The Man to Man Story
In 2010, The Man to Man Project was founded by Dexter Sullivan in memory of the late Ismail Ali in Detroit, Michigan. It was a hot summer in Detroit. Dexter was serving as an Aide to Senator Carl Levin (D- MI), facilitating and preparing research on policy specific to juvenile justice needs. It was during this time that the idea for the project was written on a napkin. In the spring of 2011, The Man to Man Project was officially incorporated, and began hosting outreach assemblies in Tulsa Public Schools. The community work was so well received by the school system there that a weekly mentoring program was requested.
Man to Man began its mentoring work in the most challenged of schools, and classrooms at 200% of their capacity. Our first group of mentors began working with dozens of the schools’ ineligible athletes, providing them with free mentoring and tutoring services. In just a short space of time, 78% of those students soon transitioned from failing GPA’s to being passing students that ultimately graduated against the odds. The success of the program continued to grow over the decade, impacting several communities and hundreds of students nationally.
Over the years, The Man to Man Project’s model has shifted and evolved. Yet it’s purpose remains to empower the next generation of future leaders with significant and relevant tools. We’ve been blessed with world-class mentors who carry both heart and know-how. These inspirational community servants are qualified by their compassion and their experience. Our circle of men is a diversely linked chain of the young, the mature, and the elders. We intentionally bridge the generations to connect in structured settings designed for growth, learning and empowerment.
The Man to Man Project is an unbroken circle of brothers, mentoring younger brothers. In our sessions, we are able to facilitate a personal development curriculum that addresses many of the challenges that young men face. Topics covered include character, integrity, financial literacy, planning, organization, career, health and wellness, technology, the art of presentation, etiquette, respect, spirituality, business and more.
