MISSION STATEMENT
Black Boy Joy Foundation Inc., founded by visionary artist and philanthropist Jean-Claude Kali in partnership with renowned humanitarian Ayo Tometi, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Global, is dedicated to reshaping the future of Black boys and men by addressing systemic marginalization, preventing crime, and reducing incarceration rates. At the heart of our mission is the belief that every Black boy deserves the opportunity to thrive in a society that values their potential, free from the stigma, limitations, and inequities that have historically constrained them.
Our holistic approach integrates free virtual therapy, sports therapy, and performing arts therapy to provide an empowering alternative to environments that foster criminal behavior, violence, and systemic injustice. We create a powerful, structured, and engaging network that helps keep Black boys off the streets, away from the school-to-prison pipeline, and engaged in transformative, positive outlets. These therapies foster resilience, creativity, and discipline, offering an opportunity to heal from trauma, embrace self-expression, and develop life skills critical to their long-term success.
In response to the deeply rooted inequities that disproportionately affect Black men, our foundation is focused on both prevention and rehabilitation. Our programs offer culturally tailored support that addresses mental health as a source of strength, while simultaneously providing the tools necessary for Black boys to rise above societal barriers. For those already impacted by the criminal justice system, we provide pathways for successful reintegration into society, ensuring dignity, stability, and a future filled with purpose.
Through state-of-the-art multimedia and wellness centers in cultural capitals across the globe—Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Milan, Monaco, Ghana, Lagos, and Palm Beach—we are creating epicenters of creativity and mental wellness. These centers will revolutionize the way mental health is viewed and addressed in the Black community, ensuring that Black boys and men have safe spaces where they can find joy, empowerment, and personal growth.
Our flagship event, "A Night of Joy," held annually in major cities, will be a global celebration of resilience and success, raising critical funds and fostering connections between Black boys and influential leaders from industries spanning art, business, and culture. Through scholarships, grants, and world-class mentorships, we are investing in the next generation of Black leaders, providing them with the resources and inspiration to transcend systemic barriers and lead lives of unshakable joy and purpose.
At the Black Boy Joy Foundation, we are not only preventing crime and reducing incarceration; we are reimagining a future where Black boys and men are equipped to break cycles of marginalization and embrace their inherent greatness. With every step, we are building a world where joy, resilience, and leadership are the defining characteristics of Black manhood.