get out?
I want to guarantee that the program will be around for another 25 years. It’s a neighborhood institution and a safe haven for at risk youth. Mayisha does everything herself – she schleps the kids around to horse shows in her van, buys the equipment, food, clothes, etc. it’s ridiculous. She needs a little goddamn help. That’s what the fundraiser is about, getting her some help.
For more info, please visit: www.comptonjrposse.org
email: contact@comptonjrposse.org
What a great cause! How inspiring to see entertainment professionals get behind this life-saving project.