NYC Young Men's Initiative

The 8th Annual All-Male College Fair (AMCF) was more than just an event—it was a movement. Nearly 1,000 young men of color gathered at Borough of Manhattan Community College to engage with nearly 100 colleges and universities, gaining direct access to the information and resources needed to make informed decisions about their futures. At EAF, we recognize that postsecondary success takes many forms—whether it’s higher education, workforce development, or various career pathways. That’s why AMCF remains one of our most critical initiatives, ensuring that young men have the exposure, guidance, and support to navigate their next steps with confidence. With the AMCF Bracketology Challenge, students walked away with a strategic roadmap to help them make informed choices about their future. We extend our deepest gratitude to our event sponsors, the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development and NYC Young Men's Initiative, for their unwavering commitment to expanding access and opportunities for young men of color. Together, we are building ecosystems of support that will have a lasting impact. Click the link below to check out PIX11’s coverage of this year’s AMCF. We’re proud to see this event continue to grow, and we look forward to strengthening these partnerships to create even greater impact. Learn more about how we’re shaping futures at eafny.org. https://lnkd.in/eFnr82cT #AMCF25 #EagleAcademy #CollegeAndBeyond #OpportunitiesForAll #EducationMatters #EquityInEducation

"…If I can help somebody as I pass along; then my living shall not have been in vain." Today, we remember Dr. Hazel Dukes, who led the New York State NAACP for nearly five decades and served on the Implementation of Racial Justice Charter Amendments advisory board that counsels on racial equity for NYC Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice. A tireless advocate for voting rights, economic development, fair housing, and education, Dr. Dukes' impact was felt across generations. Even in her 90s, she continued to fight for police reform and healthcare access. Dr. Dukes was the embodiment of the NAACP; may her legacy be a powerful testament and influence for future generations.

In partnership with the NYC Young Men's Initiative and the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, The Eagle Academy Foundation is hosting their 8th Annual All-Male College Fair, "ACMF 25: Taking Flight" on March 12, 2025 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at Borough of Manhattan Community College. Scan the QR code to learn more or visit bit.ly/AMCF25-info. We hope to see you there!

#ICYMI The NYC Young Men's Initiative has had a jam-packed Black History Month! On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the NYC Mayor's Office of Talent and Workforce Development hosted their "Finding Your Leadership Soul" Black History Month book talk. The event, in collaboration with Big Picture Learning, included a student-led fireside chat with Carlos Moreno, the author of "Finding Your Leadership Soul," and a student panel discussing their professional journeys and advice, as well as Executive Director James Stratford, MPA’s reflections on the programming and how it informs his work and leadership. The following Thursday, February 6, 2025, the NYC Young Men's Initiative attended NYC Men Teach Day 2025 at Medgar Evers College, CUNY. It was a great opportunity to hear from the NYC Men Teach team regarding all of the work they've accomplished over the years, and hear from NYC Men Teach alumni about their positive experiences with the program. Executive Director James Stratford shared the importance of having Black male teachers and male teachers of color in classrooms. On Friday, February 7, 2025, the NYC Young Men's Initiative team attended the CUNY Black Male Initiative’s (BMI) Annual Legislative Breakfast at CUNY York College. The breakfast included remarks from Speaker of the New York City Council Adrienne Adams, Executive Director for the CUNY Black Male Initiative Jonathan Quash PhD, and other BMI staff members, as well as remarks from Executive Director James Stratford discussing the necessity for various supports for young men of color and YMI's ongoing partnership with CUNY BMI. Additionally, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, Executive Director James Stratford attended Zone 126's Black History Month Speed Chat 'n' Chew event at Long Island City High School, where students had the opportunity to have a personal conversation with various professionals across the city, offering valuable insights into their respective career fields. Thank you to everyone who included the NYC Young Men's Initiative in their BHM events!

Next week, NYC Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner Sideya Sherman will lend her voice to "Investing in Equity for All" with NYC Commission on Racial Equity and the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy. Join us for an in depth discussion on how New York City can implement equitable allocation of government resources that addresses harm caused by racism and social injustice. Event Details: ?? Thursday, March 6, 2025 ? 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ?? Wollman Hall, Eugene Lang Building 65 W 11th St, New York, NY 10011 Register here: https://shorturl.at/bT4YV

On Thursday, February 20, 2025, the NYC Young Men's Initiative (YMI) hosted our Inaugural "Remember Your 'Y' Gala: Empowering Paths to Purpose and Promise" at Surrogate's Court. It was a great evening including a self-guided walkthrough of YMI's history, remarks from the Executive Director of NYC Her Future and former acting Executive Director of the NYC Young Men's Initiative, Nathifa Forde, the Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the NYC Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice, Sideya Sherman, and the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Intiatives, Ana Almanzar. The night also included newly appointed Executive Director James Stratford, MPA sharing YMI's strategic vision and his personal testimony, performances by the Reign of Distinction Step Team, the Meyer Levin School for Performing Arts' Steel Pan Band, and the My Brother's Keeper Step Team at Pathways College Preparatory School: A College Board School, as well as awards for YMI's previously appointed executive directors, program managers and participants, dinner, desserts, dancing, and more. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, and to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening unforgettable. We also want to thank everyone who expressed interest in attending, volunteering, or partnering--we are looking to have the gala be even bigger and better next year! If you haven't done so already, kindly share your thoughts with us on the event and strategic initiatives we shared, by clicking on the following link, or clicking the link in our bio: https://lnkd.in/gKGKXWpd Please stay tuned for an official recap and more photos!

We celebrate the power of community and collaboration. Through a partnership with NYC Department of Education, NYC Young Men's Initiative, and NYC Her Future, we’re proud to bring My Brother's Keeper and My Sister's Keeper programs to serve New York City’s youth. These initiatives are designed to ensure that young people of color reach their full potential by providing access to educational, career, and wellness opportunities. These programs are a critical step toward overcoming barriers and creating pathways to success. Together, we are building a brighter future where every young person can thrive. Learn more here: https://nycmbk.org #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityBuilding #NYC #Education #CareerDevelopment #Wellness

Join me and NYC Men Teach for next week's NYCMT Hip Hop Cypher live at CUNY Queens College. Featuring Sa-Roc, Dr. Todd Craig, Dr. Edmund S. Adjapong, and Vincent Deas, this year’s event will feature music, an open mic, and panel discussion in connection to the Queens College Black History Month theme: “African Americans & Labor: The Strength and Shape of Our Joys.” Tickets via EventBrite: bit.ly/nycmt-hiphop25

You already know James Stratford, MPA—now, get to know his story. As a Bronx native, his journey from benefiting from youth programs to leading the NYC Young Men's Initiative is a full-circle moment that fuels his passion for uplifting young men of color. With his lived experience and dedication, James is driving real change—expanding opportunities, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that young men across NYC have the support they need to thrive. His leadership is more than a title; it’s a commitment to the community. Check out the recent article the Bronx Times’ Emily Swanson wrote about our new Executive Director, James Stratford, by clicking the link here: https://lnkd.in/eeGCNthp or visiting bronxtimes.com! Shoutout to Emily, who seamlessly conveyed James' story and testimony!

The new NYC Young Men's Initiative (YMI) Executive Director, James Stratford, MPA, recently had the opportunity to sit down with NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and reflect on his journey. He shared how his time at the school played a pivotal role in shaping him into the leader he is today, and how those experiences will continue to guide his work at YMI. Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/eTTHkWP8