‘The Breakfast Group’ Helps At-Risk Teens of Color Turn Their Dreams into Reality

At Franklin High School, thousands of students roam the halls.

But in a single classroom, there is more to the lesson than learning about Black history.

“I come to class and I learn about my own history and where it came from and the story behind it,” said Franklin student Ebrima Dukureh.

“You just have role models around you who look like you. You know, that goes a long way,” said student Bubba Banks. “It’s different, because I feel like we probably went through the same thing, you know, the world sees us the same way.”

Being able to interact with their teachers gives Bubba Banks and Ebrima Dukureh a sense of confidence to take on anything.

“I either want to go into software engineering or become a dental hygienist,” Banks said.

“I will say cybersecurity,” Dukureh said.

Dream jobs that Dr. James Carter, Executive Director of The Breakfast Group, wants to help them achieve.

“Providing services is exactly what I do. That’s what’s inside me. And, you know, it just gives me the fuel to keep going,” Carter said.

After dedicating decades of his life to the Air Force and law enforcement, Carter found another way to serve his country: by shaping the young minds of tomorrow through The Breakfast Group.

“The next doctor, the next person to cure cancer, the next person to create a satellite or jet fuel or an invention could be sitting right here in this classroom. You just need to be inspired, you just need to catch that spark. Let me introduce you to a few people who can help you capture that spark,” Carter said.

A spark that is ignited not just by the school curriculum, but by personal experience.

“We understand the trauma students face before they even get to class,” Carter said. “You not only look like me, you come from a similar neighborhood to the neighborhood I come from, you have faced trauma and situations that I may be facing now.”

While allowing students to create their own experience by learning directly from successful African American professionals, from all backgrounds, with whom they can relate.

“Why do you think these practical opportunities are so important? » asked KIRO 7 reporter Samantha Lomibao.

“So it’s access to opportunity, it’s access to possibility,” Carter said.

Endless possibilities towards a bright future, a journey that Carter says he is proud to be a part of.

“For me, it’s just a moment, it’s just a passage. But for them, it was this defining moment that set them on the path to what they want to do. I mean, that’s a reason to keep doing this,” Carter said.