About Us

Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens (YBMKQ) is a community-based organization made up of some of the most dedicated young men and women in the city. In the face of constant discouragement and scrutiny, a group of young men and women have chosen to stand apart and show the community that young black kings and queens are active, motivated, and empowered to be the change. Our awareness of how we are often depicted in mainstream media, and even perceived by some of our peers. YBMKQ is our attempt to counteract this narrative by embracing our agency and inviting others to do the same, no matter their circumstance or background.

Our primary mission is engaging elementary, middle and high-school-aged youth in becoming the leaders of tomorrow while serving the community. In addition to providing enriching opportunities for youth, and a safe space for them to come into, we also plan events for community members to come out to build strong connections with the youth, and network.

Briefly, before Kahlil began this organization his uncle was murdered at gunpoint in 2013 which gave him the courage and wisdom to do something great not to only make his uncle proud but change the world around him to ensure this did not continue to happen to families in his hometown city of Pittsburgh, PA and to create a safe space for youth to trust and come to if they did go through these tragic events. Kahlil’s goals are to continue to impact the lives of young people all over the world so they don’t experience the same tragic or unforeseen circumstances he had growing up.

After his family was devastated by gun violence, Kahlil Darden was inspired to become the change he wanted to see in the world. Only a pre-teen at the time, he began to work to change his community.

Kahlil sought to create a safe space for youth to come to and trust if they were dealing with fear and trauma. Knowing he needed help to execute his vision, he created an organization to reach out to African American men who believed in being active in their city of Pittsburgh communities. It did not take long for him to realize that the organization should be more inclusive, so he added female activists and changemakers. Through these efforts, Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens (YBMKQ) was born.

YBMKQ is a community-based organization made up of some of the most dedicated young men and women in the city. In the face of constant discouragement and scrutiny, they have chosen to stand apart and show the community that young black kings and queens are active, motivated, and empowered to be the change. Just recently, YBMKQ was taken under the wing of 1Hood Media. Through 1Hood, both organizations work together to express love, activism, and motivation throughout the City of Pittsburgh with their community service, talents, and so much more.

A current senior at the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. Kahlil is a Business Administration major with a dual concentration in Marketing and Management and a minor in Political Science. He was also the founder of the first Black Student Union (BSU) at Penn Hills Senior High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Outside of his own organization, Kahlil has also participated in several community and school projects such as: YngBlkPgh, Coalition Against Violence, mentoring at Propel Schools, and World Affairs Council.

Kahlil is the Co-Author of the book “Younger Black Pittsburgh,” which highlights many young people in the city of Pittsburgh doing amazing work! He has also penned another book entitled, “Do It for You.” A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Kahlil strives to continue to make an impact on his community and the world, not only through his organization but with his fraternity brothers as well.