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The Gentlemen'sLeague AnnualReport2023 – 2024thegentsleague.org

0103020405Table ofContentsWho we areA Year in ReviewMessage from the EDOur TeamGratitude06Call to Action

Who We Are01The Gentlemen's League is a school-basedmentorship program designed for boys ofcolor in grades 3-12. We providecomprehensive support that fosters theiroverall development, including targetedassistance, incentives, service learningopportunities, and social-emotionalgrowth. Our goal is to create anenvironment where these young men canthrive academically, personally, andemotionally, while experiencing joy andsuccess. We achieve this through four keyprograms: School-Based Mentoring,Community Workshops, an ElementaryBasketball League, and Blackout Weekend.Each program is designed to empower ourparticipants and cultivate a strong senseof community and belonging.Our Vision and MissionOur VisionThe Gentlemen's League envisions a futurewhere boys of color thrive academicallyand personally, leading to increasedrepresentation, transformed learningopportunities, and the dismantling of theschool-to-prison pipeline, while promotingexcellence, fellowship, integrity, and joy aslearning outcomes.Our MissionIntervening in the lives of historicallyunderserved boys, in order to provide themwith alternatives that will lead them awayfrom a life of crime and violence, and leadthem to a life of achievement.

Message from the Executive DirectorThe Gentlemen's League has had a remarkable year, achieving significant milestones inour mission. We introduced the Community Workshop Series to reach and mentor evenmore boys in Memphis, recognizing that our support is needed beyond our partnerschools. We also formed exciting new partnerships with organizations like StreetsMinistries and Kudzukian Media Group, enabling college visits and our most successfulBoys of Color Conference yet. Thanks to these efforts and the addition of four newschools, we increased enrollment by 58%, now serving 364 boys of color.This year also saw notable improvements in student outcomes: a 27% decrease inbehavioral incidents, a 4% decrease in absences, and a 7% increase in GPA from Q1 to Q4.These academic and behavioral advancements underscore the effectiveness of ourprograms and our commitment to the boys' holistic development.Our impact has been recognized through media coverage, national presentations, andprestigious awards. We are grateful for these acknowledgments and excited to continueour vital work in Memphis.02Dr. Archie Moss, Jr. Executive Director & Founder

A Year inReviewLet's wrap up the 2023-2024 schoolyear with a review of our keystatistics.$254,941Amount Raised3.13EOY Average GPA824Students Impacted100%Blackout Satisfaction95%Overall Satisfaction100%Basketball LeagueSatisfaction0383% Grants1% IndividualContributions13% Fundraisers3% Ticket SalesRevenue Breakdown

Demographics98%Students whoqualify for freeor reducedlunch· 13%EnglishLanguageLearners10%Students withspecial needs84%Black12%Hispanic/Latinx3%Mexican1%WhiteStudents Served by TheGentlemen's League

“I'm not a man, so I don'treally know what a boyneeds to become a gentor man in this world. Iappreciate this programshowing my son thatthere are great men outhere and not everyone isin the streets. Some menmake an honest living.”-Tamarra Brown, PCA HHES MotherIn their first year of partnership with The Gentlemen's League,Power Center Academy Hickory Hill Elementary Schoolexperienced tremendous growth. The school celebratedremarkable achievements, including a final GPA of 3.29 in thefourth quarter, marking a 9% increase from the beginning of theyear. Additionally, the largest elementary site in our program,hosting 47 boys of color, saw a significant 52% decrease inabsences from the first to the last quarter. Testimonials from aparent and a student underscore the profound impact andreal-life changes brought about during this transformativeyear.Voices of Change:Impact Stories from OurCommunityAmplifyPCA-HHElementaryStudents bondingat the 2023 KickoffBrunch. “I liked that we had funbonding with one another.”-Lance Fairlee, 5th GraderPCA HH ES

2024 MentorAdvocate of the Year& 2024 DreamerAward HonoreeachievementWe are thrilled to announce that our Executive Director and Founder of TheGentlemen's League, Dr. Archie Moss, Jr., has been honored as the 2024Mentor Advocate of the Year by MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies during NationalMentoring Month. This prestigious recognition highlights his unwaveringcommitment to youth mentoring and the transformative impact he hashad on the lives of young men in the Mid-South. We extend our deepestgratitude to MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies for their continued support and forrecognizing our dedication to mentoring. Additionally, The Gentlemen'sLeague was honored at the 2024 Juneteenth Dream Summit with theDreamer Award, recognizing our efforts among four distinguishedorganizations. We are grateful to the Dream Commission for thisacknowledgment.

