CHICAGO (WLS) — As the nation prepares to say farewell to Rev. Jesse Jackson, a mentorship program at Kenwood Academy is carrying forward his mission by providing more opportunities to young Black men.
**Rise Up: Building College Pathways, Career Readiness, and Leadership**
Called Rise Up, the mentorship program is focused on building college pathways, career readiness, and leadership skills for young Black men—all inspired by the legacy of Rev. Jackson.
“I want them to be pillars of the community. I want them to be effective in society, everything Jesse Jackson was trying to build,” said Oliver Speller, a Kenwood Academy teacher and co-founder of Rise Up.
Speller, who once lived next door to Jackson, credits the civil rights leader for his relentless courage and vision. “He wants the human race to be exceptional. And he has the bravery to implement things, to try to make that happen. So, if you’re around Jesse Jackson, you can’t help but kind of take that in,” Speller reflected.
Growing up around the Rainbow PUSH Coalition also helped shape the foundation of the Rise Up program.
**Leadership in Action**
At the core of Rise Up are 35 young men who manage the program like a company, taking on leadership roles such as president, CEO, CFO, and marketing director.
“We run events at the school here. We do the Rise Up 33 basketball tournament; we just incorporated a gaming tournament,” said Yannick Assignon, Rise Up’s president.
The group is also involved in producing podcasts and media projects, as well as volunteering on weekends at the Greater Food Depository and Rainbow PUSH.
**More Than Just a Résumé Builder**
For the members, Rise Up represents more than just an opportunity to build their résumés. It fosters a sense of family and brotherhood.
“I’ve always wanted to replicate in my life that sense of family and brotherhood,” Assignon shared.
The program is helping these young men find their voice. “If it were a year ago, I would be too scared to even say anything,” admitted Lester Barrett, Rise Up’s marketing officer. “I’ve definitely learned what it means to communicate and how much power words really have.”
Oliver Speller emphasized the program’s purpose: “What it does is it gives all of our young men a sense of purpose. It gives them a sense of drive.”
**Lifting Up the Next Generation**
That drive fuels their commitment to mentoring others. Barrett, also the chief technology officer, explained: “Which is called Rising Up, which is going to be a mentorship program for underclassmen and those who aren’t in Rise Up yet.”
Opening doors, especially to college, remains a top priority. Assignon shared his college aspirations: “My top two options are Hampton University and Ohio State University because I got into the honors program.”
**Honoring Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Legacy**
This moment of opportunity and hope is exactly what would have made the late reverend proud.
“I’ll keep his hope alive, and that hope is important to the progression of today’s society and whatever else is coming after us,” Barrett said.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is supporting the Rise Up students by sponsoring college tours, which they hope to take this summer.
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As the community bids farewell to Rev. Jesse Jackson, programs like Rise Up ensure that his dream lives on through the empowerment and leadership of young Black men in Chicago.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/rise-kenwood-academy-mentorship-program-giving-more-opportunities-young-black-men-like-volunteering-rainbow-push/18681888/