FFLIC works to eradicate zero tolerance school discipline policies, create stronger communities and services, and uplift youth voices, with the goal of positively impacting all of Louisiana’s youth. After completing FFLIC’s Leadership Trajectory, a group of young Black male leaders were inspired to create a spinoff mentorship program for upcoming Black male youth ages 13–24. The group launched in 2017 as its own separate nonprofit organization, Black Man Rising, but still partners closely with FFLIC in our youth organizing efforts.

Together, with their counterpart, Black Girls Rising, which was inspired by the success of Black Man Rising, FFLIC offers youth authentic leadership opportunities where their voices are at the forefront, where they can hone skills and develop new strategies in partnership with experienced adults and other young people across the US, and where they can become community changemakers through self-determination and employment. In turn, FFLIC contributes to the field by developing adult leaders who have spun off their own organizations. Youth hold dreams for the future of a world without prisons, and FFLIC helps them realize their vision. Our former youth members are taking the lead to develop new generations of youth leaders. 

For example, FFLIC’s Youth Organizing Team (YOT) has been made up of former Black Girls Rising and Black Man Rising founders and members. This powerful team has successfully developed and presented peer trainings in New Orleans, leading statewide direct actions for our former #NoKidsInAngola to keep kids out of the notoriously inhumane adult prison and our current #NoMorePrisons campaign. They also launched a new podcast called “The Gray Area,” and published Op Eds and articles in major national/international media outlets including The Guardian, USA Today, and The Marshall Project. They now hold full-time leadership roles and are responsible for planning and implementation of all youth activities and youth campaigns.

For more information on how to get involved with Black Man Rising click here!