We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordan Bankston. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordan below.

Jordan , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?

The most important lesson I’ve learned as a nonprofit executive is maximizing the moment. When the COVID-19 pandemic first began I knew that we had to do something that we had to have a response. While at first I didn’t know what the response would be but I knew that we had to have one. That was when I remembered a quote by Bishop TD Jakes about maximizing the moment! Where there is a need there is opportunity. While we could’ve sat in defeat we “maximized the moment” and very quickly started mobilizing resources for our community. Through strategic partnerships, we were able to provide over 5,000 hot meals to vulnerable children in disadvantaged communities. This moment reminded me as a business owner that every moment and every opportunity must be maximized to the full capacity.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Jordan Bankston. Founder, President & CEO of Forever Kings Inc. Forever Kings is a 501c3 nonprofit organization who seeks to empower young men of color to re-define, re-shape, and re-imagine the outcomes of their lives. It is our goal to give the young men we serve an equitable opportunity to achieve personal and professional success by ensuring that they graduate high school on time and are prepared to enlist, enroll, employ, or become an entrepreneur. This is accomplished through our programs, workshops, and special events. Prior to launching Forever Kings, Jordan dedicated his life to mentoring young men of color. Overcoming his own childhood disparities (being black, without a father, and living in poverty with limited visibility to positive male influences); Jordan envisioned starting an organization that would help young men of color in similar situations. As their #1 advocate, Jordan has helped boys for over a decade realize the grace that covers their lives and the future that is in store for them if they believe in themselves, work hard and utilize their support systems. In changing so many
lives, prior to launching the organization making his work “official” was a natural next step. Prior to starting Forever, Kings Bankston worked in youth services for 10 years in many capacities including as a Community Center Director at Evanston Recreation Center, a Club Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati, Youth Director at Light of The World Church, Children’s Director at Citygate Church, and a host of other experiences and opportunities. Since starting FK, Bankston has taken the membership enrollment from 12 to over 200, maintained a 100% high school graduation rate, and raised over $600,00.

Some of his greatest accomplishments include being awarded the 30 under 30 award in 2020 and 2021, 40 under 40 in 2020, being the first African American Male Club Director at the Shakley Boys and Girls Club, and the youngest Center Director with the Cincinnati Recreation Commission.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Last year we faced a severe funding shortage. We were behind budget by about $50,000 and were going to have to close our doors if we didn’t secure the funds. This was an extremely difficult time and season for me because I felt like I was letting everyone around me down. With the support of corporate partners, individual gifts, and the entire community rallying behind us we were able to keep our doors open and create a long-term financial sustainability plan.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn putting the organization/business before myself. I was not taking care of my physical or mental health. This resulted in me experiencing burnout and having a mental health crisis because I just wasn’t taking care of myself and my needs. I have now learned the balance of leading the organization and taking care of myself and my needs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.foreverkingsinc.org
• Instagram: @the_mr_jb
• Facebook: /jordanbankston
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-bankston/

Image Credits
Eleven 27 Media https://www.eleven27.media/