From Boys to Men

Leaders for Life, Inc. (LFL) is a one-on-one mentoring program for urban boys between the ages of 10 - 16.  LFL pairs mentees with caring and responsible
adult mentors who provide mentees with support, counseling, reinforcement and
are constructive examples. 

In its continued effort to reach young men, LFL sponsored Building Outstanding Men and Boys (B.O.M.B) Family Empowerment Series on Thursday, January 31st at Malcolm X. Shabazz High School in Newark, New Jersey. 

The audience was filled with African American high school aged males. And, the panel guests were all influential African-American men from the community.  
The men stressed to the high school students the importance of striving
for excellence and creating relationships with positive male role models.  The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Boyce Watkins (Dr. Watkins), who is a well-known African American scholar, committed to ending social and racial inequalities.  Dr. Watkins emphasized how the African American and Latino communities are in a “state of emergency”.  There are advertisements that promote lifestyles that lead to and glorify incarceration and/or poor education and, these advertisements are geared directly to African Americans and Latinos.  Nevertheless, we as African Americans and Latinos can combat this propaganda by using a powerful weapon – our minds.  Dr. Watkins articulated to the audience that education is the most important thing that you can have and, you must earn money that will empower you. 

Altarik White (Mr. White) is the Founder and Executive Director of Leaders for Life, Inc.  Mr. White is passionate about providing young, urban males with strong, positive role models.  He believes all children have the capabilities of achieving greatness if provided with the proper guidance.  Mr. White is a proud native of Newark, New Jersey and alumnus of Malcolm X. Shabazz High School.