The Alain Locke Initiative is committed to empowering young Black gay and bisexual men (ages 14-21) in the Seattle area through mentorship and holistic support. Our mission is to guide them in navigating life’s challenges, completing their education, and accessing career opportunities and scholarships. By fostering personal growth, resilience, and professional development, we aim to inspire these young men to live authentically and achieve their fullest potential.

Our Purpose

"The Locke Initiative" is a mentorship initiative designed to support and empower young Black gay and bisexual men in the Seattle area, particularly within the Seattle Public School system. Named after Alain Locke, a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance and the first African American Rhodes Scholar. During the Harlem Renaissance, Alain Locke played a significant role in supporting queer individuals, albeit indirectly through his advocacy for cultural pluralism and intellectual freedom.

Locke, often referred to as the "Dean" of the Harlem Renaissance, was a philosopher, educator, and critic who believed deeply in the power of art and culture to uplift marginalized communities, including African Americans and LGBTQ+ individuals. While Alain Locke did not explicitly focus on queer rights or activism in the modern sense, his philosophical and cultural contributions during the Harlem Renaissance created a supportive environment where LGBTQ+ individuals could find acceptance and recognition for their contributions to art, literature, and intellectual discourse. This program aims to provide mentorship, guidance, and community to help participants navigate challenges unique to their intersectional identities.