Empowering Young Lives Through Education and Mentorship | Jarrell Harris
By Lana Reid | August 12, 2026
Publication Information
| Interviewee | Jarrell Harris |
|---|---|
| Interviewer | Lana Reid |
| Collection | The Male Perspective: Black Men Matter Oral History Collection |
| Interview No. | 227 |
| Publisher | Conversations in Color |
| Rights Holder | Conversations in Color (501(c)(3)) |
| Original Format | Recorded Video Interview |
| Language | English |
| Original Air Date | August 12, 2026 |
| Publication Date | August 2026 |
| Location | Virtual Interview |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21909998 |
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Jarrell Harris, founder of Empowering Young Lives Academy and Empowering Males, Inc., to discuss how education and mentorship can transform the lives of young people. Jarrell shares the personal journey that led him into education, explaining how childhood experiences, personal setbacks, and the loss of his grandmother ultimately inspired him to dedicate his life to serving youth. The conversation explores the importance of Black male educators, whole-child development, and creating environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Jarrell Harris reflects on the experiences that shaped his passion for education and his commitment to helping young people reach their full potential.
Jarrell explains that his path into education was not a straight line. Childhood experiences, personal challenges, and profound loss helped shape his perspective and ultimately led him to recognize teaching and mentorship as his life’s calling. He discusses the significance of representation in education and why Black male educators continue to play an important role in helping students see new possibilities for themselves.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Jarrell explore the vision behind Empowering Young Lives Academy, which he established before expanding his work through Empowering Males, Inc. Jarrell explains that educating the whole child extends beyond academics alone. He believes students flourish when schools intentionally develop life skills, encourage emotional growth, and create supportive learning environments where every child feels valued.
The discussion also highlights the importance of parent engagement and community partnerships. Jarrell emphasizes that educators cannot work in isolation and that families, schools, and community mentors all contribute to helping young people succeed. He explains why consistent communication and shared responsibility create stronger outcomes for children.
Another key theme is mentorship. Jarrell reflects on the lasting influence caring adults can have on young people’s lives and why safe spaces remain essential for helping youth build confidence, healthy relationships, leadership skills, and a positive vision for the future.
This episode demonstrates how education, mentorship, and intentional community support can empower young people to grow into confident, compassionate, and successful leaders.
About the Guest
Jarrell Harris is the founder of Empowering Young Lives Academy and Empowering Males, Inc. His work focuses on whole-child education, youth mentorship, leadership development, and increasing positive outcomes for young people through strong educational and community partnerships.
๐๐ผ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐น๐น ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐:
https://www.instagram.com/empoweringmalesinc/
https://www.facebook.com/EmpoweringMalesInc/
https://www.facebook.com/empoweringyounglives1/
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men whose leadership, lived experiences, and professional expertise contribute to meaningful conversations about education, mentorship, and community development.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Colorโs Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.