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Actors Danny Glover and Delroy Lindo Join Inaugural From the Fire Summer Leadership Academy for Young Men of Color at Princeton University
Leadership development, mentoring, and Rites of Passage are the focuses of the new From the Fire: Leadership Academy for Young Men on July 22-August 3, 2018. Operated by At the Well Conferences, Inc.; a provider of events for teens since 2009, the inaugural two-week boarding program at Princeton University is designed for young men of color in the ninth, tenth or eleventh grades of high school.
The Program Chair is the actor and director Delroy Lindo. He has provided memorable performances in films such as The Cider House Rules, Heist, Clockers, Crooklyn, Malcolm X, and Ransom. Lindo’s passion for the plight of minority boys is leading the actor to take an active role in the program’s development. Lindo states, “My hope is that the experience of From the Fire will give students a boost to take the next steps in whatever goals they have planned for their lives.” The keynote speaker is actor, producer, and humanitarian Danny Glover. Glover has been a commanding presence on screen, stage, and television for more than 25 years. Additional speakers include former NBA stars Charlie Ward and Jason Richardson, Honorable Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, artist Hank Willis Thomas, attorney Kevin Harden, and music professor Aaron Dworkin.
From the Fire’s curriculum and programming is research-based and designed by educators and leaders with decades of experience in young adult education and social change activism. It is rooted in the spiritual and intellectual traditions forged in the justice struggles of African Americans. The Leadership Development component will provide transformative education in the form of small group projects, critical reading and writing sessions, and dynamic speakers.
Mentorship is offered as a form of “deep caring” to overcome widespread indifference to these most vulnerable young men. Each participant will be paired with a male mentor who will receive training and the opportunity to attend the event’s Closing Ceremony at Princeton University. The Rites of Passage component will be a journey of self-discovery that unlocks the hidden resilience of the students as fundamental to their manhood. The young men will participate in a host of experiential activities that create and hone life skills.
Full scholarships are available based upon need. Toby Sanders is the Co-founder and Director of Curriculum of From the Fire and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He states, “We are offering guidance and instruction that encourages these students to see the power within them and others.”
Held simultaneously will be the eighth year of the At the Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy for current 10th- and 11th-grade girls of color. The actress Nicole Ari Parker will serve as Program Chair. The application deadline for all programs is March 31, 2018. Partnerships and donors are sought to secure scholarships for students of both academies. For more information and to apply, go to www.atthewellconferences.org.
A Night to Remember: Young Atlanta’s 12th Annual Fashion Exhibition Honors Negro Baseball League Legacy at Georgia Tech’s Russ Chandler Stadium, November 10, 2024
Jalaiah Osei (Model), Prince Osei (Model), and Pernell Assumin (Model) pose in the middle of the field, sporting designs by OKUAFO PA at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
On November 10, 2024, the 12th Annual Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition brought Georgia Tech’s Russ Chandler Stadium to life with a vibrant celebration of Black creativity and resilience. This year’s theme, “BlackBalled,” paid homage to the history of the Negro Baseball League while showcasing the fresh perspectives and talents of Atlanta’s youth and rising creatives. Founded in 2012 by Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai (Executive Producer), Young Atlanta has been dedicated to uplifting the next generation, providing a platform for young talent in art, design, music, and fashion.
The night started with a moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice,” followed by an energetic performance from a local high school band and dancers from Jonesboro High School. Months of training led to the big night, as models worked tirelessly with professional coaches, including Antwain Donté, Chisom, and Carolyna, to perfect their runway walk and presence. The runway showcased collections from 18 designers, including standout pieces from the following: HOLLYANDROO, Karim Richie, Saber Brand, NBD Fashion, Teho, and House of Imah. Elaine Rodriguez (Project Manager, Model), serving as the night’s MC, captivated the crowd as she guided the audience through the event theme, broadcasted on the stadium’s big screen.
Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai (Young Atlanta Executive Producer and Designer) getting interviewed by a journalist from Sheen Magazine at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo
Naomi (Model) strikes a powerful runway pose in a piece by Eli Couture at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
Anaya Brown-Jones (Model) walks the runway on the diamond of the baseball field, wearing BY HOLLYANDROO at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
Jessica (Model) struts out of the tunnel, stunning the audience in a look by KARIM RICHIE at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Venue Name – Photographed by Devin.
Joshua Jones (Model) sports a colorful cultural piece by Oma Revealed at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Devin.
Jordan L. (Model), House of Imah (Designer), and Ester Frimpong (Model), representing HOUSE OF IMAH, pose together with the designer at the center, showcasing stunning pieces at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Devin.
The Jonesboro HS Band started the performance at the 12th Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition at Georgia Tech Russ Chandler Stadium – Photographed by Dapo.
The 12th Annual Young Atlanta Fashion Exhibition was more than a show; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and unity led by Executive Producer Charles “HOLLYANDROO” Pabai. His vision to uplift Atlanta’s creative youth through fashion, art, and community shined brighter than ever, leaving a mark on everyone in attendance. This year’s event proved that Young Atlanta is not just an organization—it’s a movement that continues to inspire and empower the next generation of diverse voices.
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