Camden, NJ Introducing the transformative journey of James Kenner, a generator of hope in his community. From his humble beginnings in a single-parent household to overcoming adversity, Kenner’s path was marked by challenges, including stints in foster care and being homeless. However, fueled by a steadfast commitment to service and personal growth, Kenner emerged as a force for positive change.
He is now the Founder of the nonprofit organization, Learn Your True Evolution (LYTE). Kenner seeks to empower youth in inner cities through holistic education and impactful initiatives. Through motivational speaking engagements and community collaborations, Kenner and LYTE are illuminating pathways to success, inspiring individuals to discover their purpose and unlock their full potential.
In an exclusive interview with the nation’s premier faith based and professional newspaper for winners, Anointed News Journal, James shares his insight on life and how anyone can acquire the tools they need to be successful in life.
Collins:
Who is James Kenner?
Kenner:
James Kenner is a man of service to God, humble and dedicated to serving the Creator, striving to reach my utmost potential and provide quality service to my community. I come from a family of nine, raised in a single-parent household. Born in Philadelphia, I later moved to Camden, New Jersey, and then to Pennsauken, New Jersey. I graduated from Paul VI high school and obtained my bachelor’s degree in sociology from Stony Brook University. I also experienced the junior college journey, earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Prior to this, I faced challenges of being in foster care twice and experiencing homelessness twice. These experiences shaped me into someone who overcomes adversity, learns from trial and error, and embraces optimistic strength, love, humility, and a commitment to service and opportunity for those who believe in themselves and seek to understand or rediscover their purpose. I consider myself a servant and an aspiring leader.
Collins:
And James, you are also the founder of a nonprofit. Tell us about your nonprofit and its mission.
Kenner:
My nonprofit is called LYTE and Means Learn Your True Evolution, where we aim to impact, empower, and educate youth in inner cities. Additionally, I serve as a purposeful speaker, addressing various institutions and corporations to remind individuals of their purpose. Within my organization, our focus is on educating youth in spiritual, mental, physical, and financial literacy development through a comprehensive curriculum. We offer at least a two-week course for each aspect, covering topics such as spiritual practices like breathing and meditation, understanding brain functions, physical fitness including exercise and combat training, and financial literacy covering economics, insurance, credit, taxes, and other relevant topics. I believe this holistic approach is essential for strong personal development, providing individuals with the tools to navigate life and build a foundation for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Collins:
Okay, you are one of nine siblings raised by a single mom, and as the eldest son, you provided care for your younger siblings. How does this experience impact or motivate you, if at all, in creating your nonprofit? Did you observe any deficiencies in young people that you aimed to address through your nonprofit?
Kenner:
Yes, absolutely. Growing up, my mother did her best raising us and providing guidance, but it was challenging with nine children under one roof. She juggled various responsibilities, trying to instill spiritual, mental, and physical strength, along with financial literacy. However, she herself hadn’t been raised in an entrepreneurial environment. While my grandfather eventually owned a laundromat, my mother faced numerous challenges and had to learn many things on her own. She did her best, often reminding us that only a man could teach us how to be men. She emphasized strength, perception, and various skills that I later internalized as essential for personal development, especially as a young black man in America.
So, I identified what was lacking in my upbringing and what was crucial for both internal and external success. I started with the basics: spiritual, mental, and physical enlightenment, recognizing that financial literacy is vital given the society we live in. Coming from a large single-parent household, I witnessed firsthand the challenges we faced. I asked myself, “How can I serve and make a positive impact for our people?” Despite the challenges, I was fortunate to earn a full scholarship for football at Stony Brook University.
However, my upbringing had its drawbacks, particularly in terms of nutrition. While my mother did her best, our diet wasn’t always ideal due to financial constraints. This became evident during my college years when I realized I hadn’t been practicing the best eating habits. I understood the importance of proper nourishment, especially in a world where food often contains harmful chemicals. Therefore, my upbringing significantly influenced the establishment and framework of my nonprofit organization.
