10/21/23 – Oakland, Cailf. – Kingmakers of Oakland proudly served over 150 youth at their 20th Kings in the Making Conference at Oakland High School. This year’s event themed “Health is your Wealth’ is a vital event to show our commitment to empower young black men through life skills, education and mentorship.
Kings in the Making (KITM)uniquely bridges the gap between our curriculum and the black boys who stand to benefit from it. The community event unites youth with Black male professionals who are present to share their time, wisdom and support. These dynamics provide a crucial space where youth can thrive, surrounded by leaders who share their experiences and look like them. We believe that representation matters, and by assembling a community of mentors, we offer these young men a chance to see the possibilities for their own future success.
The “Health is Wealth” theme emphasized the importance of holistic health education for black males of all ages. We recognize that a healthy mind, body, and spirit are essential elements in the pursuit of personal growth and prosperity . The conference aimed to inspire and equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to take charge of their well-being and foster a sense of community.
We started the day with a networking activity, then yoga and mindfulness to get grounded mental, physical and spiritual well-being. We offered a diverse range of life skills sessions throughout the day covering: fitness, visualization, financial literacy, social media literacy, painting, and sound engineering to explore creative avenues. These offerings reflected our commitment to providing a well-rounded education, ensuring these young men have the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives.
The event was a resounding success, providing Black males with a safe and positive environment to learn, grow, and connect with mentors who understand their journey. We remain committed to nurturing the potential of our community’s future Black leaders. We recognize they are often overlooked in classrooms and the community, address the impact by reminding them their worth, power and potential.
KITM has become a highly anticipated and appreciated event for the Black families we serve. This is part of our wellness initiatives that centers Black boys. This is a critical event lead by our Family and Community Engagement Team that has a ripple effect for all those who participate. KITM ensures its participants are equipped with the knowledge and mentorship they need to succeed and thrive in an ever-changing world.