Lamar Joseph Young

Lamar Joseph Young -Proclamation A Native - Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Lamar professed his love for being a child of a manufacturing family who was raised by his loving village, grandparents, dad and mom . He credited his grandmother, Mrs. Maggie Chewe, with instilling in him a sense of hard work and quiet dignity that has carried him though every facet of life. Lamar always exceeded academically, and carried the value of education into his career as a school counselor. Being the oldest child of his siblings, Lamar set an exemplary example for his siblings through his commitment to provide support, leadership, love and guidance. From a young age, Lamar was truly the comedian of the family. He had a special way of making everyone smile and laugh through his candid sense of humor. A Teacher - As a graduate of the Flint Public School System and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, he began his career as a high school US History and Humanities teacher with Evanston Township High School District 202 in Evanston, Illinois. He relocated to Georgia in 1999 to become a social studies teacher at Ralph Bunche Middle School (Atlanta Public Schools). Seeking more opportunities to impact the lives of students, he then became the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Coordinator at Ben S. Carson from 2002 - 2005. In this role, he promoted a college preparatory culture by enhancing the curriculum for college bound 6th-8th graders. In addition to being an AVID coordinator, he was also a national staff developer and trainer. He brought the community and school together by facilitating career preparation events, magnet high school visitations, college awareness activities, and structured tutorial sessions. Did you know he was the track coach at Bunche Middle School? A Counselor - In 2005, he received his Masters of Education in School Counseling and became a counselor at Cedar Grove Middle School (Dekalb County), where he also became RAMP certified. In 2008, he earned his Specialist degree in School Guidance Counseling and Education Administration. Here, he provided remarkable service to students with disabilities. He was also a member of the nation’s second Master Counselors Association, where he served as mentor and trainer for new school counselors throughout the district. Lamar was able to demonstrate his keen insight to the legal and social issues that impacted these students and their parents. After leaving Dekalb County School District, he moved back to Atlanta Public Schools and became a counselor at Harper Archer Middle School then moving on to Henry W. Grady H.S., now Midtown High School where he spent the past 15 years molding, guiding students as a Nationally Board- Certified Counselor. ” Professionally, education is the only work I’ve done. This is my life and it’s deeply important to me. In fact, it’s my wholehearted belief that my personal experiences have been the reason for my continuation in this profession. I value my work, my freedom, the hundreds of families to which I’ve developed relationships with, and more importantly my peace of mind.” A Kappa Man - On March 20, 2004, Lamar crossed over into the brotherhood of Krimson and Kreme, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. A World Traveler and Community Server- Lamar was an avid traveler. Commissioned to be a delegation leader and educational facilitator for the People to People Student Ambassadors program where he has toured numerous continents and international cities. He also had a love for hiking, backpacking, biking, and walking around exploring different landscapes. He spent countless hours giving back by volunteering with AID Atlanta and Project Open Hand, doing outreach for those in the latter stages of HIV/AIDS. Lamar had a heart for people and giving back is the way he demonstrated his gifts. “I like to be on the move, so it’s hard for me to stay still for too long. I work, party, and travel all with the same energy.” An Author - Lamar’s profound interest and knowledge of astrology has guided him and his work throughout his lifetime and career. Since the age of nine, he has been an enthusiastic reader of astrology. It was his aunt Merlynn that sparked his interest. He is credited with 3 books, Insight to Astrology, What’s the Deal with My Sign?, and What’s the Deal with Your Sign? An Insight on Astrology. Lamar continued to write and research astrological science, as well as traveled the country as a national trainer for school counselors. The celebration of life service for Lamar Young will be live streamed on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view later in the day. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/5072220

Tributes

Lamar Joseph Young

August 16, 1972 - April 1, 2025