Leaders of the Free World

To commemorate #InternationalEducationWeek, LFW is sharing our inspiring collection of Black Male Travel Stories. These narratives highlight their unique experiences, challenges, and transformative moments, offering a powerful perspective on the impact of travel on identity, culture, and connection. (Originally shared October 2017) At 16, Joseph "Joey" Peele embarked on his first international trip to the Bahamas. This experience was transformative, marking his first family vacation and a tribute to his late father, who had dreamed of such a moment for their family. Overcoming his fear of flying, Joey’s journey was a turning point, introducing him to new cultures, broadening his worldview, and reshaping his perception of human relationships. "Subconsciously, this trip was slowly shifting how I value human relationships." Interacting with people from different backgrounds shifted his sense of self, instilling humility and an appreciation for the shared humanity among cultures. This trip also ignited a passion for travel, setting him on a path to explore France, South Africa, Mexico, and more. Joey’s advice to his younger self: Dream big, stay present, and embrace every experience. He cherishes the connections made through travel, which have enriched his life and provided lasting friendships. Joey is a proud North Carolina native and public servant, driven by his passions for travel and fostering understanding across cultures.

Black Men in Global Leadership In celebration of #InternationalEducationWeek, we are thrilled to announce our annual, Black Men in Global Leadership Summit, February 27, 2025 at Georgia State University. This one-day hybrid event will connect Black male students from across the country with global leadership opportunities, career pathways, and valuable networking. Save the date—let’s diversify global leadership together! Get notified when registration opens: https://lnkd.in/dgMzpMed #IEW2024 #InternationalEducationWeek #blackmaleachievement #leadership

To commemorate #InternationalEducationWeek, LFW is highlighting our inspiring collection of Black Male Travel Stories, showcasing unique experiences, challenges, and transformative moments. These stories provide powerful insights into the impact of travel on identity, culture, and connection. (Originally shared March 2016) At 30, Napoleon Maddox traveled to Japan to promote his band and album. Experiencing Asia for the first time, he was struck by the Japanese appreciation for African-American music and culture, making his visit feel celebratory. During his week-long trip, he performed, gave interviews, and immersed himself in Japan’s peaceful, respectful atmosphere. Napoleon credits his success to the kindness of his hosts and his preparation, which allowed him to connect meaningfully with others. The experience was transformative, teaching him the importance of self-confidence and clear communication. His advice to his younger self: "You belong here. Go and own it." Today, Napoleon Maddox is a hip-hop artist, cultural ambassador, and founder of the Underworld Black Arts Festival in Cincinnati—continues to build cultural bridges through music. He has served as Music Director for Diane Von Furstenberg and French director Louis J. Gore and resides part-time in Paris, France.

To commemorate #InternationalEducationWeek, LFW is sharing our inspiring collection of Black Male Travel Stories. These narratives highlight their unique experiences, challenges, and transformative moments, offering a powerful perspective on the impact of travel on identity, culture, and connection. (Originally shared May 2017) At 21, Jordan Brown traveled to Bermuda with his family, reconnecting with his grandfather’s legacy, who was stationed there in the 1960s. This trip, Jordan’s first with family, exposed him to a predominantly Black community, rich culture, and vibrant history, a stark contrast to his upbringing in Sacramento, California, where Black representation was limited. In Bermuda, Jordan noticed a profound sense of community—Black individuals acknowledged one another with greetings and smiles, a gesture that felt unfamiliar but deeply impactful. This experience reshaped how Jordan viewed Black identity and connection, inspiring him to value and acknowledge others in his own life. He began to see the power of small acts, like a smile or nod, in affirming presence and fostering belonging. The trip also sparked Jordan’s passion for travel. Witnessing Bermuda’s culture encouraged him to save money, get a passport, and explore the world. Since then, he’s visited Ghana, Morocco, Colombia, and Europe, embracing new experiences and broadening his perspective. His travels deepened his pride in Blackness and strengthened his resolve to uplift others. Jordan’s advice to his younger self? Be open, learn from people, document experiences, and embrace the beauty of stepping out of your comfort zone. This journey became a gateway to self-discovery and global exploration. #IEW2024 #GlobalLeadership #LeadersOfTheFreeWorld #InternationalEducation

