Owning the Narrative: A Young Black Man’s Leadership in Action

Isaiah is about to take his first flight to the East Coast. He’s never been to Washington, D.C., never walked the streets of Philadelphia, never had a real Philly cheesesteak. But when he lands, he won’t just be a tourist. He’ll be a leader.

He’s part of Word is Bond’s Spring Leadership Forum, a group of young Black men stepping into spaces where they’ve rarely been invited—to meet with senators, to present real policy proposals, to be heard. Their mission: to advocate for training counselors to better understand the mental health challenges Black youth face in Oregon.

For Isaiah, this policy isn’t just an abstract idea. “I’ve been through mental health challenges,” he says. “We don’t have good counselors that can relate.” He knows what it feels like to sit across from someone who doesn’t understand, who assumes instead of listens. This proposal is about making sure the next young Black student doesn’t feel like that.

Isaiah isn’t worried about the trip. He’s ready. Ready to experience something new, to stand alongside his Word is Bond brothers, to make their voices count. “I just want a great experience, get our policy proposed to the senator—that’s what I’m happy about.”

But this trip is more than policy. It’s about claiming space. About showing up where the world rarely expects young Black men to be—not as guests, but as leaders.

Isaiah knows the world will make assumptions about him before they ever ask a question. He’s seen it happen. That’s why he’s determined to tell his own story. “I want the world to know I’m passionate about a lot of things—music, finishing school, building a restaurant with my mom. I want people to know who I am before they assume.”

His vision is clear: graduate, create, and build something lasting. Through music, he wants to inspire and uplift people, using his words and sound to make a positive impact. And alongside his mother, he dreams of opening a soul food restaurant in Atlanta—a place built on the flavors and traditions passed down from his family and from history. A space where food isn’t just a meal, but a story, a legacy, a way to bring people together.

At Word is Bond, we are grateful for all our ambassadors—young men like Isaiah, who step forward with courage, leadership, and vision. Isaiah has a powerful story to tell. And the world is finally going to listen.