In today’s society, mentorship plays a crucial role in shaping the futures of young individuals, particularly for those who may lack a stable support system. This is exemplified by the work of the Man Up Club, an organization dedicated to mentoring young black males between the ages of 13 and 24. Founded by Mr. Dean, this mentor leadership organization operates in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, providing life skills, social skills, academic discipline, and civic responsibility to its members. Recently, Mr. Dean sat down with a remarkable young man named T’Ziah, who has grown and flourished under the club’s mentorship.

The Man Up Club’s Mission and Goals

The core mission of the Man Up Club is to help young black men navigate the challenging transition from adolescence to adulthood. The club’s main goals are to ensure these young men graduate from high school, avoid the prison pipeline, and pursue higher education or trades. With a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Minneapolis, the organization offers numerous programs ranging from music production and culinary arts to fitness and construction training.

Mr. Dean emphasizes the importance of mentoring young men, providing them guidance to develop into successful individuals who can give back to the community. Mentorship is particularly critical because as many as 80 percent of the young men involved in the Man Up Club do not have active father figures in their lives.

A Success Story: T’Ziah’s Journey

T’Ziah’s story is a testament to the organization’s profound impact. Born into homelessness and raised by a single mother, T’Ziah faced numerous challenges early in life. However, his mother instilled strong values in him, underscoring the importance of manners and never forgetting where he came from.

Life took a positive turn when T’Ziah and his brother joined the Man Up Club. Initially hesitant, they were welcomed into a community that fostered leadership and personal growth. Taziah reflected on how the club’s programs and mentorship helped him stay on the right path, avoiding potential pitfalls that he saw others around him succumb to.

Overcoming Adversity Through Mentorship

The Man Up Club’s influence extended beyond just offering programs; it provided T’Ziah with the support system he needed. Despite experiencing bullying at school and dealing with the complexities of growing up without a father, Taziah found solace and growth opportunities through mentorship. The organization nurtured his academic and personal development, motivating him to pursue higher education and achieve his goals.

T’Ziah’s relationship with music, both as a personal escape and as a spiritual guide, played a significant role in his growth. He often turned to Christian hip hop, finding inspiration and encouragement in the lyrics and messages.

Giving Back: Full Circle

T’Ziah exemplifies the “full circle” philosophy that Mr. Dean promotes within the club. Having completed his education and earned a certificate in Medical Administrative Assistance, T’Ziah returned to the Man Up Club to work and mentor new members. His journey from participant to mentor illustrates the transformative power of giving back to the community that supported one’s growth.

Conclusion

The Man Up Club stands out as a beacon of hope and support for young black men in the Twin Cities. By addressing not just educational and career goals, but also providing emotional and spiritual guidance, the organization nurtures future leaders. T’Ziah’s inspiring journey reflects the impact and necessity of mentorship in the lives of young people. As more individuals like T’Ziah continue to thrive and give back, the Man Up Club reaffirms its commitment to changing lives and building a stronger community.

Holy Culture Radio is operated by The Corelink Solution, a non-profit organization that aims to create a safe space for healing, foster unity in our communities and empower the next generation of creatives and leaders through spreading the gospel.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to the Man Up Club

00:21 Mission and Goals of the Man Up Club

00:45 New Facility and National Expansion

01:13 Full Circle: Success Stories

01:56 Meet Cesare: A Man Up Member

03:07 Cesare’s Early Life and Challenges

07:11 Middle and High School Experiences

09:17 Impact of Homelessness and Mentorship

10:24 Mr. Dean’s Journey to Youth Work

15:10 Programs and Opportunities at the Man Up Club

17:03 Cesare’s Journey with the Man Up Club

21:17 Educational Pursuits and Achievements

23:05 Giving Back: Working for the Man Up Club

24:39 The Impact of Mentorship

25:01 Community Outreach and Invitation

26:19 Success Stories and Giving Back

27:00 Personal Struggles and Triumphs

28:17 Faith and Music

31:28 The Role of Christian Hip Hop

36:49 Challenges in High School

49:27 Father Figures and Mentorship

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