I’ve always had a love for community work and giving back since my days of high school. My good friend and community organizer Sallome introduced me to a wonderful group of teens last Fall and asked if I would offer my time to speak about my journey. The group is called The “Stoop” who meet every Saturday to speak to creative professionals about their careers. I was so intrigued by this group of outgoing teenagers who all have their head on their shoulders but just need some guidance on what to do career wise.

I spoke to them about my many challenges growing up and how a social program just like this saved my life. I was what the Board of Education would classify as an “at Risk Youth” who was running the streets in search of acceptance. My life changed when my mother made me attend a summer career program at The National Council of Negro Women. This program gave me basic life and career skills that I still use to this day.

I thought it was key that I practice an exercise that included critical thinking skills. I made the kids produce a viral marketing video that challenged them to think about what they want to be or aspire to be. The Stoop Kids produced and co-directed in conjunction with Team Mancini and 211 Collective, kudos!

P.S. I’ve recently challenged them to challenge themselves by having them record their Goals and explaining how their going to achieve them. I’m periodically checking up on them to make sure their own point.

“One of things I keep learning is that the secret of being happy is doing things for other people”. ~Dick Gregory



Check out the video below!

Michael “Mancini” McConnell