MUST - Mentoring Urban Students and Teens

05/15/2026

“My family’s story isn’t perfect, but it’s ours — and that’s what makes it powerful.” ~ Mentee


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05/06/2026

Life from a Different Perspective

Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem on the ground is to get 500 feet above it. For those of us who have called Seattle home our entire lives, the Space Needle can easily blend into the background of the daily grind. Many M.U.S.T. Mentees, Mentors and staff had never visited their hometown’s most iconic landmark. So, up we went to see our city from a completely different angle.

Looking down from the observation deck, the obstacles that feel massive at street level, the neighborhood boundaries, the traffic, the daily pressures, suddenly looked small. As the group collectively tried to spot each of their homes, their schools and favorite hang-out spots, they marveled at how everything they know was right there laid out beneath them in a way they had never seen before. But this visit wasn’t just about the view; it was about perspective. It was a lesson that when you change your vantage point, you change your possibilities.



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04/30/2026

A Night of Impact
🎯 Event Title A Night of Impact – A Community Investment in M.U.S.T.’s Future
📍 Details Section Date: May 28, 2026 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: M.U.S.T. Office 1511 3rd Ave, STE 903 Seattle, WA 98101

🎫 RSVP today!
https://partiful.com/e/t0v8n2az4dYGI0GOqWDT

04/21/2026

Sometimes you don’t need to hold it in…
You just need the right space to let it out.

Our Mentees visited The Wreck Room in Lynnwood — learning that releasing stress can be done: Safely. Intentionally. With control.

Because real strength isn’t about ignoring emotion — it’s about knowing how to manage it.

“At first I thought we were just going to break stuff for fun, but it actually helped me get some stuff off my chest. It made me realize I don’t have to hold everything in.” ~ Jordan, Mentee



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04/14/2026

April 2026 Newsletter -

At M.U.S.T. we strive to embody the aphorism that when you invest in Black youth, you aren't just changing a life, you’re shifting the trajectory of an entire community. This year, that shift is gaining incredible momentum thanks to our partners, supporters, staff, and of course, our Mentors and M...

04/09/2026

History. Brotherhood. Experience.

From walking the trails at Millersylvania State Park and unpacking how racism impacted the Civilian Conservation Corps…
to turning up in Portland as the Trail Blazers took the win over the Grizzlies…

Our young men are learning, growing, and experiencing the world together.

This is more than a trip.
This is development.

“I never really thought about history like that before. And being at the Blazers game with my brothers — it just showed me we can be in those spaces too.”
~ Sylvan, Mentee


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03/31/2026

As we close out this month, we want to give big congrats to 2 of our Mentees for being awarded Garfield High's March Students of the Month!

• Durron Kirvin
• Elijah Brown

We are so proud to see their hard work and dedication, also being encouraged and pushed through their Mentor’s (Aaron Pitts, who we gave a shoutout to in our previous post) recommitment to the M.U.S.T. mission this year.

They’re being recognized as they deserve to be, getting their flowers where it’s due!


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03/26/2026

New Year. New Habits.
Aaron has recommitted to the mission and you can tell by the accomplishments of his mentees. His relationships have deepened as he continues to perfect his craft of coaching with intention.


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03/19/2026

Where Skill Meets Joy.
Mentees experienced the Harlem Globetrotters live and were even able to connect with players at a meet and greet! The energy, laughter, and talent made it an experience to remember. Their talent and chemistry on display sparked inspiration, confidence, and joy to carry forward.


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03/11/2026

Community Support & Partners are a M.U.S.T.
We are so grateful for our community and those who have championed along our way in helping to liberate young Black males.

One of our greatest supporters has been, and continues to be, Alex Burlingame, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. As one of their organization’s core values for giving back, Morgan Stanley’s Field Philanthropy Program has provided M.U.S.T. a generous grant to help continue our work.

Alex has not only been a monetary supporter of our organization, but also one of Kelvin Washington’s, our Executive Director, personal coaches, champions, and longtime friend.

Thank you, Alex — and thank you, Morgan Stanley and the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust — for the for your continued commitment to the M.U.S.T. community!

03/06/2026

“I used to think legacy was about fame, but now I see it’s about impact — who you helped, not who you impressed.” ~ Mentee


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