Collins:
Coming from your background, growing up with a single mom and facing struggles, experiencing the love of a mother, and navigating the foster care system a few times, what words of encouragement would you offer to a mother who might be going through similar challenges? And what advice would you give to a child currently in the foster system?
Kenner:
Whether you’re spiritual or not, I would always say, keep the Creator close to your heart, at your center, at your core. To the mothers, I would say, as a single parent or if you’re facing challenges with your spouse, remember your why. Remember the role you envisioned for yourself when you first knew you were having children, and the impact and leadership you wanted to embody. Remembering your why brings you back to your purpose, which is to strive to be your best self and to serve the people in your life. Despite struggles and challenges, remembering your why is key.
Even in a life of wealth, there will always be hurdles, but knowing your purpose keeps you grounded. For those in the foster system, I would say, hold love for yourself in your heart. Loving yourself empowers you to face any challenge, no matter how the system treats you or if you feel misplaced and undervalued. I’ve been there. I had to learn to love myself, to recognize my worth just by being alive, breathing, and having the ability to experience life. Love builds belief in yourself, recognizing your capabilities and talents. It’s about cherishing moments of joy, like playing sports or spending time with friends, and recognizing that feeling as love. Love propels you forward, opening new doors and shaping you as you grow.
Collins:
Let’s discuss your foundation or nonprofit, LYTE. And how can people access it? Do you conduct workshops or have a facility for classes?
Kenner:
Sure, LYTE stands for Learn Your True Evolution. You can find us on my personal Instagram, which is @mr.kenner_; you’ll find LYTE’s Instagram, which is @LearnYourTrueEvolutionOrg. Both platforms showcase the work we’ve been doing. The LYTE page is still evolving, but you’ll see past initiatives like food and coat drives, speaking engagements, and community involvement. We’ve also been involved in youth camps, like the Philadelphia youth camps, representing LYTE. While we don’t have a facility yet, I trust in God’s plan that we will have one in the future. Our website is currently being revamped to offer more creativity and content.
Right now, we welcome acknowledgment and opportunities to bring our curriculum to different cities and communities. We’re flexible and open to collaboration. While we don’t have a fixed location, I often hold events in Philadelphia and Camden, given my roots there. We’re still in the process of acquiring a facility.
Collins:
For those interested in having you speak to their youth or corporate employees; how can they reach out to you?
Kenner:
You can reach me via email at [email protected]. I’m also active on social media platforms, including Instagram under the handle @Mr.Kenner_. Additionally, you can find me on LinkedIn as James Kenner. These are the main channels through which I can be contacted.
Regarding speaking engagements, I’m open to speaking to any group seeking guidance and purpose, whether it’s youth, adults, correctional facilities, colleges, or high schools. While my nonprofit primarily focuses on youth, my speaking engagements are inclusive and aimed at helping individuals discover their purpose beyond mere motivation.
As for funding, we operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and contributions can be made. Donations go towards various initiatives, including givebacks, building a brick and mortar facility, organizing food drives, and providing books on financial, physical, mental, and spiritual development to our youth. All financial transactions are transparent, and receipts are provided for accountability.
Contributions can be made through Zelle, Cash App or a check payable to Learn Your True Evolution. Feel free to reach out for further information on how to contribute and support our mission.
For mailing checks, you can send them to either of two addresses. One option is to mail them to Learn Your True Evolution at 401 Cooper Landing Road, Unit 417, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Alternatively, checks can be mailed to Anointed News Journal, PO Box 309, Camden, New Jersey 08101.
Collins:
What’s next for James Kenner?
Kenner:
As for what’s next for me, it’s about continuing to speak to and impact as many people as possible. My focus remains on reminding individuals of their purpose and guiding them in creating not just goals but systems to achieve success. For LYTE, it’s about providing comprehensive development programs for youth, focusing on spiritual, mental, physical, and financial literacy. We’re flexible in tailoring programs to fit different organizations’ needs.
