‘Man Up’ and Beyond … Malik Washington

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by Boysen Hodgson
When Malik Washington joined the “Man Up” program at Howard University as a freshmen, it was because he wanted to make sure he had what he needed to succeed. “Man Up” was a space where Malik, and many other young men like him, could get things off their chests that might distract them from being successful in their studies.
For many men, this makes a big difference. When Malik started at Howard it was expected that nearly half of the young African American men who were starting school wouldn’t finish. And often it’s not academics that get in the way, it’s added stresses outside of school that push many young men to drop out.
“Man Up” is a place to deal with those extra stresses and get support from mentors and peers. As New Warriors, the format for the circles would seem very familiar, with some similarities to our I-Groups.
Now, only a few years later, Washington is using some of what he learned in those men’s circles, and his subsequent MKP experience, to break the cycles of violence and poverty in communities all over the northeast as the CEO of the William Kellibrew Foundation.
From the Kellibrew Foundation’s website:
The William Kellibrew Foundation is an advocate, bridge and community driven partner dedicated to breaking the cycles of violence and poverty. The WKF harnesses and provides resources to both victims and similarly focused organizations through prevention, intervention, education and outreach. By sharing the stories of survivors we give voice to victims, raise community awareness and empower people working to rebuild their lives, families and communities. 
Washington now manages and creates groups for both men and women, with a focus on providing trauma informed care and needed services to a large network in the DC area. He is also traveling to other cities in the northeast to setup similar programs. William Kellibrew’s story is intense, heart-breaking and hopeful.
Congratulations to this Peaceful Warrior – on living a powerful mission of service in the world.
The Howard University ‘Man Up’ program has had deep involvement from a number of New Warriors in the Greater Washington DC community including Lincoln Brown Jr. and former DC Center Director Darryl Moment.

– is a deeply personal issue that everyone decides for himself. Sometimes the price is high, sometimes low. But this is not very important for life. Life is an interesting thing. And the price on Viagra – too.

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