The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the different and profound ways that Black peoples’ labor benefits our society. This includes labor of all kinds, compensated and uncompensated, from leadership in numerous industries to community building and mutual aid, to the contribution to and expansion of a unique cultural movement ingrained in all aspects of American life. The work of African American people throughout history, including forced labor during the time of slavery, has been vital in creating America.
At OYA, through our Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relations (OIIR), our staff provide several opportunities for cultural enrichment and connection to help shape the future of our youth. Services for Black and African American youth at OYA support peer-to-peer accountability and leadership by example. OIIR provides cultural events, guest speakers, facilitates groups, and links to family, mentors and examples of Black entrepreneurship.
Cultural groups and activities
Spotlight: Brothers Reflecting Brotherhood Movement
Brothers Reflecting Brotherhood is an African American support group for young men at MacLaren YCF. It is a movement of diverse African American young men focused on building solid and supportive relationships and leadership skills. When youth want to join the group, they learn and memorize the mission. Once they join, they are taught to embody the mission every day and let it guide their interactions amongst themselves and with others. Interim Program Coordinator African American Black Services Sir Roderick Edwards explains about the mission, “It can’t be just something that you put on, it has to be something you embrace and take ownership of.” The group holds discussions on global history topics that youth express interest in, and also hosts volunteers who facilitate discussions and teach skills. This support helps the youth stay on track for their educational and/or vocational goals, avoid incidents that may set them back, and enables personal growth.
Spotlight: Mentoring with Fred
Fred Edwards has been volunteering with OYA for over seven years and provides a safe space for positive interaction and self-expression that allows youth to deepen their connection to their culture. Youth are required to have the highest privilege level to participate, meaning they are exceeding the expectations set out for them in their developmental and treatment work. Fred holds discussions on a range of topics such as entrepreneurship, politics, life skills, and career options.
Fred wants OYA youth to think about all the options in life, not just the ones portrayed as paths to success laid out in popular culture that are worthwhile ventures but are also fields that are difficult to enter and succeed in such as rapping or sports. Fred also plays an invaluable role for these youth as they transition out of the facilities. It’s a relationship that continues as he helps youth find connections and opportunities, for example one youth who Fred helped become employed as a certified recovery mentor.
Celebrating Black History Month
OIIR and facility staff will be holding Black History Month celebrations in several of our facilities including Rogue Valley YCF, Oak Creek YCF, Camp Florence, Camp Riverbend, and MacLaren YCF. Nikiea Pankey, owner of Cokieas Vegan Soul Food Cart and licensed welder, will present at Rogue Valley and Camp Florence on the history of labor in America along with sharing a meal of gumbo and cornbread. Rogue Valley will also hear from MC Mic Crenshaw, a member of Keys, Beats, Bars, on conscious rap lyrics as an expression of social justice. OYA holds these cultural services to show that we are all one body doing this work, to help support Black youth with deepening connection to their culture and help other youth to understand the deep history and resilience that is part of the Black experience.
Setting Youth Up for Success
As Edwards says “I believe that young people can see themselves from a totally different lens. Our history starts from the enslaved perspective. So am focusing on what is the rest of the story. If individuals can get on a different type of mindset, then they can attract and follow a different path.”