New Minneapolis mentorship initiative having big impact on youth

ManCode Mentoring is a new mentorship initiative in Minneapolis. Dozens of Black boys ages 12 to 17 are getting a jump start on learning all kinds of important skills.

Mentors and mentees meet virtually on Saturdays. The impact on youth is big.

"Seeing (the mentors)…makes me happy … They’re there and helping me out and others out," 12-year-old mentee Walter Johnson said.

Johnson said he’s grateful for his mentors, adding, "They’ve helped us to focus on school and stay strong."

ManCode Mentoring launched virtually during the pandemic, teaming up Black men with African American teens. They focus on career development, tech and life skills, and even financial literacy.

"They’ve also taught us how to save money, how to use money wisely, and just all of that important stuff we are going to need for the future," Johnson said.

"What we are doing is changing the narrative," mentor Jakai Taylor said.

The 31-year-old Taylor wants to give youth the tools to pursue their passion.

"Just planting that seed in people, like Walter, who’s a pretty bright kid, who has a lot of knowledge, and he’s applying it, too, and with the knowledge that we are giving him, and with the skills that he already has, there’s no limits on his future," Taylor explained.

They already plan to expand the program.

ManCode Mentoring is a collaboration between Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in Minneapolis, 100 Black Men Twin Cities, Microsoft Corporation, Hennepin County and Lift Zone.

To learn how to participate in the program, email Quanda Arch at quandaa@phylliswheatley.org.