Additionally, I’m exploring the possibility of owning a foster home. Having been a product of the foster care system myself, I want to provide a supportive environment for foster children, teaching them the same curriculum and offering them a broader perspective on life. Having experienced the dullness and lack of meaning in that system, I’m committed to making a difference in the lives of foster youth.
Collins:
Now, tell me about some of your collaborators. I imagine successful nonprofits often collaborate with other agencies or individuals. Can you share some of the people or organizations you work with?
Kenner:
Certainly. I initially started my organization with the guidance and support of Andre Turner, who is affiliated with Rowan University. He provided me with opportunities to speak on behalf of my organization and has been instrumental in helping me gather information and structure various aspects of the organization. Additionally, I often collaborate with individuals from programs like EOF (Educational Opportunity Fund), particularly those at Rowan and Rider University.
Collins:
You mentioned EOF. Do you provide assistance or guidance to young people who are about to enter college, particularly in navigating EOF programs at different universities?
Kenner:
Absolutely. My involvement with EOF primarily revolves around speaking engagements where I provide guidance and support to students who are part of the program. I’ve been invited to speak at EOF events multiple times, including a recent conference in Atlantic City. These engagements not only involve speaking to students but also to professors and directors who work with them. I aim to provide additional perspective and support to those who dedicate themselves to empowering young people through programs like EOF. I’m also actively seeking opportunities to expand and collaborate with other agencies and individuals who see value in partnering with LYTE.
Collins:
So, you’re open to collaborating with other agencies that recognize the value of partnering with LYTE?
Kenner:
Absolutely. Collaboration is key to our mission and growth.
Collins:
Whether it’s health and fitness or nutrition, or other educational institutions looking to offer additional education, you’re open to collaborating with various entities.
Kenner:
Absolutely. I’ve been primarily operating solo for a while now, but my focus is on connecting with the right people, building relationships, and fostering collaborations because I recognize that I can’t do this alone. God gave me the vision, but now I’m seeking the right individuals to walk this path with me. I’m not just looking for anyone; I’m allowing God to guide me to those who share the same mindset, positive energy, and ultimate goal of making a difference.
Collins:
For the kids who participate in your programs, is there a fee, or does funding cover it?
Kenner:
Currently, there is no fee for participation. Since we don’t have a physical facility yet, and our programs are still evolving, we haven’t implemented any fees.
Collins:
So essentially, you’re contracted out as a motivational speaker or life coach, whether it’s for corporate professionals, students, or small business communities. Is that correct?
Kenner:
Exactly. When I engage with youth, I conduct workshops and speeches tailored to their needs. We also organize giveback initiatives like coat and food drives. Once we have more speakers on board and establish a brick-and-mortar location, we’ll be able to offer structured classes and programs.
Collins:
The general public can also contribute items like coats for your coat drives and food for your food drives, as well as back-to-school supplies when you organize those events.
Kenner:
Yes, absolutely. We aim to hold these drives quarterly, and in the past, they’ve often been funded out of my own pocket or through donations from generous individuals.
Collins:
That’s exactly what we’re hoping for—engaging the public to recognize the value of contributing to these initiatives. You have the audience, and they have the resources. Now that they know how to reach out to you, together, they can make a meaningful impact on these young people’s lives.
The Anointed News Journal reaches over 180,000 readers weekly. In conclusion, what message would you like to leave with the readers of the Anointed?
Kenner:
Discover and embrace your purpose. When you walk in alignment with your purpose, every action you take will be infused with purity and intentionality. With love as your guiding force, nothing is impossible, and the impact you can make is boundless. Remember, no one achieves success alone—we are all influenced by someone or something. So, find your purpose, embrace it, and be willing to make a positive impact with love at the forefront of everything you do.
Collins:
In conclusion, James Kenner’s remarkable journey from adversity to empowerment stands as a testament to the transformative power of resilience and purpose. Through his nonprofit organization, Learn Your True Evolution (LYTE), Kenner has become a guiding light for youth in inner cities. With unwavering dedication to service and a commitment to inspiring positive change, Kenner’s mission continues to uplift and empower individuals, fostering a community of hope, growth, and limitless potential.
By Chris Collins
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