Gary Hicks Sr., Young Men Growing Mentor Program Cleveland, Ohio Empowering Young Men to Maturity

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support. https://www.youngmengrowing.org/event-details/black-male-teen-summit-2025The Young Men Growing Mentor Program is hosting a leadership summit on April 19th at Cuyahoga Community College. Gary Hicks Sr. is transforming lives one young man at a time. As founder and CEO of Young Men Growing, his mission pulses with urgent purpose: to shift how young men see themselves from "just kids" to "growing men" with responsibilities and purpose. What happens when a rebellious young man is given the tough love, guidance, and mentorship needed to transform his life? Gary Hicks, founder and CEO of Young Men Growing, takes us on his powerful journey from resistance to revelation.Gary shares how being uprooted from Cleveland to Tennessee to live with his father changed the trajectory of his life. Though he fought against it initially—getting expelled from school and kicked off basketball teams—this foundation of hard work and accountability became the bedrock of his approach to mentoring young men today. "My father would hire me every morning and fire me at the end of the day," Gary recalls, a lesson in responsibility that shaped his character.Basketball became Gary's lifeline, providing structure and opportunity when he needed it most. But the real transformation came during college when a simple question about God's existence led to a profound spiritual awakening that redefined his purpose. Today, Gary channels these experiences into Young Men Growing, focusing on five critical areas: leadership development, financial literacy, education, social-emotional learning, and community engagement.The conversation delves into one of Gary's most powerful principles: "Maturity does not begin with age, but with the acceptance of responsibility." Through this lens, he guides young men to embrace their circumstances and take ownership of their lives, regardless of their youth. His approach addresses modern challenges like technology dependence and the struggle with stillness, while emphasizing the critical role of male leadership in families and communities.Most moving is Gary's reflection on his personal legacy—loving God and family above all else. "I care to see a young man smile, I care to see a woman who, when they have a good man, they smile and carry themselves different," he shares, revealing how true mentorship creates ripple effects across generations.Want to support this important work? Join the Young Men Growing connect at youngmengrowing.org to learn how you can help build the next generation of leaders.Support the show