By Kahlil Chatmon
TFI Oakland Director Kahlil Chatmon and Facilitator Alonzo traveled to Houston for a two-day national planning session led by PRAXIS and JPMorgan Chase & Co. They joined TFI teams from New York (Brothers@), Dallas (Big Thought), Houston (Discover U), Chicago (Youth Guidance), and Los Angeles (Social Justice Learning Institute) to strengthen our shared vision and chart the path ahead for The Fellowship Initiative.
Through deep dialogue, strategic collaboration, and a collective commitment to our Kings, we’re aligning across cities to ensure that our young men receive the support, opportunities, and community they deserve. This gathering reminded us: the work is local, but the movement is national.
Building relationships as a national TFI team is not just a strategic necessity—it’s a powerful act of solidarity. The time we spent together in Houston, especially around the dinner table, created space for real connection beyond agendas and deliverables. These moments allowed us to see one another as people first—leaders carrying similar burdens, holding similar hopes, and navigating similar challenges.
For Alonzo and Kahlil, it was deeply affirming to share stories and learn from different cities. Hearing how others are innovating, struggling, and succeeding helped them reflect on their own growth and impact over the past year. There’s something grounding about being reminded that we’re not alone in this work—that there’s a national family of practitioners who get it, and who have our backs.
Especially in the context of today’s political climate, where the work of empowering young Kings is constantly being tested, these connections refueled us. They reignited our purpose and reminded us that while the work is hard, the movement is bigger than any one city, school, or administration.
We left Houston re-energized—not just with new ideas, but with a renewed sense of community and commitment.
