Power of One: Junior Gisa of AK PRIDE

When kids are at risk of spending too much time unsupervised, doing “stupid things” and “getting into trouble” - there are people and programs out there who strive to provide safe and positive environments as an alternative.

Many of these “outreach” programs are associated with community organizations or faith-based groups. Others start off as a way for kids to find inclusion within their cultural identity. That was the case for one Anchorage outreach program that began a handful of years ago. It started as the Poly Club and was created for Polynesian kids to do traditional dance. Its original founder is a well-known Anchorage-ite named Ma’o Tosi.

Soon the Poly Club outgrew its Poly name and became AK PRIDE. AK PRIDE (People Representing Integrity & Diverse Everything) is open to kids of any background and now it does a whole lot more than Polynesian Dance. It eventually found a new adult to take the lead - Junior Gisa - a man whose dedication and heart is the subject for this story of The Power of One. Shana Sheehy brings us this story; listen below...