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Close Ties Leadership Program

@close_ties

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We believe in Black boys’ inherent genius and unlock their full potential through exposure, mentorship, & SEL support
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This wall in our office needed a little more Black Boy Joy!
Mission Accomplished 💛✊🏾

#transformation #roommakeover #interiordesign #beforeandafter #blackboyjoy by @close_ties

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8 days ago

The legacy continues! Cohort 11 is Complete!

Their journey with us starts now, as 5th graders, and we’ll be by their side through high school graduation when they ALL cross the stage in 2034.

If you’d like to support their journey, please visit closeties.org/donate. We greatly appreciate it!

#blackboyjoy #blackexcellence #atlantanonprofit #nonprofit #donate by @close_ties

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a month ago

We’ve been getting requests for three years (see Slide 2) and we are excited to announce our newest partnership school, Ethos Classical Charter School!

Applications are now available for 5th graders at Ethos and are due to their advisory teacher no later than Tuesday, September 1, 2026!

Cohort 11 loading…

#blackboyjoy #blackexcellence #atlantanonprofit #nonprofitsofinstagram #nonprofit by @close_ties

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2 months ago

Sometimes mentoring the boys means teaching them “Adult Math” 😂

The boys always ask me where my biological kids are knowing good and well they’d be too jealous if I actually had some!

I think my math is good. What yall think?

#blackboyjoy #fununcle #nokids #atlantanonprofit #mentoringmatters by @close_ties

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2 months ago

What’s personal space? I’ve never heard of it 😂

The boys love pointing out that “Unc” has few grey hairs in my beard but I take pride in the fact that my age displays itself this way.

Black boys deserve to grow old.

#blackboyjoy #blackexcellence #atlantanonprofit #nonprofit #mentoringmatters by @close_ties

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2 months ago

It’s one thing to hear about Close Ties from us.
It’s even better to hear it from the boys themselves.

No cue cards.
No script.
Just Matthew!

Check out his story and support boys like him by becoming a monthly donor at CloseTies.org/donate by @close_ties

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2 months ago

Introducing our 2026-27 Senior Leadership Team!

Brandon Martin, Founder & CEO
Iris Lattimore, Director of Operations & Engagement
Cameron Seward, Director of Foundational Programs (5th-8th)
Dr. Porteous, Director of Postsecondary Pathways (9th-12th)

Powerhouse team for even more powerful impact!

📸: @moments_by__michael

#blackexcellence #nonprofitorganization #atlantanonprofit #headshotsphotographer #nonprofitsofinstagram by @close_ties

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2 months ago

It’s crazy to think that this whole thing was just a thought at one point.

Minimizing the time between idea and action has now turned that thought into a full team and 10 years worth of impact.

I guess you can say this is where the magic happens!

Year 11 is about to be one for the books!

#blackexcellence #beforeandafter #nonprofit #atlantanonprofit #officedesign by @close_ties

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2 months ago

Our prayer is that every classroom sees Black boys’ brilliance for what it is before it is mislabeled as anything else.

#blackboyjoy #blackexcellence #firstdayofschool #nonprofit #atlantanonprofit by @close_ties

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2 months ago

💭When did you have your first Black male teacher?

A note to Black male educators:
I see you, brother.

Your persistence in a space not created for you gives our boys permission to take up space anywhere they go.

Keep showing up.

Your impact will outlive the classroom. ... read that line again!

#blackboyjoy #blackmaleteacher #blackmaleeducator #backtoschool #teachersofig by @close_ties

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2 months ago

Working with teenage boys means having to explain everything. Even down to sandwich toppings.

I let them disagree openly but I always make them try something they initially think they wouldn’t like.

The rule is: You can “not like” it but you can’t “not try” it.

One new thing at a time!

#blackboyjoy #blackexcellence #atlantanonprofit #mentoringmatters #nonprofitsofinstagram by @close_ties

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2 months ago

It’s one thing to hear about Close Ties from us.
It’s even better to hear it from the boys themselves.

No cue cards.
No script.
Just Christopher!

Check out his story and support boys like him by becoming a monthly donor at CloseTies.org/donate

#nonprofitorganization #atlanta #atlantanonprofit #support #donate taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @close_ties

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2 months ago