Bryan Hudson hosted Kareem Hines on Conversations in Focus to discuss Hines’ work as founder, president, and mentor of New Breed of Youth, also known as New B.O.Y. Hines explained that the program was inspired by his own childhood experience in the New Breed of Youth Martial Arts Program at the Harlem YMCA, where mentors helped shape his life and eventually led him to Indianapolis. A major theme of the conversation was the power of transformational relationships. Hines emphasized that pain and trauma “travel,” meaning young people in Harlem, Indianapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other cities may face similar struggles, even if their accents or regions differ. He said youth need more than labels, statistics, and assumptions—they need adults who will build real relationships, listen, guide, motivate, educate, and respond to trauma. The conversation also addressed misconceptions about young Black and brown men. Hines challenged stereotypes that they lack respect, do not care about education, are prone to violence, or only aspire to sports and entertainment. Instead, he described them as creative, intelligent, resilient, and in need of exposure, structure, consistency, accountability, and vision. Hines shared how his financial career at Charles Schwab led him to create a financial literacy program for teenage boys. He combined lessons on saving, investing, credit, stocks, and ownership with boxing and martial arts to capture students’ attention and teach life skills. New B.O.Y. programs include mentoring, sports, boxing, martial arts, tutoring, school-based mentoring, a recording studio, youth podcasting, entrepreneurship, college tours, field trips, family engagement, and community events. Hines emphasized that the program is not only for system-involved youth but for any young person ages 6 to 18 who wants guidance, support, and a positive environment. The discussion also highlighted the work of Hines’ wife, Chrystal Hines, who leads the Inner Beauty Mentoring Program for girls. Hines stressed that girls and young women also need attention, resources, and support, and that their challenges are often overlooked. Toward the end, Hines made a personal statement about his commitment to Indianapolis. Though he was born and raised in New York, he said Indianapolis made him a man, and he challenged local leaders and residents to “step your game up” in serving the city’s youth. Bryan closed by encouraging viewers and listeners to support Kareem and Crystal Hines’ work, recognizing their long-term commitment to youth, families, and community transformation.
