We had the good fortune of connecting with Leanthony Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leanthony, how do you think about risk?
I believe risk-taking is deeply personal, and not a path meant for everyone. For me, risk isn’t something I approach lightly, nor do I see it as a skill that can be easily taught. I view risk as a mindset—one rooted in a willingness to challenge the norm, endure setbacks, and still trust in your ability to rise again. To take risks, you have to be willing to fail and understand that failure is not the same as defeat. A loss is not death—it’s a lesson.

Throughout my life and career, I’ve consistently chosen the uncertain path over the comfortable one. I’ve always been curious and drawn to forging my own way, even if that meant stepping into the unknown. That mindset has brought me both failures and triumphs, but each experience has shaped my resilience. What I once saw as devastating losses, I now recognize as necessary moments of growth. I didn’t just survive them—I became stronger, wiser, and more self-assured because of them.

Earlier in life, my risk-taking was more impulsive. I made decisions without fully weighing the consequences, believing that I could always figure things out along the way. While that boldness helped me build a foundation, it also came at personal costs. Now, as I prepare for marriage and build a life with someone else, my approach has matured. I am still a risk-taker, but I am now more calculated. I consider not only the potential reward but also the impact my decisions will have on those I love.

Risk has played a critical role in my journey—it has shaped my identity, opened doors, and taught me the value of discernment. I wouldn’t be who I am without it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to building liberatory educational experiences for youth who are too often pushed to the margins of our systems. I am the Founder and Executive Director of YounitED Academy Inc., a youth development educational firm that provides diversionary programs for system-impacted students, character development workbooks, and culturally-responsive youth development curricula. What sets us apart is our belief in human dignity—we don’t just serve youth, we partner with them. We center healing, transformation, and self-determination in all that we do.

YounitED was born out of a dream to reimagine how schools, courts, and communities invest in the potential of Black and Brown youth. That dream was met with resistance and real-world challenges—limited funding, institutional skepticism, and at times, self-doubt. But I’ve learned that clarity of vision attracts the right people. The educators, leaders, and stakeholders who believe in this work have been the wind at our back.

One of my proudest moments came during a program we ran in California. One of our participants—a young man with a disability—was joined in every session by his mother and grandmother. At the conclusion of the program, they took the time to affirm, praise, and genuinely thank us for the impact the work had on their grandson. They spoke about how they had never seen him so engaged, so affirmed, and so full of purpose. That moment reminded me that while we often measure success by metrics or media, the truest affirmation comes directly from those we serve.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been sacred. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is this: when your work is aligned with your purpose, even your setbacks will teach you forward.

What I want the world to know is that YounitED isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. We are working to disrupt cycles of harm, restore hope, and radically reimagine what education and opportunity look like for youth who’ve been underestimated for far too long.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to Atlanta, I’d give them a full experience—soulful, historic, and energizing. We’d start with a sunrise hike at Stone Mountain and grab a kale wrap from Tassili’s Raw Reality in the West End. We’d bike the BeltLine, stop for art, and catch a live show at Apache XLR or a chill poetry night at Urban Grind.

We’d walk through Auburn Avenue, visit Ebenezer Baptist, and reflect at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, then eat at Busy Bee Café—a true Atlanta staple. For self-care, we’d relax at Jeju Sauna and eat late-night vegan at Slutty Vegan.

We’d check out live music at City Winery, walk the campuses of the AUC, and brunch at Toast on Lenox. We’d end the trip watching the sunset from Jackson Street Bridge, taking in the skyline and the spirit of the city.

Atlanta is Black, bold, and beautiful—every corner tells a story.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely—my journey would not be possible without the support, belief, and contributions of so many. I’d like to first recognize Dr. Timothy Jones, Assistant Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia and former Principal of B.E.S.T. Academy, whose leadership and belief in my vision gave me confidence at a pivotal time.

I also want to shout out my tribe—friends who didn’t just cheer from the sidelines but helped steer the ship. Dr. Brandi Mabry, Dr. Keon Berry, Dr. Jerell DeCaille, Dr. Zatiti Moody, and Dr. Dennis McKesey have all been part of the village that has shaped YounitED Academy and poured into me as a leader, brother, and visionary.

To our creative storytellers and documentarians, Robert Harris, Ramone Eads and Danny Surial, thank you for capturing the essence of our work through media that moves people.

To those who’ve helped behind the scenes and in front of classrooms—Mr. June Hodge, Viola Freeman, our dedicated administrators, partners, facilitators, and stakeholders—you are all co-authors of this vision.

This work is not mine alone. I carry the dreams of a community with me, and I am endlessly grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, expertise, and heart.

Website: https://www.younitedacademy.org

Instagram: Younited_academy

Facebook: Younited Academy

Image Credits
Robert Harris, Ramone Eads, Danny Surial

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