Woodlawn's Community Heroes for 2008

By Arvin K. Strange on Friday, May 16, 2008

As the Executive Director for Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization, Inc. (MAGIC), Bryan Echols has worked close to 10 hours a day for 5 years helping to build the organization, even though he was paid a meager stipend of $600 monthly in the early going. Under his watch the Metropolitan Area Group for Igniting Civilization (M.A.G.I.C) has launched exciting programs for teens, such as a young women's leadership development program, mural arts programs, youth organizing training, and the NCP-funded gem Woodlawn String Instrument Program.

In addition to his MAGIC duties, Bryan has chaired the Woodlawn Social Service Network, comprised of human service providers who meet regularly to help facilitate collaboration and cooperation on issues.

He has also become a big brother and counselor to youth and always encourages them to develop a spiritual side so that good decision-making becomes more intuitive and easier to execute. From the Woodlawn Heroes mural at the Harris Park Center, to the African mosaics enhancing the playground on 62nd and Kimbark, to the melodic sounds of string instruments coming out of Carnegie Elementary, evidence of Bryan Echols' acts of heroism abound in Woodlawn.