Mentorship Program Empowers Young Black Men, Honoring Jesse Jackson's Legacy

Rise Up program at Kenwood Academy in Chicago aims to build college pathways, career readiness, and leadership for young Black men.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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As the nation prepares to say farewell to Rev. Jesse Jackson, a mentorship program at Kenwood Academy in Chicago is advancing his mission of empowering young Black men. The Rise Up program is giving more opportunities to young Black men, inspiring them to become "pillars of the community" and "effective in society" - just as Jackson had envisioned. The student-run program provides mentorship, college preparation, and leadership development, while also engaging participants in community service and media projects.

Why it matters

The Rise Up program is a direct response to the work and vision of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who lived next door to the program's co-founder. The program aims to replicate the sense of family and brotherhood that Jackson fostered through organizations like Rainbow PUSH, helping young Black men find their voice and purpose.

The details

Inside Rise Up, 35 young men take on leadership roles like president, CEO, CFO and marketing director, running events, producing podcasts and media projects, and volunteering at organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Rainbow PUSH. The program is more than just a resume-builder - it's a place where participants are finding their voice and a sense of drive to lift up the next generation coming up behind them.

  • The Rise Up program was founded in recent years at Kenwood Academy in Chicago.
  • The program is expanding to include a new mentorship initiative for underclassmen and those not yet in Rise Up.

The players

Oliver Speller

Co-founder of the Rise Up program at Kenwood Academy, inspired by the work of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Yannick Assignon

President of the Rise Up program at Kenwood Academy, who is applying to colleges like Hampton University and Ohio State University.

Lester Barrett

Marketing officer and chief technology officer for the Rise Up program, who has gained confidence in his communication and leadership skills through the program.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Civil rights leader whose mission and vision inspired the creation of the Rise Up mentorship program.

Kenwood Academy

The high school in Chicago where the Rise Up mentorship program is based.

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What they’re saying

“I want them to be pillars of the community. I want them to be effective in society, everything Jesse Jackson was trying to build.”

— Oliver Speller, Co-founder, Rise Up program (abc7chicago.com)

“If it were a year ago, I would be too scared to even say anything. I've definitely learned what it means to communicate and how much power words really have.”

— Lester Barrett, Marketing officer and chief technology officer, Rise Up program (abc7chicago.com)

“I'll keep his hope alive, and that hope is important to the progression of today's society and whatever else is coming after us.”

— Lester Barrett, Marketing officer and chief technology officer, Rise Up program (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Rainbow PUSH is helping to sponsor college tours for the Rise Up students, which they hope to take this summer.

The takeaway

The Rise Up mentorship program at Kenwood Academy is directly carrying on the mission and vision of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, empowering young Black men to become leaders and pillars of their community. By providing mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities, the program is opening doors and creating a sense of purpose and brotherhood for its participants.