Whenever I think of youth empowerment for my community, a quote Frederick Douglass always comes to mind. “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Uplifting the next generation should always be the primary focus, and there’s an organization here in Charlotte that’s doing just that.

The Males Place, Inc.

Established in 1993, The Males Place, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides manhood development for African American boys. Founder Baba Reggie Singleton, along with the board of directors, created an outreach program that has mentored over 3,000 youth, making it one of the largest mentoring organizations in North Carolina. Their mission is to provide comprehensive and prevention-based behavior health educational programming, mentoring, and life skills training for Black boys ages 12-18. They also offer a curriculum that incorporates educational, spiritual, agricultural, social, civic, recreational, and cultural enrichment for the youth.

The Males Place Mantra is as follows:

I watch my thoughts. They become my words.
I watch my words. They become my actions.
I watch my actions. They become my character.
I watch my character. It determines my destiny.

Values are categories of commitment and priorities which enhance or diminish human possibilities. As a result of the manhood training I’m receiving at The Males Place, I have a positive focus on my thoughts, words, actions, character and destiny. Which will enhance my possibilities. Thus benefiting myself, my family, my community, and my people.

For more information on this amazing organization, check out their official website. You can also stay connected with them on Facebook and YouTube.

Until Next Time…