Teen Overcame Odds to Pursue a Career

On the latest episode of The Man Up Club Presents with host Mr. Dean, aka KROSS, listeners were introduced to Dackarie, a 19-year-old member of the Man Up Club whose story reflects resilience, hope, and the power of mentorship. The conversation pulled back the curtain on the challenges of growing up without a father, experiencing homelessness, and still finding the courage to pursue education and a brighter future.

Finding Belonging in the Man Up Club

Dackarie’s journey with the Man Up Club began only a month ago, encouraged by his mother, who recognized the positive environment the organization provides. In that short time, Dackarie has already experienced the value of mentorship and fellowship. The Club, founded on the mission of developing young Black men into leaders of character, focuses on four areas: life skills, social skills, academic discipline, and civic responsibility. Dackarie immediately felt the impact of being surrounded by supportive mentors and peers who believe in his potential.

A Journey Marked by Resilience

Raised in Detroit without his father, Dackarie was brought up by his mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for him. Despite her sacrifices, life was not without struggle. At just eight years old, Dackarie experienced homelessness for the first time, moving between shelters, hotels, and even sleeping in cars with his grandmother. While he often still had clothes and meals, the lack of stability weighed heavily as he grew older. By middle and high school, the embarrassment of not having a home affected his friendships and social interactions.

Through it all, his grandmother—affectionately known as “Nana”—was a rock in his life. She made sure he attended school, waited outside in parking lots, and did whatever it took to see him graduate. Dackarie credits her with instilling a sense of perseverance that still guides him today.

Lessons in Faith and Forgiveness

Dackarie’s story is not just one of hardship but of spiritual growth. He admitted to moments of questioning God during his darkest times, even doubting His existence. Over time, however, he came to see his struggles as part of a greater testimony. The hardships, he explained, taught him empathy for others with less and a drive to stand up against injustice.

A significant part of the conversation centered on Dackarie’s absent father. Though his father recently returned from prison, their relationship remains strained. Dackarie admitted to feelings of hurt and distance but also recognized the importance of forgiveness and closure. KROSS encouraged him to consider the power of reconciliation—not necessarily to excuse the past, but to free himself from carrying the weight of resentment.

Building Toward the Future

Despite his challenging past, Dackarie is charting a promising path forward. Currently studying nursing, he hopes to graduate within the next two years and begin a stable career in healthcare. Inspired by a family legacy in the medical field, he has already gained work experience as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA), providing hands-on service to those in need. For Dackarie, caring for others is both a profession and a way to live out his values.

He also credits his support system—family, close friends, and his longtime girlfriend—with helping him stay motivated. Though he admits to sometimes battling laziness or self-doubt, their encouragement reminds him of his goals: financial stability, independence, and eventually marriage.

Character Over Circumstance

One of the most powerful themes of the episode was the emphasis on character. KROSS reminded Dackarie that good character can open doors money cannot. Dackarie’s calm, respectful nature, his willingness to serve others, and his refusal to judge people for their circumstances are already shaping him into the kind of man who will thrive regardless of challenges.

Conclusion

Dackarie’s story on The Man Up Club Presents is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of mentorship. Though his journey has been marked by hardship—fatherlessness, homelessness, and uncertainty—he stands today as a young man determined to create a better future. With his education, strong support system, and faith in God’s plan, Dackarie is proof that trials can produce strength and that every test can lead to a testimony.

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Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction to The Man Up Club mission
1:02 – Dackarie joins the program & first impressions
2:09 – New leadership and transitions at Man Up
2:54 – Life at 19: goals, dreams, and college ambitions
4:20 – Nursing aspirations and family inspiration
6:19 – Growing up without a father
8:05 – Understanding identity without paternal guidance
10:30 – Life in Detroit: culture, music, and resilience
12:33 – Early hardships and the reality of homelessness
14:48 – Coping as a child without stability
16:29 – Perspective on his mom’s sacrifices at 18
19:25 – The unwavering support of Nana
20:50 – Homelessness in middle and high school years
22:52 – Social struggles: embarrassment and isolation
24:19 – The impact of instability on relationships
26:29 – Wrestling with faith and questioning God
27:05 – Lessons and empathy gained through struggle
29:05 – A strained relationship with his father
32:42 – Mentorship, forgiveness, and closure
36:53 – Life now: job, school, and a supportive circle
38:42 – Using past trials as motivation for the future
41:02 – Nursing studies and future goals
43:05 – Work ethic, service, and character building
45:40 – Five-year goals: stability, career, and family
46:27 – Support from his girlfriend and close circle
48:17 – Closing encouragement and blessing

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