Kenji Darby

Kenji S. Darby (born May 28, 1978) is an African American Consultant, Publisher, Artist, Designer and Outreach leader residing in the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

Early Life

Darby, the eldest of two, was born to Rose Teele, then aged 17, in Southeast, Washington, D.C. Growing up with a single mother, in an underserved and poverty-stricken metropolitan, Darby’s early home life was similar to that of many families affected by poverty, broken homes, lack of resources, crime and drugs. His unbringing would mark the path for Darby's future community activisism and involvement.

Community Service

Darby began his community service early. At age 13, Darby served as an Outreach Aide for the [http://www.does.dc.gov/does/cwp/view,a,1232,q,625215.asp Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)] established by former Washington, D.C. mayor and current counsel member, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marion_Barry Marion Barry] . Darby would continue to work for the SYEP into his college years.

Education

Darby would spend a total of 9 years in college, pursuing his education and exploring his talents in art, poetry, music, acting, modeling and outreach. In the fall of 2004, Darby earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree in English and a Minor in African American Studies from [http://www.penn.edu The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)] . And, in 2005, he received a Master’s Degree in Education from Penn State's prestigious Professional Development School, becoming the first African American male ever to graduate from the program (1)(2).

University Accomplishments

In 1996, two of Darby's poems, “The Devil Got Me” and “Why Have I Been Cursed” were published in Absence, Penn State's literary publication. In 1999, Darby was selected to be the face of Penn State’s Graduate School Programs advertisement posters. In 2001, Darby displayed his theatrical abilities as "Elesin" in the play "Death and the King's Horseman." He received some critical acclaim in the play, which was penned by Wole Soyinka and directed by Charles Dumas (3). While still attending Penn State in 2004, Darby became the first rapper initiated into Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Alpha Zeta Chapter, the nation’s largest and oldest secret music society.

Career

From 2005 to 2007, Darby served as the Director of Corporate Communications-Outreach for [http://www.1-sc.com 1 Source Consulting] . It was during this time that Darby solidified himself as an outreach leader and consultant by establishing partnerships with some of Washington's top not-for-profit organizations, including [http://www.childrensnational.org/ Children's National Medical Center] , [http://www.dcgoodwill.org/ Goodwill of Greater Washington] , [http://www.stanns.org/ St. Ann's Infant & Maternity Home] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation_Army The Salvation Army] (4).

In 2006, Darby joined Goodwill of Greater Washington’s re-branding campaign. He was featured in both print and radio advertisements that were run throughout the Washington metro area. That same year, Darby delivered a speech on the power of community outreach in campaign commercials on behalf of Jack B. Johnson, County Executive, [http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ Prince George's County, Maryland] .

One of Darby’s proudest accomplishments occurred in 2007, when he and 1 Source CEO, William Teel, Jr., presented a check for $10,000 to Hart Middle School, Washington D.C. (5). They were also able to donate laptop and desktop computers to help rebuild the school's library and computer labs. In addition, the two were given the opportunity to speak to the students about their life experiences, their youth and how they were able to overcome numerous obstacles in order to become successful businessmen (6).

In 2007, Darby established [http://www.kenjidarby.com The Provider ♦ Inc.] , a non-profit, whose purpose is to advocate economic, educational, health and social development. The Provider ♦ also publishes a newsletter for community involvement.

In November 2007, as a result of the tragic murder of Washington Redskins safety, Sean Taylor, Darby started the L.I.P. (Live in Peace) Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping foster communities of peace, life, health, knowledge, brotherhood and prosperity. Darby also penned "L.I.P Sean Taylor" which was printed at The Provider ♦ website and the Washington Informer Newspaper.

References

1. http://www.ed.psu.edu/englishpds/PDS_Participant_history.htm
2. http://www.ed.psu.edu/pds/04teacher_inquiry/teacher_inquiry_2005.html
3. http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/1999/11/11-05-99tdc/11-05-99dnews-2.asp
4. http://www.dcgoodwill.org/email/2005_october_goodneighbor1c.htm
5. http://www.1-sc.com/pressrelease_goodwill.html
6. http://www.1-sc.com/activities_2.html