Chicago native SHELTON "FLY GUY" SMITH (57) has a simple message for black youth in America: "Show up."

Smith, who is a graduate of historically black Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, began mentoring at-risk black boys in his community straight out of college.

"People are always saying black men don't raise their kids," says Smith, who is also a popular radio host and motivational speaker. "I've raised hundreds of kids that aren't biologically mine."

Smith found his calling after meeting an 11-year-old black youth, named NATHANIEL THORNTON, who was "acting out." Over the course of six years, Smith worked with Thornton and through "tough love" was able to put the troubled young man on the right path. Thornton eventually attended Prairie View A&M in Texas.

In addition to providing "options" instead of "opportunities", Smith and the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma have also been able to support the young men who successfully complete his program with scholarships to aid them on their journey.

Unlike similar programs in the community, the young black men Smith works with are not enrolled in magnet schools and are typically brought to his attention by parents and school administrators. He also recruits through the lectures he gives, which focus on encouraging young black men to "show up" to face life's challenges in spite of the difficulties involved.

Noted for his sometimes flamboyant attire, when Smith tells young black men to "pull their pants up", it's about responsibility and not respectability.

"Many parents are trying to be friends with their children," says Smith, who also works as a correspondent for the BeSpire TV Network. "Boys [however] like discipline... because it shows you care."