Today we’d like to introduce you to Anya Owensbrown.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2014, I was the mother of two young Black boys, just four and two years old. During that time, the killing of Michael Brown—and so many other Black boys—was constantly being broadcast across the news. As a mother, I wasn’t just watching those stories unfold; I was watching how they were impacting my sons.
They began to question whether they were safe outside of our home. Whether they were at school, on the playground, or simply riding in the car with me, they no longer felt protected. The repeated images, the conversations, and the way these tragedies were handled publicly sent a message that their lives were not valued. No child should have to carry that kind of fear.
I knew I couldn’t change the headlines, but I could create a space where Black boys felt seen, celebrated, and safe. So I started a simple meetup group for families raising Black boys. We gathered so our sons could build friendships, our parents could build community, and our children could experience the kind of joyful childhood every child deserves.
The group continued to grow, and then in 2020, the killing of George Floyd, along with the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, made it clear that our community needed something even greater. I felt called to do more.
Together with my co-founder, Jordan Brown—who is also my brother—we transformed our grassroots meetup into OUR KINGS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As lifelong educators, we knew that creating safe spaces was only the beginning. We wanted to intentionally equip Black boys with the tools, knowledge, mentorship, and community they need to thrive.
Today, OUR KINGS exists to uplift, inspire, and celebrate Black boys by creating spaces where they are reminded that they are valued, protected, capable, and deeply loved. What started as a mother’s response to fear has grown into a movement rooted in hope, brotherhood, education, and joy.
With the amazing response of the program we now are making plans to turn our program Into a academy called OUR KINGS Academy a private school that supports Black
Boys from preschool to 12th grade, where these young men can receive the support they need to becomes one’s great self
Full time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, not at all. Looking back, I can honestly say nothing has gone exactly as planned—and that’s the reality of building something from the ground up. When you’re creating a space that doesn’t already exist, there are challenges you can’t always prepare for. You’re navigating different personalities, limited resources, unexpected obstacles, and trying to make sure everyone is moving toward the same vision.
Around the time of George Floyd’s murder, I also found out I was pregnant with twins. That changed everything. From 2021 to 2023, my priority was being present for my growing family. While OUR KINGS continued to exist, I wasn’t able to give the organization the same level of attention I had originally envisioned, and I had to learn to give myself grace during that season.
Even with those challenges, I wouldn’t erase a single part of the journey. Every setback, delay, and lesson has shaped both me and OUR KINGS into what we are today. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been meaningful. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of building something that can grow with community, not just with one person. Looking back, I’m grateful for every step because each one has prepared us for where we’re headed next.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an educator I work with preschool age students I really am passionate about early childhood development. I’m also an artist so I so I combine the two. In my field, giving the children the opportunity to grow and learn to art play and real life experiences.
What does success mean to you?
Success looks like getting a text from a parent saying, “My son raised his hand first today,” or hearing that he spoke up in class with confidence when he never would have before. It’s seeing a child walk with pride because he knows his history, knows who he is, and truly believes he’s a KING in the making. It’s a family returning year after year because they know OUR KINGS has become part of their village. Those everyday moments mean more to me than any award or recognition ever could.
Pricing:
- 20,000 to have a full cohort for 20 boys
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ourkings.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourkingsanonprofit?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anya-owensbrown-b567b8253?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
