You Are Not Alone: Desmon Martin: A Black Father’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Redemption

In this deeply moving episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with King Desmond Martin, a man whose life story stretches across fatherhood, faith, community, struggle, and triumph. From navigating the streets of St. Paul to raising 11 children (and helping raise even more), to overcoming impossible odds—including crushing child support debt and the pressures of the system—King Desmond opens up about the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of being a Black father. He speaks candidly about the power of brotherhood, the impact of community organizations, the importance of showing up for your children, and the deep spiritual relationship that carried him through every storm. Now a community leader, organizer, and co-founder of Steps and Strategies, he shares how he and his wife are serving the community through housing support, recovery partnerships, clothing, food, therapy, and genuine love. This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder that we need each other, and that no Black man should ever walk his journey alone.