In The Press: “Kismet of Kings Continues 10-Year Mission to Mentor Urban Young Men”

Raised in the rough-and-tumble world of Booker T. Washington public housing in Jersey City’s Lafayette section, Lewis Spears became an up-close observer of urban hardship.

That lesson was driven home, especially after his 9-year-old cousin was killed in the aftermath of a local street fight.

But these formative experiences – rather than wear him down – only strengthened Spears’ resolve to overcome adversity for himself and his peers.

Stints at Rutgers University, New Jersey City University were followed by admission to Harvard University as a principal intern toward a degree program.

Then, after seven years’ services as a teacher for a pair of Jersey City-based youth non-profits, it was on to the next logical step: Spears created “Kismet of Kings,” a mentorship and after-school program designed for Black and Brown male youths ages 11 to 18, many from low-income households, “enhance their college readiness and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset,” with help from volunteers involved in the legal system, public service, law enforcement and the private sector.

Read the full story on the Jersey City Times at: https://jcitytimes.com/kismet-of-kings-continues-10-year-mission-to-mentor-urban-young-men/