Charles “Butch” Walton shares a moment with his wife Anisha at his retirement
celebration held on Saturday. (Photo by Cy White)
After nearly 25 years of distinguised public service, Charles “Butch” Walton has officially retired as Chief Executive Officer of Career Youth Development, Inc., a 43 year-old social service agency.
According to the Chair of the Board of CYD, Attorney Barbara Franks, Walton became the leader of CYD in 2008 after his dear mother, the founder of CYD, Jeannetta Robinson suddenly passed away during a Survivors of Homicide & Grief Support Group meeting in the organization’s conference room.
Walton continues to work behind the scenes to support the organization and move its mission forward. He will continue as producer of the Jeannetta Robinson televison show.
The Board of Directors for CYD, in close consultation with Walton, has identified James M. Ferguson II – a soon to be Marquette Law School graduate and former Youth Director at the Dr. Howard L. Fuller Education Foundation to lead the historic youth serving organization. “I’m excited to serve at CYD. It is an important pillar of our community that has provided intervention/turnaround services to thousands of youth and families over our 43 year history”, says Ferguson, I look forward to leading the organization through another era of distinguished service to our community.” Ferguson was born and raised in the inner city of Milwaukee and is a proud graduate of Milwaukee Public Schools and Marquette University. The organization held a dinner to celebrate the tenure and accomplishments of Mr. Walton on Saturday, May 4 at Holy Redeemer Institutional COGIC- Genesis Hall, located at 3500 W. Mother Daniels Way (Hampton Avenue)
Charles “Butch” Walton receives best wishes from his successor James Ferguson II, who is the Interim Executive Director for CYD. (Photo by Cy White)
The program included Robin Adkins, actor/recording artist who served as the Master of Ceremony. An official welcome from Attorney Barbara Franks, and James Ferguson II CYD Interium Executive Director. And Elder John Daniels III gave the welcome representing Holy Redeemer COGIC.
Presentations were made by members of the legislature including, Congress, Milwaukee County, State Senate and Mayor Tom Barrett personally presented a proclamation on behalf of the City of Milwaukee.
Food was provided courtesy of Great Taste of Chinese Restaurant located at 6618 W. North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI.
Even with the transition of leadership Ferguson assures that CYD will remain a multi-service social service organization that was founded in 1970 to provide services to troubled youth. Although today we’ve grown to offer services to youth, adults and families, the character of our calling remains the same. CYD is here for peope who at some point in their lives either made a bad turn or somehow hit a rough patch and are now looking to turn things around. Career Youth Development (CYD) Founder’s Day event will be held on June 21at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. The event celebrates the works and memory of Jeannetta Simpson-Robinson and her mother, Claretta “Mother Freedom” Simpson. To purchase seating, contact James Nelson, Sr at jwn.cyd@gmail.com.