After the final bell rings each day, students from several schools pick up drum kits, rusted around the edges, and get in formation, awaiting Howard Gentry's piercing whistle.

  • Howard Gentry founded Young Blacks in Action 38 years ago
  • Gentry wanted to instill pride in young inner-city kids
  • YBA is a community band that travels state and country to perform

Suddenly, the snare drum sounds a loud rat-a-tat, and dancers sway to the rhythm. Band parents, sitting quietly in the back of the sterile practice space, begin clapping and waving, some even jumping to their feet to move through choreography, alongside the children.

The kids come together to play and dance at Orlando's James R. Smith Neighborhood Center from Carver Middle School, Evans High School, Jones High School and others.

For Gentry, it’s all about instilling pride in young people who come from the most impoverished areas of Orange County.

“If you stay involved in something constructive in your community, it’s hard for you to get in trouble," Gentry said. “When I came back to Orlando, I saw there was a need in the community I grew up in.”

A professional musician, Gentry started Young Blacks in Action 38 years ago after graduating from Bethune-Cookman University. His band and the Dancettes perform everywhere, from parades to halftime shows.

“I teach the dance routine, I teach the percussion," Gentry said. “I’m just sharing the blessings that someone bestowed upon me. "I’m giving back.”

James Carter, an 8-year-old drum major, joined the band when he was 5.

“He helps us a lot and teaches us new stuff," James said.

But, not all is roses for YBA. Money is a constant concern, with costly equipment and transportation for 50 to 100 people to performances not only across Florida but other states as well.

Young Blacks in Action is planning a trip to Chicago in August. A Mayor’s Matching grant of $8,000 will help defray transportation costs. YBA is also trying to raise money to add horns — trumpets and trombones — to their band for the first time.

“(I) never had a pile of money, never had any money," Gentry said. “The way I got my money is through car washes, bake sales.”

Gentry said his group doesn't order out of fancy catalogues. He picks up clean, white shoes and socks for the students at Payless and hands them out for each performance.

“It makes them proud. They won’t even walk crossing the grass with their white tennis shoes on," he said with a smile.

He said they've even had equipment stolen. That led Gentry to round up water jugs, poking various holes in the sides. That day, they won "most creative band" in the parade.

For Gentry, YBA is about more than keeping time. Each practice ends in prayer, and students must share their progress report cards from school in order to participate.

"(This is) much bigger than music," he said. “Mentoring, showing them how to shine their shoes, tie a tie, wear their pants... I'm letting my little light shine through them.”