Turning dreams into reality for our youth of color

 

This column originally appeared in the Minneapolis Spokesman-Recorder during January, 2025

 

Turning Dreams into reality for our youth

by Khalique Rogers

 

I vividly remember standing before a Rotary Club as a Black teenager excelling in my internship program. The audience was predominantly white, and I was there to share my story and to use my image and voice to influence them — business owners and employers — to create more opportunities for inner-city youth.

As a well-studied and well-spoken Black student, I was being asked to challenge perceptions and inspire action, encouraging them to open doors for young people who, like me, deserved access to broader work opportunities.

At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the gravity of my role in that space. Now, as an adult who is maximizing my own image and likeness on behalf of the broader community, I have a much deeper understanding of the value of leveraging access and resources to help others scale and achieve their own version of success.

During my speech, I asked the audience to raise their hands to a question I already knew the answer to but needed to be voiced: “Did your first job opportunity come from a relationship with someone in your family or network?” As I scanned the room, nearly every hand went up.

People began sharing stories about how a family member owned a business, how someone’s uncle connected them to an internship, or how a neighbor’s recommendation opened a door. I followed up by saying, “Now, consider communities that don’t have a vast network like yours where help is just a call away.”

For many in communities of color, the tightrope we walk is 50 feet high. One misstep can lead to a fall so severe it feels impossible to recover. In contrast, other communities walk a tightrope just 3 feet off the ground, with a safety net ready to catch them if they stumble.

This disparity isn’t just about privilege; it’s about the structural and systemic inequities that create vastly different outcomes depending on where you’re from and the opportunities you’re afforded.

I am a product of community investment. While I may not have started with much as a young person, one key characteristic has carried me to places I only dreamed about as a child — curiosity. However, finding opportunities wasn’t easy. I had to search through my environment to uncover possibilities that weren’t in close proximity to me. At times it felt like looking for a needle in a haystack.

This journey shaped me into the man I am today, teaching me resilience and determination. But I do this work so the next generation doesn’t have to struggle as much as I did to find support for their dreams or to expand their vision of possibilities. Pairing information with opportunity and stewardship can turn dreams into reality for our youth of color.

Over the past eight months, I’ve had the privilege of paying it forward by working with students at Higher Ground Academy. These students have been interviewing professionals across various careers.

While many schools engage in similar projects, what sets this initiative apart is that the students’ impressions and reflections are now available on the school’s website, allowing others to learn from both the speakers and the students. This resource serves as a tool to inspire others, showcasing the transformative power of mentorship and representation.

In an anonymous survey, every student affirmed that this project helped them learn more about potential careers. Most of the professionals interviewed were from East African or African American backgrounds. This was deliberate, not by chance. We wanted these young people to see themselves in the role models they met. Here are a few examples:

Mohamed shared, “The field also offers a mix of hands-on procedures and patient interactions, making each day different, with struggles and engaging moments.” This perspective highlights the dynamic nature of professional careers and the importance of representation in inspiring future generations.

Nadia remarked, “It excites me to think that something I created could one day be used to house families and communities, and just bring people together.” Her passion for architecture demonstrates how diverse career paths can strengthen the fabric of our communities, highlighting the need for various skills to thrive. It also highlights the deep sense of purpose and community impact that drives many young people to pursue their passions.

Mohamed also reflected on an engineer’s words, saying, “I wouldn’t be here without them, so I honored my work and created something that would help others.” This sentiment underscores how mentorship and community investment create the safety net necessary for individuals to reach their personal and professional heights. It underscores the importance of giving back to the community and leveraging one’s skills for collective progress.

In our communities, accomplishments are often highlighted when they’re tied to sports or entertainment. This can unintentionally diminish the ambition of youth whose talents lie in other areas. By showcasing diverse paths and celebrating professional achievements, we ignite ambition and possibility in those who may have thought success was out of reach.

In order to have a vibrant community, we need a mixed multitude of skill sets to thrive and be self-sustained. It’s not enough to focus on one or two areas of success; we must foster a diverse range of talents and abilities to build a holistic, thriving society.

Let’s continue to invest in our youth by offering them the relationships, opportunities and representation they need to thrive. Just as the tightrope walker relies on a safety net, our communities must provide the structural support, mentorship and opportunities to catch and lift those who are striving for success. Together, we can ensure that their curiosity leads them to heights that surpass their ancestors’ wildest dreams.

Khalique Rogers is executive director of Catalyst for Systems Change (formerly Center for School Change), a nonprofit that works with students, educators, families, business leaders and policymakers to bring measurable difference to the lives of young people.