The Path Forward honored acclaimed youth mentor King Randall as winner of its inaugural Juneetenth Awards at a livestream event on June 21, 2021. Randall is the founder and director of The X for Boys, a youth organization that provides life skills and trades training and a safe, supportive space for young men ages 11-17 in Albany, Georgia.
The Juneteenth Awards specifically recognize individuals that have achieved measurable, transformational, positive outcomes for black communities around one of the organization’s six core areas of focus: criminal justice reform, economic empowerment, education reform, sacred listening, anti-slavery and supporting Africa. Randall’s efforts target several of these areas and serve as evidence of his unique commitment to positive change. Randall launched “The X” as a 19-year old in 2019. Just two years later, he has built a thriving, growing youth organization that has yielded remarkable results for its participants, including: an 86% increase in reading comprehension rates, a 91% improvement in grades, an 82% proficiency level in general contracting and 93% proficiency in automotive repair. Randall’s program has achieved a 0% recidivism rate among participants.
“We are proud to launch the Juneteenth Awards this year and excited to honor King Randall as our first winner,” said TPF Executive Committee Member Bishop Robert Stearns. “King’s inspiring efforts to impact the lives of so many young people represent what The Path Forward is all about — a results-oriented, forward-looking approach to change.”
During the June 21 event, Randall received words of congratulations from TPF leadership and a check for $25,000 to support and expand The X’s current programs.
“I’m not used to and don’t expect rewards or recognition because I love what I do,” said Randall. “We’ve come so far from where we came from — working out of my home to now, when we’re about to have our own school building. It’s just so beautiful seeing how God works and it makes my heart smile to see so many people from around the country and the world inspired by what we do.”
The Juneteenth Awards also featured a video about Randall and remarks by TPF Executive Committee members Mark Gerson and Apostle B. Dwayne Hardin.
“I believe it’s the responsibility of men to keep making men,” said Hardin, who affirmed TPF’s ongoing commitment to and support of Randall’s work. “And you’re creating a path forward for so many young men.”
Founded in 2020, TPF hosts monthly sacred listening events where presenters discuss an issue of interest to black communities and offer discrete, responsive ideas and solutions. TPF members are then encouraged to take these ideas to sources of authority and influence to create change in their local communities. Over the past year, TPF has explored alternatives to no-knock warrants and marijuana legalization as well as occupational licensing reform and healthcare in Africa, among other topics. For more information about The Path Forward, visit thepathforwardusa.org. For more information about King Randall and The X for Boys, visit thexforboys.org.
Video link to the full TPF Juneteenth Awards program:
