Building the Next Generation: Build 2 Lead Hosts Melanin and Medicine Event in Federal Way
Build 2 Lead, an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth through civic engagement and workforce development, recently hosted a Melanin and Medicine event in Federal Way, Washington for young people to explore futures in medical fields.
Founded in 2020 by Executive Director Jimmy Brown, Build 2 Lead seeks to empower youth—particularly those from Black and brown communities—to see themselves as future leaders within systems like criminal justice, education, and healthcare.
For Brown, this work is the culmination of a journey that began in 2007. The ultimate objective, he said, is to ensure every young person can set an achievable professional career path.
"The goal is that [youth] believe that they can actually pursue a career in healthcare regardless of their current circumstance,” he said of Melanin and Medicine. “When they're able to see other doctors and other people in healthcare that have been through similar journeys, they start to actually pursue it in a real way."
Over the course of three days, Melanin and Medicine focused on closing barriers to access, according to Build 2 LeadProgram Manager Dairyona Thompson.
“We just want to continue to…build the legacy so that other youth can experience different professional advice or different guidance that they wouldn't normally have,” she said.
Build 2 Lead Wellness Coordinator Shylene Vang noted that the event expanded this year to the broader community, drawing approximately 150 youth from four districts. At the event, healthcare professionals hosted workshops, engaged with students, and provided job shadowing opportunities.
The organization’s strategic impact was reinforced by partnerships with groups like Communities of Opportunity (COO), which supports culturally rooted organizations that address root-cause issues. Jose Camacho Martinez, the strategy lead for community partnerships at COO, explained how gentrification and displacement has forced many families to move south of Seattle, particularly those of color.
"Being able to have a presence down in South King County is critical,” he said.
Also in attendance was Deaunte Damper, a community activist and HIV survivor. For Damper, the event was deeply personal. "As a young kid, I didn't learn about health disparities in community,” he said. “If I had, I probably wouldn't have contracted HIV.”
Damper also pointed out that the youth are active leaders, explaining that they serve as the guiding force in driving Build 2 Lead’s call to action.
"What Build 2 Lead is saying: Black health matters, Black health professionals matter, and above all else, Black youth, your health matters,” Damper said.
Learn more about Build 2 Lead here.
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