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Black male youth do not represent a problem to solve, but rather a solution to elevate.

Often when I discuss my work as the leader of an intensive mentoring program for Black male youth, people assume that I am doing charity or working to “save” otherwise hapless young people. I would say it is quite the opposite. As the Executive Director of The Hidden Genius Project, every day I have given to this work constitutes an investment in a better future for society at large.

One key investment in the future prosperity of our economy is a thriving and empowered Black male youth population. There are myriad paths to get there, but through my work I have learned that belief is imperative. Accordingly, I offer three major lessons from my personal and professional journey to illustrate the power of belief in our Black boys and young men.

Brandon Nicholson

Writing since February 2022 · 1 story contributed