Leroy, 11, agrees. "I never thought I wouldlike art, but it's fun."
According to Dawn Swan, executive director ofthe community center, nearly 90 percent of thechildren are "of color," including a large numberof Black Americans and those of Caribbean andSouth American descent.
Parker says the center's staff works both tohelp students reach their fullest potential andalso to provide an environment where the childrenwill feel comfortable while they wait for theirparents after school.
"What I like most about this place is that youdon't have the patronizing of minority kids likeat some other places," he says. "We've set highstandards they can reach for."
The community center, located on Howard andCalender Streets in Cambridge's Riversideneighborhood, was founded in 1929 inside anabandoned church. It is funded by the United Way,the city of Cambridge and private grants, Swansays.
"We're thrilled to have Jameel with us," shesays. "I like to think this building is the heartof Cambridge.