We Got Accepted! Celebrating Our College-Bound Kings
By: Kahlil Chatmon
The air in the Kingmakers Fellowship Initiative (TFI) space right now is electric. It’s thick with that kind of pride that makes your chest swell. For three years, our mission has been to cultivate young Black and Brown men who are academically, socially, and holistically prepared to grab their futures. Today, we honor our outstanding Kings who have already secured their places in higher education: Sterling Sims and Kaiden Taylor. This is what the work looks like!
Dropping the Beat: Sterling Sims
Sterling Sims, a dedicated senior out of Oakland High School, is racking up acceptances already, including Cal State East Bay, Sacramento State, and San Francisco State. Sterling is an incredibly talented King with a profound interest in music production and engineering. His TFI journey is a living testament to the power of community and showing up for your future.
Watching Sterling’s evolution has been nothing short of brilliant. His work ethic, consistency, and growth over these three years are undeniable. When he first started with us, Sterling was often quiet, reserved, and reluctant to fully tap into the power in the room. To witness him gradually warm up to the brotherhood, the culture, and the high-octane energy of our Saturday sessions was huge. He has truly transformed into a vibrant, essential member of this community, shining the light that was always inside him. Sterling's success is a source of immense pride, proving that dedication is the ultimate key to unlocking that King potential.
The King's Blueprint: Kaiden Taylor
From Skyline High School, we celebrate Kaiden Taylor, whose relentless dedication has earned him acceptances to Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Sacramento State, and Cal State East Bay. Kaiden’s achievement is particularly significant, as his acceptances include two legendary Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), powerful and life-changing paths for his future.
Kaiden embodies the spirit of a true Kingmaker. With nearly perfect attendance over the past three years, he is a walking model of reliability and engagement. He does not just attend; he leads. He is a natural among his peers, yet remains a willing learner, always injecting a surge of positive, focused energy into the TFI space. I remember when he faced a complex application essay. He did not flinch. He embraced the challenge, sought out feedback, and produced a piece that truly reflected his character and aspirations. His success is the direct result of showing up for himself, his family, and his peers, day after day. That is the definition of a King in motion.
The Heartbeat of Kingmakers TFI
These are more than acceptance letters; they are tangible proof of our mission. Kingmakers TFI equips our young men with the tools to be college, career, and community ready. Sterling and Kaiden’s accomplishments prove that this deep investment in holistic preparation, from academics to social-emotional development, yields extraordinary results. This is what it means to see our Kings achieving their goals and transforming potential into reality.
To Sterling and Kaiden, we are immensely proud of the men you have become and the powerful paths you have forged. And to the rest of Cohort 2, as you continue through your application process, keep pushing, keep shining, and keep reminding yourselves of the strength and brilliance you possess. The Kingmakers community is standing with you and cheering you on every single step of the way. We are rooting for every King!