In 2017, the Fanning Institute partnered with private citizens Brian Knighton and Ralph “RJ” Taylor to develop Leadership Legends, a program to equip young African American men in Colquitt County to become future leaders in their community and empower future generations.
Leadership Legends works with one class of students over the course of three years, beginning in eighth grade and continuing through ninth and tenth grades. School and community leaders identified 13 African American youth to comprise the inaugural class in fall 2018.
Over the three-year program, participants develop their leadership skills, focusing on communicating effectively with others, working well in groups and setting achievable goals. The youth also receive mentors and participate in community service and civic engagement activities.
The inaugural class graduated in fall 2021 and will serve as student mentors to the program’s next class, scheduled to begin soon.
For more information on starting a program similar to Leadership Legends in your community, contact Terence Johnson.
