Young Black Males Targeted to Be Fearless Leaders Under the Mentorship of Jesse Cole

DETROIT - July 26, 2016 - PRLog -- "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem" as the old adage goes. Not one to be part of the problem, Jesse Cole stepped up to be part of the solution with the King Camp for teen youth males.

"There is no doubt that urban boys, particularly African American young men, are under siege. That's why we have the 'black lives matter' movement sweeping the country. What I hope to do reiterate the message that yes, black lives matter, and that our young men are great leaders making a difference in the world, " said Jesse Cole, author and Youth Leadership Coach and King Camp Founder. See

Kids like Akil Eckford once heading down a destructive path are now getting mentorship. The teenager was hanging with the wrong crowd, involved in drug activity and continuously getting suspended from school. But, now he's on a path to attend college and become an audio engineer.

The 17-year-old Troy resident and his family credit Jesse A. Cole Jr.'s King Camp for 13- to 18-year-old males.

"I got a different outlook on life and how to stand up, take charge, and become a leader," said Eckford, who attended the first two years of the camp and is now preparing to attend the third. "I look up to Jesse Cole. He's somebody I can go to and talk about anything. He even wrote a letter of recommendation for me to go to college."

The premier live mentoring event takes place this year from 9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Aug. 27 at University Prep Science and Math High School, Detroit.

Through this "Fearless" themed experience, Cole aspires to open attendees' eyes to their full potential and equip them with the tools to reach it.

"I want this whole experience to inspire them to want something better for themselves," said Cole, a Detroit-area author, leadership speaker, and student life coach. "They seem to be afraid of success, or sabotage success, because they don't know what's out there. You can't be like hamsters in a wheel going around and around, but don't know where you're going. If you have a strategy in mind you're a little more confident about where you're going in life."


The three goals for King Camp are to expose students to professionals who can provide insight on successful models of leadership; foster students' skills in the areas of critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, communication, college and career readiness and collaboration; and provide sessions that are intentional and strategic in content, which grant students the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective leader and understand the community around them.

Detroit-area guest facilitators who will team with Cole to meet those goals are Jahquan Hawkins, James Logan and James Hill. Hawkins, dean of campus affairs for Oakland Community College in Southfield, will discuss how to be a successful leader in college. Logan, founder of Hire Level Coaching, will discuss how to prepare for the best opportunities in the workforce. Hill, of Jaye Hill Speaks, will discuss changing the mind to change behavior. Positive Rap Artist Aaron Cole, of Virginia, will be the featured entertainment.

Eckford's mother, Carlotta Brandy, will forever be grateful for the transformation she's seen in her son's life as a result of King Camp. The fact that he now asks to go without being coerced by herself or her husband is a testament that it's an enjoyable, meaningful, and effective experience for him. She now tells everyone she knows about the event.

"Some people say they're a mentor and they move along the way," said Brandy. "But, (Cole) has stayed in contact with Akil (Eckford). I'm now raising him to be a great husband and a great man. I have a king on my hands."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWt3M0D7U3Q&feature=s...




King Camp will take place at University Prep Science and Math High School, 2664 Franklin Street, Detroit. It's open to the first 100 male youth registrants.

Attendees are to wear a shirt and tie. Parents are invited to remain for a presentation by Dr. Shawn Fuqua about strengthening relationships between teenagers and parents. She is a founder of Ambassador Counseling and Resource Group, Southfield.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for youth and adult attendees. Tickets are $10. To register, visit http://www.JesseSpeaks.com or call (810) 354-KING (5464).