an initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering our young Black Kings to rise above the systems that set them up to fail.
The Shirts.
All sales from this campaign go to our #HeWillNotBeNext scholarship and events fund, which provides mentorship, resources, development and opportunities for Black male youth in New York. Keep scrolling to learn more about how you can contribute to this cause by way of donation, collaboration and or sponsorship.
The Objectives.
Educate our audience by providing facts, statistics, and resources about the effects of systemic racism on Black men in America.
Empower our young Black youth by highlighting success stories from men that look like them, sharing uplifting content, providing safe spaces for them to connect, heal, and grow with one another. Shifting the Am I Next? narrative to He Will Not Be Next!
Affirm our demand for human rights and sustainable change. Everyone knows a young Black boy in their life who they don’t want to become the next hashtag. And if they don’t know one, they know they wouldn’t want it to happen to them.
The Inspiration.
“Seeing their photo reminds me to do my part to ensure that they won’t be next, and it is my hope that every time you see their photo or a photo of a young Black king in your life, you will do the same.”
— Jamara Taylor, Ideation for #HeWillNotBeNext
The Commercial.
Notes from the creative process. The face of the campaign Jailen Langhorne reflects on the use of the song “American Dreamin’” by Jay-Z and how it relates to our campaign.
“He’s telling this younger boy that you can be the change in your community and break the cycle for using under the table means to make money.”
“You can’t change other people's mindsets or the system but you can change yourself and want the best for your future.”
“More after school resources and activities available to you can positively affect you. Mental stimulation rather than physical. Break the stereotype.”
The Events.
Our first of many events to come, the #HeWillNotBeNext Pop Up Shop featured a vendors list of Black male entrepreneurs. Click here to learn more about them and stay tuned for our upcoming events!
The Partnerships.
We give tremendous thanks to our generous sponsors and partners as they helped this campaign soar to the lengths that it did. Click here to learn ways you can get involved in the #HeWillNotBeNext Campaign by way of sponsorship, collaboration and more.
The Scholarship.
Our #HeWillNotBeNext scholarship rewards aspiring Black male entrepreneurs looking to start a business, program or initiative for the greater community. Applicants must demonstrate how their business idea positively impacts young boys of color either directly or indirectly.
The Team.
#HeWillNotBeNext is a completely student run campaign. It would not be possible without the diligence, passion and vision of the young people involved. Major shoutout to Jailen Langhorne, Justin Hohn and Summer Green.
FAQ
Why is this campaign only centered around Black boys and men?
Statistics show that Black men are the highest rate of victims of police brutality. There are systems in place that set Black men up for failure from a very young age. Our goal is to open up spaces for Black men to receive the tools they need to be successful in society, while simultaneously empowering them to feel worthy and overcome a system that sets them up to fail. Black men are often overlooked in discussions surrounding personal and emotional growth and confidence. It is important that we give Black men the spaces to be candid and express their feelings as well as provide them with resources to be successful in society.
What resources support the need for this campaign?
Our team’s research found a lack of programs that provide necessary resources specific to Black male youth within our community. Of the programs we did find, most of them only offered support within certain stereotypical criteria such as sports and entertainment centered programs. There seemed to be a disproportionate amount of New York City resources and programs that provide professional development, mentorship and guidance specifically to young boys of color. In comparison to those offered to young girls of color, such as our partner programs The Dinner Table Doc, Figure Skating in Harlem and many more.
What was the motivation for this campaign?
We all have Black men within our family and friends that we hold dear to our hearts. Our fear is to see one of our loved ones become the next hashtag and victim of police brutality or the justice system. Through this campaign, we hope to educate our audience and spark tangible change within our community. While we can’t change the system itself, we can do our part to empower and uplift the people who are victimized the most from it. We hope this movement will leave a footprint in history on the path towards a more true social justice and freedom for all.
The Movement.
The Support.
Our first round of t-shirts sales raised over $1500 towards our cause. We can’t thank our supporters enough for aligning with this mission.