Today in Oakland — on my way home from work, a 15 year old kid stopped me and asked me for a few dollars to get something to eat.  I didn't have any cash on me, but told him to follow me to Panda Express, and we could get something.  As we ate, he told me about how his father was murdered in front of him when he was 3 years old, that his mother chooses not to work, and that she doesn't buy groceries, nor does she give him money for food.   He told me that he typically eats at school, but today he traveled from East Oakland to Downtown, not knowing that his school — Oakland Emiliano Zapata Street Academy — was closed for the day.
 
As he shared these struggles, I tried to encourage him with some of mine.  I told him that I was jumped into a gang at 16, barely graduated from high school, but ultimately transcended my environment to go on to do things beyond those circumstances, and that he could too.

At some point during our conversation, I asked him what he wanted to do after high school.  He said, "I want to play basketball in NBA."  But what if that doesn't workout, I said.  He replied, "my fallback plan is to become a lawyer."  And to that I said, that's what I do (well, after I graduate from law school in two weeks, and pass the bar exam this summer.)

This kid's name is Anthony James — I did a cursory search on google, and quickly verified his story (link below). Anthony reminded of myself in a lot of ways when I was his age, but prior to me feeling as if it was me against the world. From what I could tell Anthony is currently on a good path, is smart (straight A student), perceptive, and fascinated by the world beyond his circumstances. However, I'm afraid that because of his circumstances, this might not always be the case for him. 

http://www.eastbaytimes.com/2005/11/29/police-stabbing-was-self-defense/

For years I told myself that I was going to start a non-profit to help kids like Anthony.  But for one reason or another, I continued to find reasons to delay giving back in the ways that my heart has compelled me to; I'm not doing that anymore.

I'm seeking to raise funds to help start a non-profit to support and mentor Anthony, and kids like him.
A large part of the initial funds will go towards filing fees, structuring of the non-profit, a website (stuff that legitmizes my cause).  As you can imagine, starting an organization doesn't come without expenses and serious time committments (IRS Form 1023 alone is $400).  Further funds recieved will go towards supporting Anthony, whom I hope to begin mentoring after proper channels are established with his school. 

Ultimately this non-profit will be geared towards establishing a network of young professional men of color like myself, who will activley mentor kids in Bay Area in situations similar to Anthony's. 

As someone who got caught up in a bad environment at a young age, I understand how quickly a good path can turn bad.  Please help me realize my goal of giving back, as I have gained so much from others.  

Thank you,

Mark Richards,
Founder, Project Reinitiation 
J.D. candidate, UC Hastings 2017