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Men To Watch 2024 honoree Dr. Rory T. Edwards



Dr. Rory T. Edwards, founder of the Rory T. Edwards Group, has worked relentlessly for

over 40 years in leadership positions across education, community development,

corporate business, and non-profit organizations. Committed to uplifting marginalized

communities, Rory’s experience spans K-12 education, private, public, technical, and

charter schools, as well as teaching at the college level. Born and raised in New Britain,

Connecticut, he served as President of the New Britain N.A.A.C.P. for 11 years and was

a member of the National NAACP Education Committee. His work was instrumental in

shaping the success of the nationally acclaimed Amistad Academy in New Haven, CT,

where his school culture methodology, as Dean of Students, was recognized by former

U.S. Secretary of Education, Roderick Paige, as “a national model for education.”


Rory co-founded the Cross-Cultural Academy of Arts and Technology Charter School in

Hartford, CT, and played a vital role in the development of charter schools across six

states. As the founder of the “Once a Man, Twice a Child” Rites of Passage Academy in

New Britain, CT, and former Chief Operations Officer of the Georgia Training Alliance,

Rory continues to expand his influence, particularly in emotional intelligence reform,

educational equity, and mental health advocacy.


Rory was invited to the White House under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to

discuss the future of American urban education and contribute to the development of

the My Brother's Keeper initiative, based on his work with the "Once a Man, Twice a Child" academy. He was also selected by former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson as one of Connecticut’s most influential African American leaders and represented the state at the U.S. Congress Summit on Policy-Based Dialogue for African American

Leaders.


As a Fulbright Scholar, Rory led a 10-week humanitarian and educational mission to

Ghana, West Africa. His work extends into the media as host of the House Calls show

on Facebook and YouTube, where he’s known for his high-energy and creative

approach to addressing pressing issues, including educational equity and student

mental health. Rory integrates these concerns into his leadership programs, coaching

initiatives, and athlete mentorship, ensuring that emotional resilience and equal access

to education are central to his work.


In addition to his educational reform efforts, Rory is the founder of Raising HOPE, a

transformative program aimed at supporting mothers in raising resilient sons. Through

workshops and seminars, the program addresses the unique challenges mothers face

and provides practical tools for nurturing emotional intelligence, leadership, and success

in young men. Raising HOPE is particularly impactful for single mothers and mothers

from underserved communities, helping them guide their sons toward becoming

valuable, viable, and valued men.


A published author of several books, including The Man That’s Missing in Me, So You

Want to Be a Professional Athlete?, and Raising HOPE: A Blueprint to Help Mothers

Raise Resilient Kings, Rory’s influence as a mentor and advisor has helped high school,

college, and professional athletes navigate their personal and professional journeys.

Through programs like Raising HOPE and his leadership development initiatives, he

focuses on bridging the educational achievement gap and addressing mental health

concerns, particularly for young Black males and other underserved populations.


Dr. Edwards’ dedication to fostering the development of young men, athletes, and future

leaders is unparalleled. His global humanitarian work, advocacy for educational equity,

and commitment to mental health reform continue to inspire communities worldwide, as

he helps others build a blueprint for reaching their full potential.

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