Our
Story
What We Do
​Leading. Inspiring. Empowering. Community.
Inspiring young black males between the ages of 10 and 17 to unlock their potential and become leaders now and in the future
It truly takes a village to raise a child. It takes even more to raise young black males to shape them into men! By the same token, it takes a village to develop young black males into leaders from the ground up.
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Why is Your Support Crucial to our Work?
Our work is crucial because, as The Brookings Institution, a public policy organization warns, 'No other demographic group has fared as badly, so persistently and for so long.' The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.
In 2019, a bipartisan commission of 19 members, known as the "Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys," was created to improve government programs to investigate civil rights violations affecting black males and study the disparities they experience in education, criminal justice, health, employment, fatherhood, mentorship, and violence. The commission is required to report annually and make recommendations to improve the social conditions and provide vital guidance for Congress on effective strategies to reduce the racial disparities in education, criminal justice, health, and employment.
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The study further shows startling statistics pertaining to disenfranchisement and:
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how schools poorly serve black males
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issues with upward mobility
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the wealth gap, which ultimately leads to the school-to-prison pipeline
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unfair hiring practices, which leads to low employment rates
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life expectancy
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prison disproportionalities ​
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Helping to Change the Narrative
Ralph's extraordinary story of transforming his life from growing up with low socioeconomic status to becoming an award-winning speaker, author, educator, entrepreneur, podcast host, and retired law enforcement officer is the inspiration for his non-profit. Due to Ralph's life struggles as a young black male with no one to mentor or coach him, all the while overcoming adversity, poverty, and witnessing drug dealing, drug usage, and people's civil rights violated almost on a daily basis by the police, his mission is to equip young black males with the knowledge and skills needed to become powerful, inspirational, motivational, and empowering. His vision is not limited to a local impact but to create black global leaders and change agents, making a difference on a truly international scale.
Thanks to Leader Village, we can look forward to a future where young leaders emerge, choosing to become authors, educators, public servants, or law enforcement officers. Their impact will be profound, inspiring others to reach their full potential and make a difference in our community.
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Reference:
Reeves, Richard, et al, "The Challenges Facing Black Men - and the Case for Action," November 19, 2020, https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-challenges-facing-black-men-and-the-case-for-action/
Let’s Work Together
Help support the mission by donating or becoming a sponsor. Please be sure to indicate non-profit in the subject line of emails. Thank you support in advance!
E-Mail: ralph@drhspeaks.com
786.501.9907
Ensuring a Viable Future for Young Black Males
MISSION
The mission of Leader Village is to create an education-to-leadership pipeline by inspiring, motivating, empowering, educating, and equipping young black males between the ages of 10 and 17 to be responsible and ethical human beings who can successfully lead global organizations now and in the future.
VISION
The vision of Leader Village is to see a world where every young black male grows up to lead million—and billion-dollar organizations and is 100% free from incarceration.
WE HELP YOUNG BLACK MALES BECOME RESPONSIBLE GLOBAL CITIZENS AND CHANGE AGENTS THROUGH:
• Mentoring
• Coaching
• Education
• Faith
• Volunteerism
WE HELP OUR YOUNG MEN BY ENSURING THEY LEARN
• Skills (writing, communication,
trades, critical thinking, etc.)
• Business communication
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Emotional intelligence
• Responsibility (i.e., chores)
• Respect
• Excellence
• Black history
• Acting
• Podcasting
• Nutrition
• Kindness & proper behavior
• Pride
• Entrepreneurism
• Self-esteem
• Interpersonal skills
• Proper hygiene
• Grooming
• Multiple streams of income
• Investing
• How to interact with the police
• STEM
• Book Writing
• Physical Education
YOUNGLEADERS
Ralph is committed to showing young black males they can accomplish their goals, regardless of their environment or background -- even if anyone tells them that they can't!
BRIDGING LAW ENFORCEMENT & THE COMMUNITY
Another one of Ralph's missions is to bridge the relationship between the police and underserved communities.
Given Ralph's extensive law enforcement career, growing up in Harlem during the height of the crack cocaine epidemic, and his teaching background, he ensures his training sessions do not alienate but educate audiences on historical ramifications that create systemic issues between the police and underserved communities and how they can work together for the betterment of their respective communities.
COREAIMS
Liberation
Education
Accountability
Discipline
Equality
Respect