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About 
MK Managing Director

Dr. Kelly M. Downing

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Dr. Downing, a distinguished Ph.D. graduate in Literacy from St. John’s University, is a seasoned leader in education and community empowerment. With a Master’s in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Study, he combines his passion for English and Music, holding a Master’s in Teaching from Fordham University. Currently the CEO/Executive Director of Sound Business Inc. (SBI), Dr. Downing excels in organizational leadership, fundraising, and fostering partnerships, as demonstrated during his role as Senior Faculty/Partnership Specialist at The Writing Revolution.

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His extensive background in education, including roles at the NYC Department of Education, College of New Rochelle, and Harlem Children’s Zone, highlights his expertise in instructional leadership and curriculum development. Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Downing actively contributes to community service, serving as the President of the Board of Directors for 219-229 West 144th Street HDFC and founding Mentoring Kings, Inc. His multifaceted skills, strategic planning acumen, and dedication to community engagement position him as a transformative leader in both education and community initiatives.

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For more information about Mentoring Kings, please contact:

Dr. Kelly Downing, MK Executive Director

Email: kdowning@mentoringkings.org

Tel: 917-362-3739

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MK Mission

Revolutionizing the paths of young men of color through impactful critical mentoring and literacy interventions. Mentoring Kings stand committed to breaking cycles, building dreams, and creating a community where each individual emerges as a beacon of strength, knowledge, and achievement-a true King!

MK Timeline



 

2018-2019

  • Dr. Downing joins TWR/The Writing Revolution as Senior Faculty

  • Mentored by Dr. Judith Hochman/Hochman Method

  • Dr. Downing begins his Ph.D. at St. John's University/Literacy

2019-2020

  • Dr. Downing creates and implements Kelly's Kids Pilot/Monroe, Louisiana School District to great success

  • Pandemic begins

2021-2022

  • Dr. Downing assumes the role of CEO/Executive Director, SBI

2023-2024

  • Dr. Downing defends dissertation November 9, 2022

  • Dr. Downing graduates from St. John's University/receives Outstanding Dissertation in Literacy Award 

2024-2025

  • Mentoring Kings/officially launches independently

  • Mentoring Kings Book/Peter Lang Publishing

  • Mentoring Kings App Development

MK Kingdom

Mentoring Kings is a research based, critical mentoring and literacy program unapologetically geared toward supporting male high school students of color. A distinguishing feature of Mentoring Kings is that it seeks to improve student literacy using explicit note taking instruction. Most students are expected and asked to take notes. However, note taking is rarely ever explicitly taught. This is a missed opportunity for both students and educators.

 

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MK 3-Core Components

 

MK is guided by its MK 3-Core Components (1. After-School Intensives, 2. MK Online Modules & 3. MK University),  MK Theory of Change and MK 7 Fundamental Principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity & Faith (non-religious). 

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MK After School Intensives

  • After-school study hall

  • Study skills 

  • Workshops

  • Time management

  • Assistance with the transition to high school and post secondary opportunities

MK Online Modules

  • Asynchronous

  • Culturally Relevant/Anchor Texts

  • Culturally Relevant /Anchor Videos

  • Note taking practice

  • Virtual mentoring

  • Office hour hours

MK University

  • Saturday enrichment

  • Academic support

  • Trip/Events

  • Guest speakers

  • Opportunities to further develop self & world knowledge

MK Theory of Change

 

At the heart of Mentoring King’s Theory of Change lies a groundbreaking fusion of note-taking prowess with critical mentoring and literacy, setting it apart from any other mentoring literacy initiative. This visionary approach recognizes notes as more than ink on paper; they’re dynamic tools shaping students into critical thinkers, adept information processors, and engaged listeners. Unlike conventional mentoring programs, Mentoring King’s Theory of Change unveils the transformative potential of note-taking, empowering learners to sift through information with discernment. In a landscape where the subtleties of this skill are often overlooked, this initiative stands as a beacon, elevating the art of note-taking to redefine the very essence of mentoring and literacy education.

Critical Mentoring

Critical mentoring places youth at the center of the process, challenging norms of adult and institutional authority to create collaborative partnerships with youth and communities that recognize there are multiple sources of expertise and knowledge.

 

Kings will develop:

  • critical reflection

  • group identification

  • critical motivation & self efficacy

  • critical action

 

Mentoring Models:

  • one-on-one

  • group 

  • peer

  • virtual 

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Critical Literacy

​Critical literacy encourages students to understand and question the attitudes, values, and beliefs of written texts, visual applications, and spoken words. 

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  • Themes of power. control and domination as well as topics of political and economic inequities, are presented in the represented social world this is books, a magazines, websites, etc.                        

  • Critical literacy refers to the process of becoming aware of one’s experience relative to power relations, often realized through reading and writing.            

  • The development of critical literacy pushes students to question issues of power; in essence, to become, thoughtful active citizens.  

Note Taking

Note taking is used as an essential tool to boost students' self-regulation and academic engagement. 

 

Did You Know Note Taking...:?

  • enhances memory retention

  • promotes active listening

  • improves comprehension

  • organizes thoughts

  • facilitates effective review 

  • boosts creativity

  • support goal tracking

  • enhances learning efficiency

  • minimizes distractions

  • captures nuances

  • allows for personalization

  • develops communication skills 

  • preserves insights over time

  • enhances meeting productivity

  • cultivates active learning habits

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MK 7: Fundamental Principles

The MK 7 Principles are derived from Kwanzaa, a celebration rooted in African heritage, embodies seven principles that resonate with young boys of color. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966. Recognizing Dr. Karenga’s creation of Kwanzaa underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating African heritage, providing a guiding light for young boys of color, promoting resilience, self-worth, and a sense of purpose.

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MK 7 Principles:

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  1. Umoja/Unity:                                                                                                                                                            encouraging them to build strong bonds within their communities

  2. Kujichagulia/Self-Determination:                                                                                                                    empowers them to define their identities proudly

  3. Ujima/Collective Work and Responsibility:                                                                                                          highlights the importance of supporting each other’s journeys

  4. Ujamaa/Cooperative Economics:                                                                                                                        fosters an entrepreneurial spirit

  5. Nia/Purpose:                                                                                                                                                          inspires them to set ambitious goals

  6. Kuumba/Creativity:                                                                                                                                                 nurtures their unique talents

  7. Imani/Faith:                                                                                                                                                                      instills a belief in their ability to overcome challenges

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