"I would have told [my younger self] that he is deserving; that he is worthy; that he's loved; and that he's safe within himself. Because I always thought I had to be something that I wasn't in order to get safety - like I need to partake in this toxic masculinity exchange from the hood in order to feel safe, but you know, you are safe within yourself!"
In today's episode, we welcome back our guest, Kenneth Bourne, B.A., MSW., LSW. Kenneth is a member of the class of 2012 and the first Boys’ Latin graduate to earn an advanced degree. After receiving his B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Denison University, Kenneth went on to pursue a Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University. His career began in North Philadelphia, serving a diverse community with a disproportionately high rate of unmet healthcare needs at PHMC Care Clinic. He has worked with young adults, in Camden, as a Street Leader Director at Urban Promise Ministries Inc. and, in Philadelphia, as a Community Intervention Specialist with Drexel University Healing Hurt People program. As a Community Intervention Specialist he provided acute intervention, outreach, counseling, and case management for young victims of interpersonal violence between the ages of 18 and 35. Kenneth brought his talents back to Boys’ Latin often, partnering with school, city, and state officials on the #blackdegreesmatter campaign, as well as, hosting discussions on Black male identity and overcoming higher education obstacles. He currently serves as an alumni liaison to the school’s Board of Trustees. He also worked at Boys’ Latin Middle School as the only school social worker for 300+ students and families. He refers to himself as a passionate social change agent, and recently launched his startup business Bourne ANEW to propel the life success of Black boys and young men.
Instagram: @kennethlbourne
Website: www.bourneanew.com
Instagram: @the_yanapodcast
Website: www.theyanapodcast.com
New episodes every Tuesday!
Instagram: @NAMIPhiladelphia or @namiphillyyouth
Website: www.namiphilly.org
NAMI Philadelphia Warmline: 844.PHL.HOPE
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text “NAMI” to 741-741
Philadelphia Suicide and Crisis Intervention Hotline (215) 686-4420
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): (800) 662-HELP (4357) to get connected to help for substance use disorders.
The Trevor Project (Suicide/Crisis Support for LGBTQ+ Youth): (866) 488-7386, Text “Start” to 678-678