CINCINNATI — Homework, athletics and a social life are only a fraction of things Jeremiah Thorton is juggling. 

What You Need To Know

  • Forever Kings Inc. looks to create a culture of brotherhood among young men of color in Greater Cincinnati through various academic and social programs 

  • The nonprofit was recently renewed for the Greater Cincinnati Foundation's Educational Success Grant and received $30,000

  • Forever Kings Inc. has affected the lives of more than 3,000 young men

“I finished up my college applications and I hope to go to college and study aerospace or civil engineering,” Thorton said.  

He’s a senior at Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati. Beyond his responsibilities in the classroom and on the field, he found a sense of belonging as an ambassador with Forever Kings Incorporated. He’s been a member of the organization for four years. 

“It’s just really been nice having a safe place where I can be with people that look like me, enjoy being around me, and just get to talk about different things,” Thorton said.

Forever Kings Inc. exists to create a culture of brotherhood among young men of color in Greater Cincinnati. It provides academic and social programs that give young people the tools and resources to reimagine the outcomes for their lives. 

The Sentencing Project estimates Black youth are nearly five times more likely to be incarcerated in their lifetime compared to their white peers. 

“I really sought to create a space for Black and brown boys to show up, to get hope, and to know that they belong. I want them to know that they’re special and that somebody believes in them,” said Forever Kings Inc. Founder, Jordan Bankston.  

In just six years, the nonprofit has affected the lives of more than 3,000 young men. Forever Kings was recently renewed for the Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Educational Success Grant and received $30,000.

Bankston said those dollars played a big role in moving them into their new facility and will help expand the Boys II Men program. 

“How do we create access to college career readiness? How do we ensure that our young men are alumni?” Bankston said. 

“They helped me connect with a therapist over the summer, and I’ve been seeing them every week, which has been really nice,” Thorton said.  

Weekly, the kings attend session nights at FK headquarters conducted by various community partners, including the health department and even professionals from industries like mental health. High school sessions are held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, while the middle school kings meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays. 

As for Jeremiah, he now awaits acceptance of some of the 13 colleges and universities he’s applied to. One of his top choices is Ohio State University. No matter where he lands, he wants to make the world a better place through STEM and said he owes a lot of his future success to the relationships he’s made through Forever Kings. 

“A king means to really treat others like you’re a king. Having integrity, having respect for others, and having respect for yourself,” Thorton said.  

Forever Kings Inc. plans to launch a new strategic plan in January titled “Vision 2029” as the nonprofit looks to grow the organization in a national capacity.