About Leadership Academy

The Leadership Academy is sponsored by the DeKalb County Chapter of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., with the support of local businesses, public agencies, educational institutions, and donations from public and private contributors.

Many research studies show young African American men have dramatically lower grade point averages, school attendance patterns, and graduation rates than females and members of other ethnic groups. In DeKalb County and metropolitan Atlanta, young black youth face problems of poverty, crime, single parenthood, drugs, violence and hopelessness. Violent aggression is an especially hazardous and potentially lethal problem confronting Black male youth.

The Leadership Academy is designed to address some of the challenges faced by minority boys and girls in DeKalb County and surrounding communities. The academic program targetsstudents ages 13 through 18 of DeKalb County focused on developing students through mentoring, education, health and wellness awareness, and financial literacy.  Since its launch over 20 years ago, more than 1,500 students have graduated from the Leadership Academy with 90% of the program graduates enrolled in colleges, universities, armed services, or trade schools to further their advancement and future careers. In addition, the program nurtures achievement, provides support, enhances self-esteem and teaches lifelong living and learning skills.  The Leadership Academy is supported in alliance with the DeKalb County Public Schools and the greater metropolitan community.

Our 2022 Graduates

Featured Graduates

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Ahmad Parker

President,
100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc

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Jacqueline Cook

President-Elect &
Scholarship Gala Chair

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Jaydyn Gadd

President,
100 Black Men of DeKalb County, Inc

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Khloe Beal

President-Elect &
Scholarship Gala Chair

Ahmad Parker

Age: 17

Ahmad Parker is a graduate of North Clayton High School with the GPA of 3.3.  He is the only child to parents Chandria Burke and Christopher Parker.  During high school,  Ahmad’s favorite class was AP World language.  He describes himself as protective, kind, smart and a man of his word.  When asked the advice he would tell his younger self, it is staying focused on his GPA.  This Fall, Ahmad will attend Ohio University where he will major in Criminal Justice with the career aspiration of becoming a lawyer and judge.  Before starting his college season, he plans to vacation and have fun playing basketball.  He looks forward to the college experience and living on his own away from home. 

Jacqueline Cook

Age: 18

Jacqueline Cook is the daughter of Carlethia Cook.  A graduate of Ronald E. McNair High School, Jacqueline is the second of six children.  During high school, her favorite class was psychology/sociology.  An introvert at heart, Jacqueline loves reading and writing in her spare time.  She describes herself as ambitious, motivated and intelligent.  Jacqueline was introduced to the Leadership Academy through an internship and has dedicated more than 100 hours in volunteer service. With the goal of becoming a Criminal Justice Defense Lawyer, Jacqueline will attend Fort Valley State University in the Fall where she plans to study Criminal Justice.  As the first in her family to attend college, she looks forward to starting the new school year strong with the focus on maintaining a driven mindset while enjoying developmental activities during her college season.  

Jaydyn Gadd

Age: 18

Jaydyn Gadd has been a student of the Leadership Academy for more than five years.  He is the youngest of two children born to Frances and Nathaniel Gadd.  He is a graduate of Rockdale County High School with a GPA of 3.3.  His favorite class in high school was Production Engineering.  He describes himself as laidback and sincere with good business management skills.  In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games.  This summer, Jadyn will devote his time to working a part-time job  and learning to cook before starting his college season.  Jaydyn will attend Georgia Southern University and will major in Computer Science.  His career aspiration includes being a Video Game Programmer. 

Khloe Beal

Age: 18

Khloe Beal is the daughter of Anna January and Wilfred Beal.  She is a graduate of Centennial High school with a GPA of 3.7.  During high school, Khloe was active in the Student Council and participated in band, robotics, ASL clue, and the Black Student Union.  Surrounded by a large family, Khloe is the sixth child of seven children.  She describes herself as strategic, diligent, ambitious, and a thrillseeker with a love of riding extreme rollercoasters.  During her spare time, she loves working out and lounging with friends.  This Fall semester, Khloe will attend Southern University in Baton Rouge where she plans to major in Computer Science with the goal to be a Web Developer. As she prepares for college, Khloe looks forward to making new friends, joining the track team, being an active member of the Student Council, and exploring other programs to advance her network and future opportunities.