DowntownElementary SchoolServing Grades3-5Memphis DeltaPrep ElementarySchoolServing Grades3-5Evans ElementarySchoolServing Grades3-5PCA- Hickory HillElementary School Serving Grades3-52023-2024SchoolExpansionimpactDuring the 2023-2024 school year, The Gentlemen's League significantlyincreased its impact across Memphis-Shelby County by expanding tofive additional schools.Dexter K-8 SchoolServing Grades3-8

ElementaryBasketball LeaguerevitalizeThe Gentlemen's League's Elementary BasketballLeague had a tremendously successful season,engaging 324 students from 28 schools. The leaguefostered stronger school cultures, improvedattendance, and boosted student achievement, allwhile offering a positive after-school activity. Theleague was met with overwhelming approval, with100% of participants rating its organization positively.Congratulations tothe Spring 2024BasketballChampions,DowntownElementary School!Our Spring 2024 Participating SchoolsCentral DivisionGetwellFox MeadowsLeadership PrepNewberryParkway VIllagePCA-HHSea IsleSouth DivisionDowntownDunbarFord RoadFreedom PrepImmaculate Conception LaRoseStar AcademyNorth DivisionDelanoIdlewildLucyPromise AcademySnowdenTreadwellWhite StationEast DivisionBelle ForestChimneyrockCrumpDexterHickory RidgeHighland OaksPCA- SE"Y'all were great AND provided anavenue for expression and experiencenot available for many in ourcommunity that age."-Sea Isle ES Coach

Blackout WeekendilluminateThe Blackout Weekend, in partnership with Kudzukian Media Group, delivered animpactful Boys of Color Conference at the Agricenter, featuring transformativeworkshops and hands-on activities. The event was a triumph, with strongcommunity support that empowered our young men to shine. The weekendfocused on cultivating joy and resilience, equipping participants to facechallenges head-on. This year, we tripled attendance, representing 32 schools,and saw a 29% increase in participants feeling confident about their futurecareers.Thank You to our Community Partners and PresentersBrandon BooneBrwnskn YogaChef D.ArthurCode CrewDJ 2-3James Anthony Williams IIJeromy Payne Sr.Kudzukian Media GroupMelodic Minds MusicMemphis Grizzlies FoundationMemphis Judo & Jiu JitsuMemphis Police DepartmentPrinceton James ProductionsRalph Lamar Thomas, Jr. Rodney OllisonShelby County Sheriff Dept.Sonja JonesTaDarius JohnsonUDig DanceVersatile Action Fitness

End of the YearBanquetcelebrateThe End of the Year Banquet was a spectacular celebration of our remarkable gentlemen andtheir achievements throughout the year. The evening was filled with joy, camaraderie, and well-deserved recognition for our outstanding school sites. We were honored to award scholarshipsto four deserving high school seniors embarking on their college journeys.Some of the top award winners from the night included:School Site of the Year: Wells Station Elementary SchoolSite Coordinator of the Year: Mr. TaVarus Ward, Wells StationMentors of the Year: Mr. Marques Traylor (Wells Station) & Mr. Jerron Taylor (PCA-HH)ED's Golden Apple Winner: Mr. Rodney Ollison, DowntownThe banquet was a fitting tribute to the incredible progress and success we have achievedtogether over the past year.Congratulations to the 2024 Carter-Moss Black Male Scholarship Winners: Fourth Place: Khari Reed, Memphis East High School, $750Third Place: Noah C Anderson, Middle College High School, $1000Runner-Up: Ryan Neely, St. Benedict, $1250Grand Prize: Malik Turner, Memphis East High School, $2000

