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OneLove Kings Mentoring Club
Our History
During my brief tenure as a substitute teacher, a young man named Marquise radiated leadership. Intrigued, I invited him to lunch. As we spoke, he hinted at a complicated life outside of school. I countered, "Marquise, your circumstances don't diminish your leadership. You're a natural leader." With a challenge issued, I asked him to assemble 10 of his peers for another lunch.
The following week, drawn by Marquise's charisma (and the irresistible allure of pizza), 11 young men filled room 203. Before them, I saw not just students but emerging leaders. Over slices of pizza, I proposed weekly Lunch Chats—a space to nurture dreams, potential, and camaraderie.
From those initial meetings, the spirit of OneLove sprang to life. The name, the goals, the standards—all crafted by these remarkable young men. By the year's end, our modest group swelled to 30, each member thriving academically and personally. Their basketball outreach, specifically aimed at mentoring 4th and 5th graders, left an indelible mark on the community. Their mantra: "We're a family, united in our struggles, dedicated to lifting up the next generation."
Now, OneLove is more than a group; it's a movement. A nonprofit organization with a reach spanning the United States and beyond, embracing both young men and women in its empowering embrace. Join us and be part of the OneLove revolution.
Awaken the King Within
At OneLove, we fuse Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with Restorative Practices, creating a powerful synergy. Our mission is clear: to awaken the latent King within our young men. We envision them not just as individuals, but as catalysts—leaders poised to make transformative impacts on their families, communities, cities, and the nation at large. Join us in championing a future where every young man realizes his regal potential and leads with purpose.
What makes us unique
For almost three decades, we sought answers from those who often felt voiceless: the youth on the streets, members of gangs, individuals in the Juvenile Detention Center, inmates of Cook County Jail, and students from Chicago Public Schools. We asked them;
"What stands between you and your dreams? What do you need to overcome your challenges?"
Their collective voices painted a poignant picture, and in response, we crafted the OneLove Kings Mentoring Club.
Join us as we continue to listen, learn, and lift up the next generation, transforming dreams into realities.
From the Inside out!
In our pursuit to mold the future, we are dedicated to honing our students' character, academic prowess, and leadership abilities. We believe in a holistic approach, supporting our youth in mind, body, and soul. Drawing inspiration from the timeless African proverb, we endeavor to cultivate a "family" and a village environment, ensuring that our youth are raised surrounded by wisdom, love, and guidance. Moreover, we recognize the invaluable role of parents and guardians, and we're committed to offering them unwavering support, completing the circle of care and empowerment.