A Community of Kings: Celebrating the Fellowship Initiative Class of 2026
By Bro Kahlil Chatmon
It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as Director of such an extraordinary program, a true community of Kings, Families, Mentors, Staff, and Supporters. The Fellowship Initiative is a deeply special experience where our young men have the opportunity to transform themselves, uplift each other, and inspire every adult around them.
Our recent Crowning Ceremony was a beautiful, tangible display of that transformation. Together, we celebrated the incredible accomplishments of our young Kings and listened as they shared what has been most impactful over the past three years. The dedication, brotherhood, commitment, work ethic, and love required to keep showing up, week after week, month after month, year after year, is no small feat. These Kings dug deep and gave it everything they had. As a Kingmaker community, we were left in awe, reeling with pride as we heard how deeply this experience resonated with them.
The lessons taught here are now permanently ingrained. The consistent calls from mentors, the intentional check-ins from staff, all of it has culminated in an unshakeable belief that these Kings now carry within themselves. We are profoundly grateful to have shared this journey with them, and we are thrilled to witness where they go next with the tools, gifts, and talents at their disposal.
By the Numbers: Major Milestones to Celebrate
Our Kings put in the work, and the results speak for themselves:
26 Kings proudly completed the intensive, three-year program
160+ College Acceptances secured across the cohort
$800,000+ in Scholarships earned to fund their futures
We have always known that Black and Brown young men have exactly what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. We also know they deserve the same support, resources, and intentional investment that other students enjoy. We are incredibly proud to say that when we truly level the playing field, our Kings don't just make it to the next level; they thrive.
Thank you to everyone who poured into our young Kings. The future is exceptionally bright.