Stedman Graham at Ali Center Conducts Leadership Development Program for Men and Boys

LOUISVILLE, KY (January 20, 2007) ... Stedman Graham, author, educator and entrepreneur conducted a Who Are You? Leadership Development Program for Men and Boys at the Muhammad Ali Center in View Pointe Hall on Saturday, January 20th from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  A book signing by Mr. Graham followed the program. 

This private event incorporated an original education initiative for over 100 male youths participating —along with approximately 32 mentors—from Kentucky and Indiana that delivered leadership and living skills which are the basis for academic and workforce success.  It helped participants learn the process of how to break free from negative patterns and change the way they think and feel about their possibilities. 

A vital component of the Ali Center’s mission “to inspire adults and children everywhere to be as great as they can be” strategically aligns with the vision of the Who Are You? Program “to positively change the lives and futures of ‘youth in crisis’, and inspire them to become productive members of a new generation that will impact their community, their city, and nation.”  It is our hope that this Ali Center-sponsored program will launch a successful one-year program between mentor-youth groups that will generate a commitment to educational modules, volunteerism, community service, and career exploration for the young participants. 

 The program is based on Graham’s latest book, Who Are You? A Success Process for Building Your Life’s Foundation (Hay House, 2005). In the program, young men will learn that the greatest opportunity in life is to have a sense of who you are.  The freedom that comes with finding out who you are is your foundation and a gift that allows you to pursue a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and rewarding.   Most of us take years trying to figure out just who we are, but too many of us will never find out. If we fail to define ourselves, we risk being defined by the world we live in. We allow others to define us—by our race, our gender, our background, our environment. We buy into the labels that keep us in a box, and as a result of these limitations, we may never realize our greatest potential.

Mike Fox, President and CEO of the Ali Center, says “Similarly, three of the underpinnings of the Ali Center are to motivate individuals to have a clearer sense of self, others and purpose. Both the Center and Graham are extremely excited about this collaborative program and the opportunities it entails for young men of our community and region.”

Graham says, “When we learn to process and think, we take ownership of our lives.  Regardless of how someone else defines us, we’re able to take control of our future, and that’s a gift of freedom we give to ourselves. Knowing who you are and feeling good about yourself is what will give you the strength to make it through the tough times.  As soon as priorities come into focus, the young men have a better chance for success.  When people are truly focused and engaged, they become the master of their destiny.  They are truly free.”

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Stedman Graham is chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates, a management and marketing consulting firm whose clients include Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo, CVS, Hyatt Hotels, CNN, Credit-Suisse, Harvard, and the Department of Education. Graham is founder of Athletes Against Drugs and serves on the boards of Junior Achievement and 7-Eleven’s Education Is Freedom Foundation. He is the author of ten books, including the New York Times best sellers Teens Can Make It Happen and You Can Make It Happen. He lives in Chicago.