IYT Mississippi Executive Briefing: March 2026
- Mar 8
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Executive Summary
This March, IYT Mississippi is building incredible momentum across the state by expanding our footprint and deepening our impact at campuses like Blackburn Middle School and Reimagine Prep. Despite navigating new statewide curriculum regulations, our commitment to centering the lived experiences of our Young Men of Color remains unwavering. This month’s briefing highlights remarkable student achievements—including a record-breaking literacy milestone by 6th-grade scholar Kourey Christmas—and the launch of our innovative "Cuts for CUTS" barbering mentorship program. From building vulnerability through campus "Trust Walks" to locking in for 4th Quarter Study Hall Huddles, these initiatives actively break down systemic barriers and prove that with consistency and community, our scholars will continue to thrive.
Strategic Vision: Advancing Despite Barriers
Expanding Our Options in Jackson Public Schools
Across the state, educators are navigating new regulations that limit diverse, culturally relevant, and equity-driven content in the curriculum. At IYT Mississippi, we see this as an opportunity to double down on what matters most: centering our students’ lived experiences, celebrating their identities, and fostering a genuine sense of belonging. No policy can shift our focus or slow our mission to advocate for our Young Men of Color (YMOC).
The Data: Black Men Making It in America
YMOC face systemic challenges, but the data proves that when supported, they achieve incredible success. Recent research highlights promising, long-term national trends regarding the economic advancement of Black men:
Metric | 1960 | 2016 | Trend |
Middle Class (or higher) Status | 38% | 57% | Significant Growth |
Living in Poverty | 41% | 18% | Significant Decline |
These numbers show that success is not only achievable—it’s happening right now. At IYT Mississippi, we are actively building the foundation for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and scholars.
Campus Impact: Jackson Public Schools
Spotlight: Brother Kourey Christmas (6th Grade, Blackburn Middle School)
Kourey is redefining success by tackling reading disparities head-on. This month, he earned the highest reading achievement among his peers at Blackburn Middle School!
Kourey achieved an Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) Score of 271 words per minute. This metric tracks how well a student reads aloud with speed, accuracy, and expression. Kourey’s achievement places him well above the national benchmark for 6th graders—proof that excellence is defined by the courage to rise above obstacles. Let's give a big IYT Mississippi ovation to Brother Kourey!
Academic Start Student
We also want to proudly recognize JaCurtis Jackson (6th Grade) as this month's Academic Star Student at Blackburn Middle School for his outstanding dedication to his studies!
Program Innovation: Cuts for CUTS
During our IYT Brotherhood mentoring sessions, Blackburn Middle School stands firmly on the belief: "If you look good, you will do good." Partnering with local barbers, we launched Cuts for CUTS, an incentive program rewarding our Young Men of Color with fresh haircuts for demonstrating leadership and meeting academic expectations.
The impacts of this mentorship initiative include:
Boosted confidence and improved morale.
Increased attention to personal hygiene and pride in appearance.
Greater engagement during programming.
Exposure to local trades and career pathways through an after-school Barbering Mentorship Program.
Culture Building: Chips for Chips
To ensure every Brother feels valued, our Chips for Chips initiative recognizes "overachievers"—students who serve without being asked, go above and beyond expectations, and demonstrate consistent personal growth. Through this and our IYT MS curriculum, we intentionally foster curiosity, cultural pride, and a deep sense of belonging.
Campus Impact: Reimagine Prep School
Building Trust Through the "Trust Walk"
This month, Reimagine Prep Brothers explored vulnerability and teamwork in a hands-off experience called the "Trust Walk."
Blindfolded Brothers relied solely on a peer's verbal guidance to navigate a path, requiring active listening and precise communication. As Brother Landon shared:
"It felt good knowing someone had my back, even when I couldn’t see."
4th Quarter Study Hall Huddles: Finishing Strong
Reimagine Brothers are locking in for the final stretch of the school year. Every Tuesday and Thursday, our Study Hall Huddles provide a structured space where Brothers stay accountable, catch up on assignments, and build strong academic habits. They are demonstrating the focus needed to finish the year strong. We BELIEVE. We are SCHOLARS of IYT!
Leadership Spotlight: Welcoming the Board of Advisors
Improve Your Tomorrow is proud to announce the formation of the Mississippi Board of Advisors (BOA), a dynamic group of 11 passionate leaders dedicated to guiding our mission and expanding our impact across the region.
The BOA is led by Chair Dedria Wheaten and Co-Chair Jasmine Thornton, whose leadership and vision have already set the tone for this exciting new chapter. Since their first meeting in October, the Board has been instrumental in driving strategy. Chair Wheaten notably served as a featured speaker at the recent Kick-Off event, inspiring students and families as we launched the program.
Strategic Focus: Looking ahead to early 2026, the BOA is spearheading a Parent Engagement Initiative designed to deepen connections between families and the resources IYT provides.
"Our Board of Advisors represents the best of what community leadership can achieve. Their wisdom and dedication will help us expand opportunities for young men of color and ensure that every Brother has the support to thrive." — Dr. Kimberly Smith-Russ