MIAMI LEADER:
Kerline Jules is a native Miami girl and a leader supporting #BlackMalesMatter initiative. Having heard too many women of color express the fear of raising children in her community, Kerline decided to take action. She is now involved with local and national programs designed to create networks of support to address the challenges young males of color face.
WHY MIAMI?
Miami is one-of-a-kind city, a beautiful melting pot of cultures, diverse experiences and endless possibilities. Miami is home, it is where I was born and raised. I have a passion and a connection to the city that I can’t really explain. Miami is growing fast right now, but with many amazing developments in the making, I see the many struggles of local people. I feel compelled to not just seat in the sidelines, but to get involved, take action and be apart of the solution. Miami is where I want to make a mark and leave a legacy by setting a positive example for future generations.
WHAT IS THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE TO SOLVE ON YOUR LIST? WHY?
While there are too many issues that are pressing in Miami and around the country, the most important to solve on my list is youth gun violence. Too many young men are lost to the streets and never given a chance to reach their full potential. Boys and young men of color are facing unique challenges due to racial injustice and can have a bright future if given an opportunity.
HOW CAN WE SOLVE IT?
As it relates to youth gun violence, it’s important that we support and invest in youth programs that empower our youth, get them engaged, keep them out of trouble and off the streets.
It’s important that we invest in mentoring programs, because young people don’t always become what they hear, they become what they see. We have to shift our kid’s energy, empower them and show them that they do have a bright future. That is the reason why I am more than happy to support initiatives like the South Florida Youth Summit, a tri-county FREE youth summit presented by L.E.A.D. Nation. This year I have the humble honor of serving as the Chairperson for the 4th Annual South Florida Youth Summit taking place April 21 – 22nd.
In the spirit of celebrating black males, in August 2014, Under THE K.JULES PROJECT, I launched the inaugural Distinguished Gentlemen: Celebrating the Gentlemen Making An Impact. Distinguished Gentlemen is a debonair celebration of our emerging men of color in business and in the community. While also celebrating our honorees, we feature local boys and men of color initiatives. A portion of the proceeds from the evening are allocated to support boys and men of color initiatives. The proceeds from the inaugural year went to support The Boys Em/In Power Experience, a FREE one-day empowerment gathering for middle and high school males of South Florida which was presented by L.E.A.D Nation in partnership with Broward College and THE K.JULES PROJECT. I also had the humble honor of serving as the Chairperson for this amazing event.