Leaders of the Free World connects young black men with positive mentoring and international travel. (Photo: Leaders of the Free World)
Leaders of the Free World
This organization is new on the international youth travel scene and serves a slightly older group: young black men ages 18-23. The goal of Leaders of the Free World is to develop a group of young men with broad horizons, a solid network of support and belief in their power to lead a generation.
A two-week excursion to West Africa is the high point of this Massachusetts-based leadership development program; the journey is intended to offer “a reprieve from the United States’ historical context of black racial identity” as well as opportunities to get a better understanding of important global issues and their responsibilities as global citizens.
LFW’s founding director, Ruby Maddox, was inspired to give others what she found while visiting Ghana:
“Being in Ghana for the first time, was the first time I was able to feel like a human being and not a minority. It was the first time I was able to see myself outside of what it meant to be labeled a stereotype. More than ever I think our young men of color need that today.”
The first group of leaders is scheduled to depart for Ghana this summer. Before and after their trip, the young men involved will perform community service activities, work with an assigned mentor and learn about a wide range of topics from community agriculture to conflict resolution.
Journaling is a tool to help LFW’s travelers reflect on their purpose in the world. (Photo: LFW)
