The Brown Bag w/ Wes Bellamy & Sarad Davenport

Wes Bellamy's main focus is improving the lives of those who lack resources and positive role models in their lives.  Originally from Atlanta, GA Wes moved to Charlottesville, VA in September of 2009 after graduating from S.C. State University;  he began his career at the National Ground Intelligence Center. Bellamy now teaches computer science and African American Studies at Albemarle High School, and is studying at Virginia State University to gain a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. On December 7, 2011, Bellamy started the Non-Profit (H.Y.P.E.) which stands for Helping Young People Evolve. H.Y.P.E. is a boxing and mentoring program currently serving 24 boys.  Additionally, in September of 2012, “H.Y.P.E. Steppin” was  created as a women empowerment program for young ladies. H.Y.P.E., based and predicated on discipline and accountability, has seen astonishing results. In a little over one year, the overall Grade point average of participants jumped from a 1.8 on 12/8/11 to 3.2 as of 4/14/13. 

Sarad Davenport serves as the Director of the City of Promise in Charlottesville, Virginia where he and team of neighbors, officials, and partners are building a cradle-to-college-and-career pathway for young people.  Most recently, Davenport worked for the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) in Washington, DC where he taught on team seeking to build a culture of college going in under-resourced communities.  Davenport is an ordained Baptist minister and studied Practical Theology at the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.  He earned a B.S. degree in Communications and a minor in English from Old Dominion University in 2001.  After graduation, Sarad delved into a career in media and educational technology.