HISTORY
In 2015, a catastrophic event forever changed the course of our family when our loved one, Jae, was tragically murdered, leaving behind two young boys. In his honor, we created Our Kings Hands as a way to keep his legacy alive and support others facing similar pain. Over time, we witnessed firsthand how broken systems and limited programs failed to meet the real needs of our youth. Inspired by Jae’s sons and their desire to create change, we redefined our mission and gave birth to Independent Achievements for Minority Youth (I.A.M.U) in 2024.
Everything about I.A.M.U reflects wholeness, unity, and togetherness—even our logo, which was designed by our young nephew, JaeOnte. We are driven by the belief that every young person deserves a safe space to grow into the best version of themselves, especially those who have faced trauma and simply need guidance to navigate life’s systems.
With years of combined experience in advocacy, peer support, counseling, life coaching, consulting, and the medical field, our team takes pride in every program we offer. At I.A.M.U, we are more than a nonprofit—we are a family committed to restoring hope, building confidence, and helping youth discover their purpose with respect, compassion, and dignity.
Vision Statement:
Independent Achievements for Minority Youth (I.A.M.U) envisions a world where young people rise beyond trauma and systemic barriers to become leaders who heal, uplift, and transform their communities. We strive to break cycles of violence and inequity by empowering youth to turn pain into purpose and hope into lasting change.
Our Commitment:
At I.A.M.U (Independent Achievements for Minority Youth), we are steadfast in our commitment to empowering every young person we serve. We provide unwavering support through tailored programs, strategic partnerships, and a safe, inclusive environment where youth are seen, heard, and valued. We continuously evolve to meet community needs, advocate for systemic change, and create lasting impact—turning resilience into leadership and hope into transformation.
Our Core Values
At I.A.M.U (Independent Achievements for Minority Youth), our values reflect who we are and the change we strive to create every day.
Empowerment: Inspiring youth to recognize their worth, embrace their power, and shape their own futures.
Inclusivity: Creating equitable spaces where every voice is heard, valued, and respected.
Integrity: Leading with honesty, transparency, and accountability in every decision and action.
Community: Building strong connections that foster unity, collaboration, and shared success.
Resilience: Turning pain into purpose and challenges into opportunities for growth.
Advocacy: Amplifying youth voices and driving systemic change for justice and equity.
Compassion: Meeting every individual with empathy, understanding, and respect.
Accountability: Committing to measurable impact, sustainable growth, and transformative outcomes.
Become One With I.A.M.U Today!
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.
President Barack Obama