To commemorate #InternationalEducationWeek, LFW is sharing our inspiring collection of Black Male Travel Stories. These narratives highlight their unique experiences, challenges, and transformative moments, offering a powerful perspective on the impact of travel on identity, culture, and connection. (Originally shared June 2017) At 19, Harold Moore embarked on a life-changing internship with the State Department in London. This experience pushed him out of his comfort zone, expanded his understanding of the world, and set the stage for a lifetime of global exploration. Harold credits the trip with challenging his assumptions about comfort, exposing him to diverse perspectives on the U.S., and deepening his humility. It was a pivotal moment that reshaped his sense of self and his understanding of the interconnectedness of the world. He began to see how his choices as a voter, student, and consumer could have ripple effects in places he hadn’t even imagined. This trip sparked Harold’s passion for travel, leading him to explore Cuba, South Africa, Guatemala, Spain, and beyond. It also taught him to appreciate different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, even as he faced challenges like budgeting on a tight exchange rate and grappling with perceptions of Americans abroad. Harold’s advice to his younger self? "Enjoy it. Meet more people, open your heart more, and eat different food." This journey was more than a trip—it was a gateway to growth, understanding, and a global mindset.

Celebrate International Education Week 2024 with Leaders of the Free World! At Leaders of the Free World (LFW), we believe that international education is more than an opportunity—it’s a transformative experience that broadens horizons, deepens connections, and fosters mutual understanding across cultures. International Education Week (IEW) 2024 is a powerful reminder of why our mission matters. LFW is committed to equipping Black male students with the tools, networks, and experiences to become global leaders. This week reflects our vision: to encourage exploration—of opportunities, cultures, languages, and perspectives—while breaking barriers to representation in global leadership. As we celebrate IEW 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to opening doors for Black men to thrive on the international stage and reshape the narrative of global leadership. We look forward to inspiring the next generation to explore, connect, and lead with purpose. https://lnkd.in/dy7Rc3N #IEW2024 #GlobalLeadership #LeadersOfTheFreeWorld #InternationalEducation

Culture Beyond Borders, LLC is a key piece of our travel program. Check out their latest post!

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with Leaders of the Free World (LFW), an inspiring program dedicated to developing globally-minded, self-aware, and service-driven leaders among young Black men. Last month, they took 10 exceptional fellows on an enriching cross-cultural trip to Ghana, West Africa. This immersive experience fostered cultural understanding, collaboration, and enhanced their leadership skills. Investing in the next generation is crucial, and this organization exemplifies just that. I can't recommend LFW highly enough for their impactful work and dedication to empowering future leaders. https://lnkd.in/gK7tWsfg

Check out this article by our program. Mentor Stephn Roberts, from the University of Delaware who traveled to Ghana with us this past summer. "Lerner Academic Advisor Stephen Roberts, UD Students Travel to Ghana for Leadership Development Program" https://lnkd.in/eBWb7dU5

A big thank you to everyone who attended LFW's Presentation Night last Monday. We are so grateful for your support! The night was full of powerful stories and reflections from our fellows. This event was a great opportunity to see the growth, leadership, and impact of our students on their communities and the world. The lessons they’ve learned through the LFW Fellowship Program are shaping the future of global leadership. We also want to extend a BIG thank you to all of our partners who make this work possible: University of Delaware, New Jersey City University, University of Southern Indiana, Prairie View A&M University, Guilford College, Culture Beyond Borders, LLC, and Institute of International Education Center for Access and Equity. Thank you! https://lnkd.in/dy7Rc3N #InternationalEducation #Leadership #Global #Fellowship #LFW #Ghana