AddressingChallenges, ShapingFuturesovercomeIn reflecting on a year filled with substantial achievements, we recognize areas for growth that willenhance our impact. While navigating challenges such as logistical issues that affected someparents' ability to support afterschool and weekend events, we see a valuable opportunity to deepenengagement with our families. We plan to increase and refine our programming and communicationstrategies, ensuring more parents can participate actively in their children's educational journey.Additionally, the enthusiasm for more dynamic activities and field trips signals a clear demand forexpanding our educational horizons through more community service projects and diverse groupoutings. Feedback has also highlighted the desire for program enhancements, including theintegration of thinking games, leadership development, and career-focused activities to enrich ourstudents' experiences.Looking forward, we are focused on increasing our capacity and resources. Our goals includerecruiting more mentors and securing additional funding from both local and national funders andorganizations. These initiatives will enable us to meet our community’s needs more effectively andcontinue our commitment to transforming educational experiences and outcomes for our students.This blend of past successes and strategic future planning underscores our dedication to continuousimprovement and our commitment to the boys and families we serve.

Our TeamOur incredible team and board of directors are at the heart of our organization'ssuccess. Comprising mission-driven individuals, they are dedicated to creatingand sustaining transformational change through mentoring. Their unwaveringcommitment and passion have been instrumental in our progress. As we strive toenhance our impact, we remain focused on diversifying our team, ensuring thatwe have a wealth of perspectives and experiences to drive innovation andinclusivity. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for the young men weserve.100%Boardmembers andStaff selfidentify aspeople ofcolor. Board MembersJarrett Brock, Board Chair Principal HR ConsultantAlex Garvin, Board TreasurerMayo Clinic Courtney Bell, Board SecretaryTranscendTre ChristopherModern Classrooms ProjectTaDarius JohnsonGestalt Community SchoolsDr. Will PickensChester County School District Lauryn ScottDiscovery Partners InstituteJosh StanleyBelieve Memphis AcademyAndre R. WilliamsStar Academy Charter Dr. Archie Moss, Jr, Executive Director TranscendTim Green, Jr, Program DirectorBLDG MemphisWillie MacDavid, Program DirectorGestalt Community SchoolsGremesha Session, Program Director BXM AgencyStaff Members04

gratitudeWe are deeply grateful for the steadfast comitment and generosity of our dedicated supportersand donors. Your contributions have been instrumental in making our work possible and havehad a profound impact on the lives of the young men we serve. We extend our heartfeltappreciation to each and every person who has believed in our mission and invested in oursuccess. Your generosity has brought us closer to our goal of empowering boys of color andcreating a brighter future for our communities. Thank you for standing with us and beingchampions for change.City of MemphisDuane and Sauda Amore PorterKudzukian Media GroupMentor Memphis GrizzliesMemphis-Shelby County Schools National Civil Rights Museum New ProfitSchoolSeedShelby County CommissionThe Memphis Grizzlies FoundationYass Prize05

Support our workthegentsleague.orgcall to actionJoin us in empowering and shaping the futures of young men in our community. Here’s howyou can contribute to our cause:Donate: Every contribution counts! Make a one-time or recurring donation to supportour programs. Donate here: https://bit.ly/TGLDonateVolunteer: Share your skills and time by mentoring or supporting our programs. Yourinvolvement can make a lasting impact.Partner with Us: Enhance our initiatives by partnering to support components like theElementary Basketball League, Boys of Color Conference, Community Workshop Series,or School-Based Mentoring Program. Your partnership can help us expand and deepenour reach.Shop and Support: Simply shop at Kroger and a portion of your purchase will supportour programs. Here’s how:Visit Kroger Community Rewards.Log in or create an account.Search for The Gentlemen's League using code NI234 and click 'enroll'.Shop as usual and help us grow with every purchase.Amazon Wishlist: Help provide essential items to our mentors and students. View andpurchase items from our Amazon Wishlist: https://amzn.to/3WOli5Z.Your support is crucial to our success and helps us continue our mission. Get involvedtoday and be part of a transformative journey!Contact usinfo@gentsleague.org06