Building a brotherhood that goes beyond the classroom, the Bos Gentlemen are a powerful force of young men committed to leadership, service and making a real difference in their community. Through hands-on learning about philanthropy and entrepreneurship, this organization at Boswell High School is shaping student futures while giving back to Fort Worth in meaningful ways.
“As an organization, we’re building a brotherhood group to bring together all of our efforts to help the community,” said Jean Michael Bassett, a Boswell senior. “We find the right things to put our effort and money towards. It’s about learning for us, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and understanding the organizations we help by visiting their sites and seeing how they operate.”
Community efforts for the group this year included participating in North Texas Giving Day, directing a $530 donation to the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society.
“It made me feel more connected to my culture. I’m glad we took money out of our pockets and came together to give to a non-profit charity,” said Dewayne Savage, a senior.
The group’s advisor, DJ Perera, sees the club’s impact extending far beyond donations.
"The organizations we visit and work with have no idea about the youthfulness, expansiveness and scope of our organization," he said. "At the Black Historical and Genealogical Society alone, these young men spent over two hours learning history, touring the museum and experiencing what it means to be part of something bigger.”
Beyond community donations, the Bos Gentlemen emphasize personal development, from formal dress to etiquette and leadership skills.
“Wearing this attire gives us a sense of pride, boosts our self-esteem and helps us present ourselves as serious young men,” said Shane Hopkins, the Gentlemen's vice president.
Bassett added, “We want to put out an image that we mean business.”
The club teaches formal greetings, respect and humility as foundational values.
“It’s about self-growth. We practice firm handshakes, greet teachers and peers respectfully, and understand that everyone can improve," said Shanil Shakya, a senior. "This organization helps us grow personally and professionally.”
Another part of the group's outreach is learning more about different sectors of Fort Worth.
One instance included the Gentlemen touring the Moncrief Cancer Institute in Fort Worth, where Boswell alumna Melissa Moreno serves as Community Outreach Coordinator. The institute serves 95 counties, including through a special screening program that the Bos Gentlemen volunteered to support by serving lunch and distributing merchandise to patients.
Perera is proud of the program’s holistic approach.
"We focus on the four C’s, Courtesy, Civility, Community and Charity, with charity being the biggest sacrifice since donations come out of the members’ pockets. After meeting all the requirements, juniors and seniors get a fine dining experience in the Fort Worth area and the seniors receive a two-piece suit to prepare for interviews and university visits,” he said.
As these young men continue to present themselves around the community, they are gaining attention for their approach and application of the four C's in everyone they meet. In fact, Mattie Parker, the Fort Worth Mayor, came and visited with the group at Boswell High School.
Mayor Parker praised their confident handshakes and genuine presence, urging them to “be at the table” and never hesitate to share their perspectives. She was so impressed with the students, she personally invited the group to attend a Fort Worth City Council meeting because she wanted city council members to meet them and learn more about their group.
That visit took place on Wednesday, May 21, providing an extraordinary opportunity for the students to witness local government in action and feel the weight of their growing influence as future leaders.
It also provided one final impact opportunity for the graduating seniors as they take their foundation from the Bos Gentlemen and prepare to apply that to the rest of their lives.
