Leaders Become Legends to host inaugural fundraiser to uplift Black, Latino, Indigenous youths

A nonprofit organization that supports and mentors young adults affected by substance abuse, gangs and gun violence, lack of education, and harmful living situations is inviting the community to a fundraising event to bolster the “future.”

Leaders Become Legends will hold its inaugural Rebuilding Lives for the Future 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, in the parking lot of the nonprofit’s training center, 17214 S.E. Division St. There will be tours of the near-completed facility, music, food, and stories from people who were uplifted by the group.

There will also be a special presentation from Portland Commissioner Carmen Rubio, and a silent auction and paddle raise.

All proceeds from the event will support ongoing renovations of the training facility, as well as the ongoing mission of mentoring youth and young adults.

Leaders Become Legends was co-founded by Mike “Bretto” Jackson, Derric Thompson, and James Turner. That trio are all Black fathers, businessmen and community leaders. The programs center on social, economic and mental health well-being, as well as a workforce program focused on green energy.

Through their collective lived experiences, the trio saw many Black, Latino and Indigenous youths being left out of career opportunities due to family situations, lack of expertise, living situations, substance abuse, lack of education, and other barriers.

The organization was created to address those gaps.

Registration for the event is free and can be done online at tinyurl.com/2bp7y6hp . More information on the group and donations can also be made at leadersbecomelegends.org or by mailing checks to 17214 S.E. Division St. (payable to Leaders Become Legends).