Memphis Program Uplifts Young Men Through Mentorship

The Gentlemen's League aims to combat stereotypes and empower boys of color in the city.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A Memphis-based organization called The Gentlemen's League is working to invest in and empower young boys in the city, providing mentorship, career engagement, leadership development, and mental wellness support. The program recently held its 6th annual Boys of Color Conference, which brought together hundreds of young men to learn skills and receive guidance to be successful.

Why it matters

Youth violence has been a major concern in Memphis, and The Gentlemen's League aims to combat negative stereotypes and narratives about young men of color by giving them the tools and support they need to become productive citizens and leaders in their community.

The details

The Gentlemen's League is an all-male intervention program founded and led by Dr. Archie Moss Jr. The organization focuses on empowering and educating boys of color through mentorship. At their recent Boys of Color Conference, the young men engaged in workshops on career development, leadership, and mental wellness, with the theme "Built Different: The Blueprint for Next Level Impact." Founder Dr. Moss says his goal is to provide the boys with the skills and guidance they need to be successful, rather than be influenced by the negativity that may surround them.

  • The Gentlemen's League recently held its 6th annual Boys of Color Conference on Saturday.

The players

The Gentlemen's League

A Memphis-based organization that provides mentorship, career engagement, leadership development, and mental wellness support to young boys of color.

Dr. Archie Moss Jr.

The founder and executive director of The Gentlemen's League, who is working to combat negative stereotypes and empower young men in Memphis.

Miles Caldwell

A 17-year-old participant in The Gentlemen's League program who is working to change the narrative about how youth in Memphis are viewed.

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What they’re saying

“There's nothing else you can do but prove others wrong.”

— Miles Caldwell, 17-year-old participant in The Gentlemen's League

“We have to prove to others, prove to ourselves, and prove to those younger than us that we can be nothing short of great.”

— Miles Caldwell, 17-year-old participant in The Gentlemen's League

“No matter what, no matter how, what you see in social media or on the TV or what others tell you, you can be what you want, and you can do what you want.”

— Miles Caldwell, 17-year-old participant in The Gentlemen's League

“We exist to intervene on the narrative, to combat the narrative, to combat the stereotypes of what we hear about young boys.”

— Dr. Archie Moss Jr., Founder and Executive Director of The Gentlemen's League

“They already have the skills, the resources, the tools to be successful, but sometimes they need the blueprint. They need some guidance and support.”

— Dr. Archie Moss Jr., Founder and Executive Director of The Gentlemen's League

What’s next

The Gentlemen's League plans to continue providing mentorship, workshops, and support to young men in Memphis, with the goal of empowering them to become successful and productive members of the community.

The takeaway

The Gentlemen's League is making a meaningful impact in Memphis by investing in the city's youth and working to combat negative stereotypes about young men of color. Their mentorship program and annual conference are providing young men with the tools, guidance, and support they need to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.