21-year-old builds charter school for young Black boys in Georgia

King Randall, a 21-year old a community organizer, is opening up a new school in Albany, Georgia called the New Life Preparatory School for Boys. The school aims to help young Black boys in the community reach their full potential and success.

Two years ago, Randall started The X for Boys, an organization which provides a safe space for teenage boys age 11-17.

In King Randall’s words, The X for Boys is a “Man-Making Machine. With the motto “Let US make a man,” it operates with the mission of teaching these young men ways not just to survive but thrive, and in effect, change their lives for the better.

At the same time, the organization promotes the idea that if members of a community work together, they can change families, communities, countries, and the world.

King Randall

The organization has since held various skills workshops on such as welding, automotive repair, construction as well as cooking.

They also organized field trips and a book club, which significantly improved the ability of some children who didn’t know how to read to an 86% reading comprehension rate.

“So giving them a space where they’re around a lot of other young men and around other men trying to mold you and train you. I’ve had kids come find me at my house and come knock and ask to join The X for Boys. I’ve had kids message me on Instagram, gang members, you name it,” Randall told WALB.

Randall initially funded the program out of his own pockets but eventually raised money to help continue his mission.

The charter school for young Black boys will focus on teaching young men traditional academics, trade skills, as well as firearms training, and the science of family and manhood.

The New Life Preparatory School for Boys will be located at the former Isabella School.