06/13/2026
Last month, we had the honor of celebrating the graduation of our Ahmaud Arbery Youth Leadership Program cohort, and what a special day it was.
Watching these young men reflect on their journey and celebrate all they accomplished throughout the year filled my heart with so much pride. Over the course of the program, they grew as leaders, strengthened their confidence, built meaningful relationships, and challenged themselves to think bigger about the impact they can have on the world around them.
Our youth are the future, and I am grateful that the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation has the opportunity to carry on Ahmaud's legacy by investing in young men across Metro Atlanta. Every time we create a space where a young person feels seen, supported, and empowered, we honor that legacy.
A special thank you to Attorney Lee Merritt for serving as our keynote speaker and sharing such a powerful message with our scholars. Your words inspired all of us.
I also want to extend a huge thank you to the Church of Atlanta Lighthouse community and Bishop Lloyd Timothy McKibbins for welcoming us into your space and helping make this celebration so special. Your hospitality and support meant so much to our scholars, families, and foundation.
And to our sponsors and supporters, thank you for believing in this work. This program would not be possible without the generosity of adidas, Atlanta Track Club, Black Lives Matter, Tides, Ancore Foundation, Karen Loritts, and QuikTrip. Because of your support, we are able to continue investing in the next generation of leaders and creating opportunities for deserving scholars throughout Metro Atlanta.
To everyone who supports the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation, please know that you are making a difference. Your support is what allows us to pour into young people, provide life-changing experiences, and build a brighter future for our communities.
I am so proud of this cohort and excited to see all they accomplish next. And as we celebrate their success, we are already looking forward to welcoming our next group of young leaders.
The future is bright.
- Wanda Cooper-Jones (Ahmaud's Mom)