MUC: My Family Was Homeless but it Felt Fun!
On this week’s episode of The Man Up Club Presents on Holy Culture Radio, host Mr. Dean—also known as Cross—welcomed back a familiar face: former Man Up Club member, Leon Payne. What unfolded was a powerful conversation about childhood adversity, resilience, and the full-circle impact of mentorship.
A Journey from the Northside
Leon’s story begins on the Northside of Minneapolis. Growing up, life was far from easy. His mother faced homelessness when he was born, juggling the struggles of single parenthood with two young children. Despite their hardships—relying on Section 8 housing, WIC, and food shelves—Leon remembers his mother’s determination.
“She was holding it down crazy,” he reflected. “Because I’ve been there, I know what it feels like to have nothing. That’s why I can’t clown somebody else who’s struggling. That used to be me.”
That humility, born out of difficult beginnings, shaped the man he is today.
The Power of Mentorship
Leon joined the Man Up Club at its very first meeting back in 2012. At the time, he was just a teenager trying to find his way. Now, at 25, he looks back on those early days with gratitude.
Mr. Dean reminded him how far the program has come—from meeting around a simple church table to owning a dedicated clubhouse downtown. “A lot of people don’t know what it takes to be successful,” Dean said. “One thing is consistency. You’ve got to stay the course, coach yourself up, and sometimes cut off the people who aren’t pushing you in the right direction.”
Leon nodded in agreement, recalling that he saw firsthand how vision and consistency can turn small beginnings into something lasting.
Coming Full Circle
The conversation was more than just a trip down memory lane. It highlighted the unique way the Man Up Club has come full circle. Members like Leon, who came through the program as teenagers, are now returning as adults to inspire the next generation.
“I think we should have a reunion,” Leon suggested, “get everybody who’s ever been in the club to come back, share their stories, and talk to the new members.”
Mr. Dean agreed—and revealed that the timing couldn’t be better. The Man Up Club is hosting an open house next Thursday, and he hopes to extend the invitation to alumni who can pour back into the young men now walking the same path they once did.
Lessons in Resilience
Throughout the episode, one theme stood tall: resilience. From Leon’s mother navigating homelessness to Leon himself learning humility through hardship, the message was clear—struggles can become the foundation for strength.
Dean tied this lesson back to a broader perspective, referencing the film The Pursuit of Happyness, produced by DeVon Franklin and starring Will Smith. Just like the story of a homeless father fighting for a better life, Leon’s journey demonstrates that hardship doesn’t define destiny—it fuels it.
The Man Up Mission
The Man Up Club continues to be a powerful force for young Black men in the Twin Cities. With a mission to mentor youth ages 13–24 in life skills, academic discipline, social responsibility, and civic engagement, the organization has three main goals:
- Keep young men on track to graduate from high school.
- Help them avoid the prison pipeline.
- Guide them toward higher education or trades after graduation.
Leon’s story is living proof of that mission in action.
Looking Ahead
As Leon steps into adulthood, he carries the lessons of the Man Up Club with him: humility, perseverance, and the importance of giving back. His story is a reminder that no matter where you start, consistency and community can change the trajectory of your life.
The upcoming reunion and open house symbolize more than an event—they represent the ripple effect of mentorship. One generation of young men lifting up the next, proving that success isn’t just about where you end up, but who you bring with you along the way.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction: Growing up on the Northside
01:08 – Mr. Dean explains the mission of the Man Up Club
01:52 – Leon Payne reflects on joining the program as a teen
03:16 – Life after the program: lessons that stick
04:25 – Building the Man Up Club from humble beginnings
05:40 – The idea of a members’ reunion
06:30 – Leon opens up about his childhood struggles
08:42 – How hardship builds humility and resilience
09:08 – Lessons from The Pursuit of Happyness
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