Oakland Youth Complete Ubuntu Leadership Institute

Feeling more confident and stronger in their identity, a group of eight young Black men recently graduated from the Ubuntu Leadership Institute (ULI).

Hosted by the Brotherhood of Elders Network, the 16-month leadership program is designed to provide personal and professional development and prepare young men for college, careers, and community leadership.

The program serves young Black males ages 14-20. This person receive mentorship, leadership development and African-centered education.

Ubuntu encourages identity development

For Director of Youth Programs, Terrance Holiday, the graduation marks another milestone in a program that has evolved over nearly a decade.

“This cohort is really the most official,” Holiday said. “It’s now got structure. The institute began as a series of pilot programs. In the current format, participants are paired with intergenerational mentors and take part in professional development workshops, backpacking trips, community service and cultural learning experiences, he said.

Last year, participants participated in a seven-day study abroad experience in Colombia, where participants traveled through Medellín, Cartagena and San Basilio de Palenque, one of the Americas’ first free Black communities.

“Watching these young brothers mature right in front of our eyes and seeing the impact of them being global citizens,” Holiday said, was one of the program’s most rewarding moments. He recalled seeing participants’ reactions “when they saw other Black people in the diaspora and felt embraced.”

Learning the “Art of Being a Black Man”

Holiday said the program centers self-discovery through the “Art of Being a Black Man” curriculum. The Brotherhood of Elders Network developed that curriculum a decade ago. As part of the program, participants examine the values they have inherited and the values they want to carry forward.

“In order to deprogram and reprogram them with African values, they have to be aware of the values they have,” he said.

Along the way, participants build practical tools for their futures. Each graduate leaves the program with a professional portfolio that includes a résumé, personal statement, professional headshot and documented community service hours, Holliday said. Graduates also receive a tailored suit and passport to backing future educational and professional opportunities.

For 16-year-old Larry Darnell, the experience helped sharpen his focus.

“ULI has helped me become more disciplined and think more about my future,” Darnell said. “It pushed me to carry myself like a leader and stay focused on my goals.”

Sir’Vontae Dixon, 18, said the program strengthened his confidence.

“Being a part of ULI impacted me in a good way by helping me grow into a more focused and confident person,” Dixon said.

Program leaders say past participants have gone on to launch businesses, pursue college, and continue developing as community leaders.

Holiday said the goal is not only to prepare young men for professional success, but additionally to help them represent Oakland with pride wherever they go.

Applications are now open for the next Ubuntu Leadership Institute cohort. The program meets on the first and third Saturdays at Parker Community Resource Center in East Oakland.

Disclosure: Rasheed Shabazz has participated in the Brotherhood of Elders Network since 2011, served as Community Engagement Manager from 2015-2017, but has no current role with the group.