MUC Presents: The Mentoring A Great Young Leader

On this episode of The Man Up Club Presents with host Mr. Dean (aka Kross), listeners are introduced to Jerome Richardson, a 21-year-old youth advocate, musician, and activist from St. Paul, Minnesota. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and the pursuit of purpose in the face of adversity.

Growing Up with the Village

Richardson grew up in a household surrounded by strong Black women—his mother, grandmother, and aunts—who provided structure, discipline, and love. While he did not have his father present, he benefited from a “village” of mentors, church elders, and community leaders who helped guide him. This environment, though challenging, instilled in him an early understanding of responsibility, service, and the importance of faith.

He describes formative experiences such as working alongside cousins to care for their grandmother’s home, being shaped by the dual cultural environments of the church and the hair shop, and finding inspiration in role models who stepped in during key moments of his youth.

Finding His Voice Through Music

Music became one of Richardson’s first avenues of expression. From playing in jazz bands and church ensembles to forming his own groups and performing at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, music opened doors to significant opportunities. He has played at the BET Awards, toured with Alicia Keys, and shared stages across genres—from gospel to jazz to R&B.

Yet Richardson is candid about the realities of the music industry. “If you’re not the main act, you’re not making money,” he admits, emphasizing the importance of relationships, creativity, and resilience for survival in such a competitive field. Despite his accomplishments, he remains uncertain whether music will be his lifelong path, recognizing it as one of many gifts contributing to his larger purpose.

Stepping into Activism

The murder of George Floyd marked a turning point in Richardson’s journey. He co-founded Minnesota Teen Activists, a youth-led organization responsible for organizing walkouts, rallies, and mutual aid efforts. Their activism garnered national attention, including coverage on CNN and Teen Vogue. From raising funds for businesses impacted by unrest to mobilizing thousands of students in demonstrations, Richardson has emerged as a leading young voice for justice in Minnesota.

Now a political science senior at Temple University, he envisions expanding his impact beyond Minnesota. Whether through law school, policy, or international human rights work, Richardson is determined to shape systems that protect and uplift marginalized voices.

Reflections on Black Identity

Throughout the conversation, Richardson reflects deeply on what it means to be a young Black man in America. He acknowledges the stigma, fear, and stereotypes that accompany his identity—sharing how even something as routine as being pulled over by police can trigger terror. At the same time, he stresses the importance of self-care, emotional intelligence, and building faith.

Rather than simply living in “autopilot resistance,” he urges young people to embrace both resilience and wholeness. “We are in desperate need of everyone’s gift,” he says, encouraging listeners to follow their greatest excitement and give their unique contributions to the world

Legacy and Purpose

Richardson’s story illustrates the heartbeat of The Man Up Club’s mission: mentoring young Black men, amplifying their voices, and equipping them to graduate high school, avoid incarceration, and pursue education or trades. His perspective on legacy—preserving family homes, valuing intergenerational wisdom, and thinking beyond the present moment—reveals a maturity far beyond his years.

Mr. Dean closed the episode by affirming his pride in Richardson’s journey, highlighting the power of mentorship, intentionality, and faith in shaping the next generation.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Man Up Club Presents shines a light on the complexities, challenges, and triumphs of young Black men navigating today’s world. Jerome Richardson’s story embodies the resilience of community, the transformative power of music, and the urgency of activism. Above all, it is a reminder that legacy is not just about what we inherit—it’s about what we build, protect, and pass on to those who come after us.

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 and guest Jerome Richardson
02:00 – Growing up in St. Paul without a father but surrounded by strong women
05:20 – The role of community, mentors, and the “village” in shaping his path
08:30 – Early ambition: NAACP involvement and learning from elders
13:00 – First connections with Mr. Dean through music and God Flow Festival
17:30 – Discovering his musical identity and performing Black American music
19:50 – From local stages to touring with Alicia Keys and performing at the BET Awards
21:20 – The realities of the music industry and its challenges
25:00 – Finding purpose beyond talents: law school, politics, and global human rights
30:20 – Founding Minnesota Teen Activists and organizing youth-led movements
33:20 – Lessons from activism, travel, and studying at Temple University
39:20 – The state of Black youth culture and identity in America
44:00 – Overcoming fear, faith in God, and defining purpose
48:00 – Final reflections on legacy, identity, and giving your gifts

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