David Bernard, 19, a student at One Bright Ray, said Sankofa taught him how to build himself up.
“This program showed us how negative thinking and cynical thoughts lead to failure, and how to overcome that with productive and positive thoughts,” he said.
Jajuan Young, 18, who also attends One Bright Ray, said Sankofa taught him that he doesn’t have to retaliate for every perceived slight or injustice.
“Your pride doesn’t have to mean everything to you. Sometimes you have to put it to the side,” he said.
Malik Williams, 17, a One Bright Ray student, said he learned to take responsibility for his actions.
“When we’re overwhelmed by everything, Sankofa is a way to get away and learn how to deal with our problems,” he said. “We saw that it’s in our hands. We control our own futures.”
For many of the students, just having a stable male role model was key.