Some people go their whole lives not knowing what they are doing with their lives or what their passions are.

It is an ugly truth that sometimes people grow up not knowing who they really are because they are afraid of what people think, and whether they will be judged because people do not like what they see.

Never have I seen more work done in this area, of personal development, then at Impact Mentoring Academy.

Impact is an all-male, non-profit school, and with that comes challenges as well as benefits.

As an alumni of the school I can testify that it tries to create a safe, positive place for young men to talk about issues within their lives or within the community.

From being a student there and finding a safe place to express myself, I became a mentor to its students. I am proud of my school and I am excited to see its success. One of the things I am excited about is the school’s Spoken Word Night, Unmasking the Man Inside of Me, which is the topic I have been touching on.

This is going to be one of the school’s biggest fundraisers of the year and a powerful night that the community should see.

The students will read poems and speeches, perform skits and play music. Dinner will be provided while you watch these young men showcase both their personal development and what Impact Mentoring Academy is really doing with the young men who come through its gates.

The Spoken Word Night will be held at St Paul AME Central Hall on Saturday, February 28, from 6pm until 8pm. Doors open at 5.30pm. Tickets cost $20. It’s going to be a great day for the school and I hope to see you there.