Mentoring Students of Color & Why It Matters
Listen to This Conversation
In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Eric Knox from Portland Oregon USA. As a former pastor, Eric noticed how students of color often lacked role models of color within the Portland school system. As a result Eric started the HOLLA Mentors in 2013 with the goal of providing mentors for students of color in response to the lack of representation. Through HOLLA, Eric also started a school for students of color as well. Join us as we talk about the story of HOLLA, why representation matters as well as some basketball.
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Intro/Outro music by skinfiltr8r.
Eric’s Bio:
Eric grew up in Inglewood, CA and moved to Oregon on a basketball scholarship to Oregon State University. After college he put down roots in Portland, Oregon. While in Portland, he founded an organization in the 1990’s called Urban Progress. Urban Progress was featured in the Skanner, which is the oldest-owned black newspaper company in Portland, OR runner-up recipient to the prestigious “Drum Major for Justice” award handed out to those making a difference in marginalized neighborhoods. He then went on to found HOLLA.
About HOLLA:
The mission of HOLLA is to change the narrative of youth of color through culturally responsive relationships.
HOLLA is a mentorship movement that connects with families, administrators, teachers, and nonprofits to recognize the power and potential of Black and Brown youth.
HOLLA mentors engage relationally with students both in and out of school. Tney provide opportunities for representation, enrichment and exposure through athletics, arts, aviation, outdoors and college preparation. Relationships with the mentors are equally important, they spend time in on-going leadership development and community with mentors throughout the year.
For more info about HOLLA, including supporting the work and becoming a mentor, visit hollamentors.org