This documentary takes an in-depth look into the African American community and the challenges Black men in particular face on a day-to-day basis in society. It seeks to showcase the dynamics of maintaining families, relationships and socio-economic status despite academic limitations in the so-called post-civil rights era.

Throughout the documentary important questions are addressed, such as: What is a Man? Is the role developed by nature versus nurture? Is there a need to have a man in the house to raise a man? How is manhood defined by different cultures? Should the practices of other races/cultures be a model for the African American man?

• Only 47% of African American Men Graduate from High School
• More African American Men are in Jail than in College
• 19% of  African American Men Are Unemployed

The purpose of this documentary is to make the case there is more to manhood then “just saying you are a man.” Statistically speaking, odds are against young black men in the areas of high school and college graduation, rate of incarceration and economic advancement, especially for those raised in single parent, low-income and urban environments. While these issues may seem daunting, our goal is to create meaningful dialogue from which real, actionable solutions can be identified and executed.

Some of our interviews include ...

Award-winning Actor | Author | Writer | Composer Daniel Beaty
Nationally Known DJ Boof
Actress | Singer Margot Bingham
U.S. Senator Cory Booker, New Jersey
Sportscaster James Brown
Actor | Comedian | Author Bill Cosby
Actor and former NFL player Terry Crews
Former Mayor of NYC David L. Dinkins
Scholar Michael Eric Dyson
Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes
Psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere
Famed Attorney Willie E. Gary
Actor | Author Hill Harper
Rapper | Record producer Havoc (Mobb Deep)

Former NAACP President Benjamin T. Jealous
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
Former NYC Comptroller John C. Lui
Media Personality Roland Martin
National Urban League President Marc H. Morial
Dr. Randal Pinkett
Rapper Prodigy (Mobb Deep)
Dr. Quinetta Roberson
Rev. Al Sharpton
Actor and Grammy-nominated recording artist Tristan “Mack” Wilds
Music Producer | Drummer | Writer Derrick Wright

And, those from 10 to 86 years of age sit down and speak with us. We have crossed the nation from NYC to Houston to New Orleans to LA to hear what African Americans think and how we can improve the paradigm for young black boys.

Join us on this journey ...

Our Production Team

Charles E. Williams, Jr. is the director and producer of Journey To Manhood, a documentary that he holds close to his heart. The Houston native and Emmy Award-winning editor/producer has been traveling around the country talking to African American men to get their perspective on how to solve these problems and bring positive change to our next generation of leaders. A seasoned professional, Williams is no stranger to the film and television industry. He has more than 25 years of experience.

In 2013, he produced Brown Babies: The Mischlingskinder Story which received “Best Documentary” from the American Black Film Festival.  His other projects include: New York in Black and White, Defining Moments and Bringing Home Rosie. He is the recipient of one Emmy and has been nominated twice. He has also received the New York Association of Black Journalists, Documentary Television Award and a host of other accolades. Williams currently works at WCBS Television in New York City and is also the president of WEG Media Group, Inc., a production company and Vision Tube TV which showcases webisodes. He received a Bachelor of Science in Radio & Television Mass Communications from Prairie View A&M University and currently resides in New Jersey.

On this project, he has collaborated with longtime friend and colleague, Renée E. Warren, who is also a distinguished director and producer. Together, they expect great success with Journey To Manhood. Warren believes it is of utmost importance to save the lives and futures of our young African American men. “The foundation of our history was built on the backs and spirits of African American men,” says Warren, “and the legacy of their strength, contributions and fortitude must continue in the future.” Warren, also an award-winning producer has been in the media industry for more than two decades. She produced the documentary Africa: An Emerging Market which won a Telly Award, has worked with hundreds of private clients, celebrities and Corporate 500 companies on film and television projects around the globe. Warren is currently the president of Arielle-Wren, Inc., a media firm based in New York City, co-president of Noelle-Elaine Media and finds time to teach graduate level courses in public relations and media communications at New York University.

She received a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science from Columbia University. She also completed Southern Illinois University’s post-graduate program in London, analyzing the British media and earned a Certificate in Finance from the New York Institute of Finance. She has received numerous awards and accolades including: the Forty Under 40 Achievement Award, Old Dominion University’s Distinguished Alumni Award, New York Association of Black Journalists Outstanding Achievement award and the New York University Faculty Service Award. She currently resides in New York City.

Closing Words

We hope you are as excited about our documentary, Journey to Manhood as we are. We hope that our documentary will allow you to assist young African American men throughout their journey.

As you can see from the fundraising trailer at the top of the page, we are incredibly close to finishing the documentary and achieving our goal.

Please make a donation from any of the options and perks we've put together for you to choose from. If you’d like to help in another way, please feel free to contact us at assistant@journeytomanhood.com.

From the Director and Producers, we thank you in advance for your generous support.

--Charles E. Williams & Renée E. Warren

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NOTE: Special "Limited copies" perks like the books and posters  are ONLY available while supplies last and ONLY to folks who claim THOSE PARTICULAR PERKS. They will NOT be included when choosing other perk options.