According to Davis Williams, other than athletes and rappers, young men don't have enough positive male role models. At his 'Manhood Academy,' in North London, Williams and several other black male mentors take on the paternal and fraternal roles they feel young men are missing. They offer "transformational" workshops that aim to support the boys' passage into adulthood and keep them out of trouble. Workshops include practicing empathy towards community issues and responsible citizenship.
Meeting Davis and the academy, and getting to witness firsthand all the amazing work they do, was such an honor and a privilege. A lot of the issues the Manhood Academy tackle are ones I keep close to my heart and I believe it's this kind of work that can help make London a safer place for young, black men. I'm so happy I got to share Davis' brilliant work.
Click here to watch the video I produced.