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‘I finally felt free’: How a Teen Found His Potential After Years in Incarceration
From the article: “At 19, Bilal Al-Raed has lived a life that defies the odds and inspires hope in others.
“Bilal’s a testament to the power of resilience and the capacity for transformation,” says Cole Williams, CEO and founder of the Delta Project. “His story is one of triumph over adversity. Having spent the majority of his teenage years incarcerated, Bilal intimately understands the challenges faced by youth in similar circumstances.
The Delta Project is a Grand Rapids nonprofit that helps youths in the juvenile justice system.
Al-Raed was honored with the At Potential Award at the Delta Project’s inaugural Gratitude Concert on May 15, which spotlighted the unsung heroes who are helping at-risk youth reach their potential.”
Why does society adultify Black boys?
In this compelling article, Bryson Adkins explores the adultification of Black boys through the lens of a powerful presentation by Cole Williams and Bilal Al-Raed at the GVSU Black Boys & Men National Symposium. The discussion sheds light on harmful stereotypes and systemic issues, emphasizing the need for community support, emotional intelligence, and spaces for Black boys and men to express their feelings. Discover how these initiatives aim to create meaningful change in the lives of Black youth.
Anticipating the Delta Project's Gratitude Concert This Weekend
Join us this Saturday for the Delta Project Gratitude Concert, celebrating community members like Gabriel Holmes and Amanda Jackson for their invaluable contributions to youth support. It's set to be an inspiring evening with notable performances and well-deserved accolades.
Read more about the event and its distinguished honorees here.
Michigan Center for Youth Justice
Learn more about the work that Cole is doing with Jason Smith and the Juvenile Justice Task Force.
Leveraging technology “in service of humanity”
Renée Cummings returns to Grand Rapids to re-engage with the community and begin mentoring students from NexTech HS
By Leaps & Bounds: Children of Incarcerated Parents
Joel Van Kuiken, Cole Williams, and Dowan Mansfield from the Delta Project discuss evidenced-based curriculum developed by Cole Williams called Son to a Father on WGVU Morning Show
Normal Was Never Enough: Children of Incarcerated Parents
Guest Blog on Never Enough By Joel Van Kuiken and Cole Williams — May 31, 2022
Initiative Assists Young Men Of Color
Chelsea Carter writes for Crain’s Grand Rapids Business about three Black-owned, West Michigan nonprofits that are creating pathways to opportunity for boys and young men of color through a new, collaborative initiative.
Three West Michigan nonprofits partner on new initiative serving boys, young men of color
An article by Joanne Bailey-Boorsma for WKTV Journal
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform
The Delta Project is incredibly proud of co-founder Cole Williams and his appointment to Governor Whitmer's Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.
Covid-19 And Incarceration In Michigan
Cole joins a panel to discuss advocating for incarcerated folks during the COVID-19 pandemic. By Pen America
