Young Kings Rising — Mentorship & Direction

Equipping Young Men to Walk in Purpose

We build disciplined systems that create freedom — and develop young Black men to lead with clarity, confidence, and character.

Book a Speaking Engagement Get the Book
Scroll
15–25
Age Group We Serve
18+
Years of Leadership Experience
✓ Fiscally Sponsored
Registered Nonprofit
★ U.S. Army
Veteran-Owned Organization
20+
Community Events

Our Foundation

Direction. Discipline. Legacy.

Everything we do points back to one question: Are young men walking in their purpose?

🎯

Mission

To equip young Black males ages 15–25 with the mentorship, tools, and mindset to live with discipline, direction, and purpose.

🔭

Vision

A generation of young men who know who they are, where they're going, and why they matter — rising as leaders in their communities and families.

🏛️

Values

We don't just teach values — we live them. Every program, conversation, and resource is built on these non-negotiables.

Legacy
Discipline
Faith
Family
Freedom
Responsibility
Growth
Darren L. Council Sr. — Author, Speaker, Veteran
Army
Veteran
★ ★ ★

About Darren

Built from Discipline. Driven by Legacy.

Army Veteran Author Keynote Speaker Father & Husband Community Leader

Darren L. Council Sr. is a U.S. Army veteran, author, and passionate advocate for the next generation of young Black men. With over 18 years of marriage, three children, and a career built on leadership and service, Darren doesn't just talk about purpose — he lives it.

He stumbled into real estate with no background and no mentor, and figured it out. He transitioned from military structure to building his own systems. He wrote a book to give young men the direction he didn't always see growing up.

Today he leads Young Kings Rising — a nonprofit movement equipping young men with the tools to walk in purpose, not drift through life.

Book Darren to Speak

The Book

Heroes: Your Community Awaits

Heroes:
Your Community
Awaits
An Interactive Workbook
Heroes: Your Community Awaits by Darren Council
Darren L. Council Sr.

A roadmap for young men ready to step up.

This isn't a book to read and set on a shelf. It's a workbook built for the young man who's ready to ask hard questions, take honest inventory, and start moving with purpose.

Written for ages 15–25, Heroes: Your Community Awaits challenges young men to look inside, take responsibility, and show up — in their families, schools, and communities.

Ages15 – 25
FormatInteractive Workbook
45 pagesof practical exercises
Get the Book on Amazon

Featured Media

Hear Darren's Message

🎙️ Interview

Darren Council — Featured Interview

In this conversation, Darren talks about his journey from military service to mentorship, the inspiration behind Young Kings Rising, and why discipline and direction are the two things every young man needs to thrive.

A candid, honest conversation about purpose, legacy, and what it takes to show up for the next generation.

Watch on YouTube →

The Research Is Clear

What Mentorship Does for Young Men

We don't just believe in this work — the data backs it. These are outcomes consistently reported across structured mentorship programs for young men.

55%
More likely to enroll in college or higher education
MENTOR National
78%
More likely to volunteer and give back to their community
MENTOR National
52%
Less likely to skip school or disengage from education
America's Promise Alliance
130%
More likely to hold leadership positions in adulthood
MENTOR National

Statistics reflect research on structured mentorship programs for youth ages 15–25. Sources: MENTOR National, America's Promise Alliance.

What People Are Saying

Real Words from Real People

★★★★★

"He exceeded our expectations. His message was engaging, authentic, and relatable to our youth. Our students were attentive throughout the presentation, and many continued discussing the topics he shared after the event concluded. We would confidently recommend him to detention facilities, group homes, schools, and youth organizations seeking a speaker who can effectively connect with young people."

Elden K. Kaeo
Program Manager & Teacher — Eleos Ministries & Best Skills Academy
★★★★★

"Our guys sat down and actually took the time to listen. They are still talking about what they heard. It was clear that Mr. Council brings a message that resonates — one that meets young men exactly where they are."

Shannon Wydman
Bel-Aire Community Partners
★★★★★

"Wonderful book for young men who need direction, guidance, and motivation to step into who they are called to be. Practical, direct, and exactly what this generation needs to hear."

