Core Principles
The future of the African American community depends on whether our youth have access to education, mentorship, cultural identity, economic mobility, and safe environments.
A society that does not invest in its children guarantees its own decline. My approach is grounded in a simple principle: every Black child must have the tools to thrive, compete, and lead—without apology.
Key Challenges Facing Black Youth
- Underfunded schools and a lack of enrichment programs.
- Exposure to violence and unsafe neighborhood conditions.
- Limited mentorship from professionals and community leaders.
- Barriers to economic participation including job access and entrepreneurship.
- Mental health challenges without adequate culturally competent support.
- Over-policing that criminalizes rather than supports youth.
- Digital divide that limits access to modern opportunities.
Policy Positions
1. Education & Academic Support
- Fund advanced placement, STEM, language, and arts programs in Black-majority schools.
- Provide free tutoring and college readiness support.
- Expand scholarship programs for Black high achievers and first-generation students.
2. Mentorship & Leadership Development
- Create a national network of Black mentors and professionals.
- Fund leadership camps, rites-of-passage programs, and youth councils.
- Support culturally rooted mentorship programs run by community institutions.
3. Economic Pathways for Youth
- Establish youth employment programs with fair pay and structured training.
- Offer grants for young Black entrepreneurs and teen business incubators.
- Provide financial literacy education in all K–12 schools.
4. Safety, Health & Community Wellbeing
- Invest in safe recreation centers, sports programs, and after-school activities.
- Fund mental health services tailored to Black youth experiences.
- Reduce youth exposure to policing by substituting community support workers.
5. Technology, Digital Access & Future Careers
- Guarantee universal high-speed internet for all children.
- Provide coding, robotics, and AI training programs.
- Partner with tech firms to create internship pipelines for Black youth.
6. Cultural Identity & Community Strength
- Support programs connecting youth to Black history and diaspora culture.
- Fund arts, music, and cultural expression as tools of empowerment.
- Protect youth from harmful media stereotypes through cultural literacy education.