Announcing the winners of the 2025 Brother Mike Awards: Lifting Up Chicago's Youth Mentors

The Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX)—a nonprofit intermediary that connects, invests, and advocates for out-of-school time (OST)—is pleased to announce its 6th Annual Brother Mike Awards: a recognition of outstanding mentorship in youth development in Chicago. These are the caretakers of youth who exemplify an outstanding achievement to youth development in Chicago amongst youth they serve, their peer educators in the field while also exemplifying the legacy of “Brother Mike” Hawkins—a beloved poet, activist, educator, and mentor who passed away in 2014.

The 2025 CLX Brother Mike Award Winners are:

• Knowledge Theodore (CEO of Mama Moore Regeneration Center), Emerging Mentor Award (i.e. less than 5 years but shows promise for the future);

• Marcus Flenaugh (Youth Program Director of South Side Help Center), CLX Member Award (i.e. active member that participates and gives back to the CLX community and local community);

• Jaquanda M. Saulter (Co-Executive Director of Kuumba Lynx), Brother Mike Awards (i.e. Veteran mentor with 10+ years of experience that incorporates social justice)

Knowledge Theodore, Emerging Mentor Award

"Knowledge Theodore doesn’t just show them how to grow plants; he shows them how to grow roots, take up space, and bloom," Patrice Patterson of Mama Moore Regeneration Center.

Knowledge is CEO of Mama Moore Regeneration Center in Chatham. Knowledge has gone above and beyond in less than 3 years of his work. He turned a vacant lot into a vibrant community garden by engaging local youth in every aspect—from construction and planting to harvesting and hosting events.

Marcus Flenaugh, CLX Mentor Award

Marcus Flenaugh is Youth Program Director at South Side Help Center in Roseland. He started off as a youth in programs and dedicated his life to give back to youth like him.

According to the Center for Effective Philanthropy, “90% of nonprofit leaders say burnout is a top concern.” CLX created a program to address burnout and give youth leaders tangible tools to support their own wellbeing because youth don’t do what you say, they watch what you do.” Sana Jafri, Executive Director of the CLX adds that, “Marcus participated in CLX’s Executive Leadership Program and transformed his youth program that not only impacts his own wellbeing but also the lives of the youth he serves.”

Jaquanda M. Saulter, Brother Mike Awards

"She walks beside them, never in front."

Pinqy Ring, past BMA Award winner and reviewer, says, “What a beautiful dedication and testament to someone doing the work. Jaquanda is the true embodiment of Brother Mike in all regards, but especially in terms of social justice and equity. She understands that mentorship isn’t about control, it’s about cultivation."

Lifting Up Youth Mentors: The Brother Mike Awards

This year CLX received its most nomination submissions in the 6 years of the annual award that provides 3 outstanding Chicago-based mentors with $5,000 in no-strings-attached support for each winner. There were an unbelievable number of mentors that are doing amazing things in Chicago and quotes like "More than a mentor he is a lifeline" exemplify that.

CLX strengthens the out-of-school time community in Chicago by connecting, investing in, and advocating for the people and organizations that create opportunities for young people to thrive.out-of-school time community in Chicago by connecting, investing in, and advocating for the people and organizations that create opportunities for young people to thrive.

This year’s celebration took place on September 18, 2025, at City Winery in the West Loop was sold out. The evening featured a three-course dinner, drinks, a tribute to Brother Mike Hawkins curated by Chicago-based artist Akenya. Akenya is a former Brother Mike mentee and genre-blending, classically trained pianist, assumed double duty as host and featured performer. The event brought together youth from Guitar Over Guns, mentors, philanthropists and the broader OST community to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future of youth mentorship in Chicago.

About the Chicago Learning Exchange

CLX strengthens the out-of-school time community in Chicago by connecting, investing in, and advocating for the people and organizations that create opportunities for young people to thrive. CLX envisions a Chicago where every youth have expanded opportunities to learn. For more information specifically on the Chicago Learning Exchange, visit www.chicagolx.org or follow CLX on Facebook (@CLXchange), LinkedIn, and Instagram (@CLXchange).

About AKENYA

AKENYA is a multi-genre vocalist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator. Her music is an eclectic synthesis of jazz, hip-hop, soul, pop, classical, and world music. A proud Chicago native, Akenya has performed and recorded with some of the city's leading artists such as Smino, Saba, and Chance the Rapper.

The Presenting Event Sponsors are the following:

• Kirkland & Ellis

• Field Foundation of IL

The Brother Mike Awards generously sponsored by: The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.