John H.
Amazon Verified Purchase

FREE RESOURCE

5 Things Every Young King Needs to Know Before 25

Enter your email and we'll send you this free guide — built from the same principles that power the Young Kings Rising program.

No spam. Just tools for the next generation.

Speaking

Bring Young Kings Rising to Your School, Program, or Event

Darren delivers keynotes, workshops, and panel conversations that move young men — not just motivate them. The message is real, the delivery is direct, and the impact lasts.

  • Identity & Self-Worth — Knowing who you are before the world tells you
  • Discipline as Freedom — Building systems that create opportunity
  • Legacy Over Clout — What you're actually building, and for who
  • From Surviving to Leading — The mindset shift that changes everything
  • Mentorship & Brotherhood — Why you can't do this alone
  • Purpose & Direction — Finding your lane and running in it

Session Formats

Middle School · Ages 11–14 · 45–60 min

“Nobody’s Coming to Save You”

A direct message for younger students on taking ownership, building discipline, and choosing who they want to become — before the world decides for them.

High School & Young Adults · Ages 15–25 · 60–90 min

“Heroes: Your Community Awaits”

Built around the workbook of the same name. Identity, purpose, legacy — and what it actually means to show up for the people around you.

Juvenile Facilities, Group Homes, Foster Care · Bi-Weekly Series · Customizable

Facility / Residential Program Series

An ongoing bi-weekly series designed for residential facilities. Builds trust over time, tracks progress, and meets young men where they are — consistently.

Book a Speaking Engagement

Available for schools, community programs, churches, corporate events, and youth conferences across NC and beyond.

Keynote Workshop Panel Retreat Virtual

✓ First 3 sessions complimentary — Charlotte-Metro & surrounding areas

Request Darren to Speak

↓ Download the Program Director One-Sheet

704-701-6175

youngkingsrisingnc@gmail.com

Support the Mission

Invest in the Next Generation

Young Kings Rising is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Every dollar goes directly toward equipping young men with mentorship, resources, and the direction they need to thrive.

We're building the infrastructure for something lasting. When you support YKR, you're not just writing a check — you're choosing to invest in the kind of young men this generation needs.

Contact Us to Give

Young Kings Rising is a program of Youth Center Stage Performing Arts — our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor · EIN 84-3426460

💰 Financial Support

Fund programs, resources, and outreach. Tax-deductible. Every amount matters.

📚 Book Donation

Help us put Heroes: Your Community Awaits in the hands of young men who need it.

🤝 Volunteer

Mentor, speak, assist with events. If you have skills and heart, we want you on the team.

📣 Spread the Word

Share our mission. Refer us to schools, churches, and programs in your community.

Partner With Us

Let's Build Something Together

We're actively partnering with schools, community organizations, churches, and businesses that share our commitment to the next generation.

🤝 Active Program Partner: Cabarrus YDC & JDC — 10-Session Program launching July 2026

Schools & Districts

Bring YKR programming directly to students through assemblies, mentorship sessions, and workshop series aligned with character education goals.

Community Programs

Partner with us to add structured mentorship and speaking resources to your existing youth development programming.

Faith Organizations

We bring a faith-grounded, values-based approach that complements church youth ministries and community outreach efforts.

Corporate & Business

Align your CSR investment with measurable community impact. Sponsor programming, events, or book distributions in your region.

Nonprofits

We collaborate, co-present, and cross-refer. If your work touches young men, we should be in conversation.

Individual Mentors

Men who've been where these young men are and made it through. Your story is a resource. Join our mentor network.

Ready to start the conversation?

Reach Out to Partner

Get In Touch

Let's Start a Conversation

We'd love to hear from you.

Whether you want to book a speaking engagement, explore a partnership, support the mission, or just learn more — reach out and we'll get back to you promptly.

Email youngkingsrisingnc@gmail.com
Personal Website darrencouncil.com
✓ Message sent! We'll get back to you shortly.