High-Level Summary
In this powerful episode of Rise Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Anya Owens-Brown, the founder of Our Kings, to discuss the critical mission of nurturing, protecting, and empowering young Black boys. Originating from a mother's deep love and fear following the tragic events of 2014, the movement has grown from a simple playgroup into a structured 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering holistic mentorship, parent support, and cultural education. The conversation highlights the essential role of community in healing trauma, building confidence, and reclaiming the narrative for the next generation of leaders.
Key Takeaways
The Power of the Village: Raising children, particularly Black boys in a challenging societal landscape, requires a collective community effort where parents, mentors, and educators actively collaborate.
Affirming Identity and Heritage: Integrating African-American history and representation into early education builds a strong foundation of cultural pride, helping boys overcome societal insecurities.
Active Parental Engagement: Our Kings operates on a strict volunteer model, emphasizing that parents must heal and grow alongside their children to advocate effectively.
Creating Emotional Safe Spaces: Giving boys grace, allowing them to express vulnerability, and using creative tools like writing down thoughts help combat the pressures of societal expectations.
Detailed Outline & Topic Breakdown
The Catalyst of Maternal Fear
Anya recounts how the killing of Michael Brown in 2014 and subsequent tragedies left her young sons terrified of the outside world, culminating in a panic-filled traffic stop that forced her to take action. Unable to find existing programs that allowed young Black boys to simply be children, she started a weekend meetup group for ten boys to play safely.
An Unexpectedly Diverse Alliance
The initial meetups quickly attracted mothers from diverse racial backgrounds—including Asian, Hispanic, and Caucasian mothers—who were raising Black sons and seeking guidance. This unexpected community trust transformed Anya's personal mission into a broader leadership role, highlighting a shared need for education and advocacy.
From Meetup to Structured Nonprofit
The societal reckoning of 2020 pushed the movement to transition into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit named Our Kings, which stands for Kind, Intelligent, Noble, Gifted Sons. Co-chaired by Anya's brother, the organization established structured, long-term programs to provide sustainable support rather than temporary protest energy.
Comprehensive Cohort Programs
The organization runs three nine-month cohorts: Mommy and Kings for early childhood, Kings Keepers for elementary to middle school, and Kings to Kings for high schoolers. These programs blend cultural pride, professional mentorship from Black males, entrepreneurship, and a big-brother mentoring structure.
Navigating Pressures and Giving Grace
Anya and Taryell discuss the unique emotional burdens carried by young Black boys, including the man of the house syndrome and systemic biases in schools. They emphasize the necessity of emotional check-ins, meditation, and giving boys the grace to show vulnerability and cry.
Memorable Quotes
"I cannot walk in a room with no confidence if I am telling them to walk in the room with confidence." — Anya Owens-Brown
"Belonging is giving your son that opportunity to be there, and belonging for society is allowing them to be there with no judgment." — Anya Owens-Brown
"We have to give our boys grace. We have to let them know that it is okay to cry, it is okay to feel, and we have to let them know that we are here for them as parents." — Anya Owens-Brown
Resources, Tools, & Recommendations Mentioned
Our Kings Nonprofit Website: https://www.rkings.org
Lemon Grove, Santee, and San Diego School Districts
Louisiana Purchase Restaurant (Culinary Program Partner)
Hats and Bow Tie Brunch (Annual Celebration Event on May 23rd)
Eventbrite (Ticket Platform for the Brunch)
