‘Making Of Men’ Organization Empowering Young Black Men

Making of Men is an organization started in 1999 to empower young Black men, giving them a voice and self-confidence and emphasizing education. 

Steven Davis started the organization with a specific purpose.

“It was important to me to be able to do things with these young men that would help build the resiliency skills necessary to navigate life’s circumstances,” said Davis. 

This was a special day for the group as they celebrated the fifth Making of Men power lunch.

“Today we brought together men, women, white, and black because we wanted them to pour into these young men,” Davis said. “To help them understand that the community is here for you.”

The event was held at Life Church on Northwest Expressway. With everything going on around the nation Davis said this year was crucial. 

“Considering what this country has been dealing with, with the killing of Black men and boys, they start wondering what’s the reason for hope?” Davis said. “I thought it was important that the community come out and pour hope into these young men.” 

More than 100 young men and boys, all part of the program, and dressed in shirts and ties had lunch and spent time with positive role models from their community. 

The even bigger treat was Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti making a Zoom appearance just to speak to the boys and take their questions. 

“Somebody once said to me, a long time ago, if you want to be exceptional, you have to be willing to be the exception,” said Presti. 

This is year five for the luncheon, Davis said, “they unapologetically build Black boys to build their communities.”

Editor’s Note: News 9 is part of a local initiative that brings all of our local media outlets together to give Oklahoma a United Voice in promoting a healthy dialogue on race. To see more stories, visit UnitedVoiceOK.org.