Persell McDowell, security monitor for Giffen Memorial Elementary School, teaches students between classes.

McDowell was a member of The Brothers, the Albany civil rights group who advocated against employment discrimination, political corruption and inequities in housing, health care and the schools in the 1960s.

"I just hope they remember some of the things that I said to them," said McDowell. "Especially some of the cases that you don't think they are listening, but they really, really are. And then, you know, I can see it in their grades. I can see it in their character and some of them have changed immensely right in front of my eyes."

He says he talks to kids like Elijah and Nehemiah about the past and reminds them the future is in their hands.

Not only is it beneficial to the youth, but also McDowell says the position has reshaped his perspective, too.

"It gives me a feeling of love for everything that's going on," he said.

As the last member of The Brothers to still be active in his community, McDowell says this is his way of continuing the work the group began a long time ago.

"When I see young men like this, I know that something is happening that's positive," said McDowell. "Everything isn't negative. This is why I'm here."