Our Story
Unapologetically Black
Word is Bond is a Portland-born, Black-led nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men sprouted in 2017. Word is Bond empowers young Black men ages 15-19 years as they transition from boys into young men and find themselves navigating a world that provides very few answers to unlocking their highest selves. Harnessing the soul force of Black boy joy and the power of storytelling we create dynamic programming to provide an answer to our mission statement;
What if young Black men were empowered to their fullest potential?
In creating Word is Bond, we felt strongly about the need to center the unique experiences of young Black men. We saw the deficits; the lack of Black male mentors and decades of data pointing to the underachievement of Black men, as well as the opportunities; the rich history of Black leadership, and the power of narrative ownership to impact self-identity. Thus Word is Bond stands unapologetically in its power and mission to serve young Black men.
Word is Bond engages young Black men ages 15 through 19 years old through five award-winning programs: Rising Leaders, Level Up, In My Shoes, the Spring Leadership Forum, and the Black Star Homecoming Expedition.
We offer dynamic programming through our core areas of leadership development, public speaking, storytelling, professional and career development, college prep, mentorship, outdoor leadership, civic engagement, Black history and Black identity, mental health and self-care, international travel, and service to others.
Our goal is to be a national leader in the development of young Black men, a thought partner and resource to the community, and a platform for young Black men everywhere to become masters of their narratives.
In their own words:
How our Community Ambassadors describe Word is Bond in one sentence:
Word is Bond is the Black experience, a multitude of shared thoughts and words. -Natu
Inspiring, highly intelligent, young Black men working to make the world a better place. -Mar Mar
Word is Bond is an opportunity for young Black men to gain professional development skills they can use in their lives. -Nigusu
A group of young Black men working to build professional skills together. -Jahad
Word is Bond is different in a good way because it opens you to new experiences. - Dre
A program to empower and enlighten the youth into leaders. -Mathew
Word is Bond is a community of young Black men growing together to become impactful leaders. - Mohamed
The chance to change the stereotypes of Black men to better ourselves. -Simon S.
Word is Bond is where boys become men. -Max
Word is Bond fosters community through creative collaboration and connection. -James
Word is Bond is an opportunity for young Black men to get a look at real Black history and an outlet for many great connections and possibilities for the future. -Jonathon
The image of Black youth. -Ja’Mari
A community non-profit that works to serve the community around it while supporting the leaders within it. -Tesahe
Word is Bond is a community that allows Black youth to change their narrative with guidance. -Aki
Word is Bond is an eye-opening experience that will put you in rooms you never thought you could be in. -Simon A.
