Lakayana Drury, the founder and Executive Director of Word Is Bond, has dedicated his life to empowering young Black men and providing them with the tools to succeed. His personal story of resilience, growth, and purpose speaks to the heart of his mission.
Raised between two worlds—a Black father from South Sudan and a white mother from Portage, Wisconsin—Drury's unique upbringing shaped his worldview and his purpose. "I was born between two worlds," Drury reflects. "On my mom's side, I was the first Black child; on my dad's side, I was the first American son. I grew up with my mom, and as I grew older, I discovered my purpose: to serve."
(Listen to the full podcast conversation between Crystal Thornton and Lakayana Drury below.)
Drury's view of wealth isn't defined by money or material possessions. "I know that I am wealthy," he says. "Wealth is about relationships, the connections I build, and the freedom to create spaces for others. My higher calling is to serve others." He credits his mother for the sacrifices she made as a single parent raising him and his siblings. "My goal was to take her sacrifices and make the most out of my life. I want to serve others and lead with compassion and humanity," says Drury.
In 2017, Drury arrived in Portland, Oregon, where he became a teacher with a deep passion for serving students whom the education system had overlooked. His own experience as a student in Madison, Wisconsin, was a challenge. Drury graduated from East High School with a 2.3 GPA, feeling that he wasn’t smart enough to succeed. "The most important thing a teacher can do is help a student believe in their potential," says Drury. "If a student doesn't believe in themselves, the education system has failed them. That's exactly how I felt in 2007."
But over the next decade, Drury transformed his life and discovered his calling—founding Word Is Bond, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring and empowering young Black leaders.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Mentorship
Drury's upbringing was marked by a strained relationship with his father, whom he met at age 10. "The absence of my father was devastating, especially for young Black men," says Drury. "In a world that isn’t ready to embrace us, not having a father figure adds another layer of hardship."
The loudest voice Drury heard throughout his childhood was his mother's, who fought tirelessly for his education. She enrolled him in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Dane County, requesting that he be paired with a Black mentor. Though initially told no Black mentors were available, two months later, they found Kevin Torrance. "Kevin became my big brother," Drury says. "Through his mentorship, I learned about my Black identity and what it means to be a man."
That mentorship helped guide Drury on his path to founding Word Is Bond. "Kevin coached my basketball teams, took me to the movies, and even helped me get my first job mowing a Black WWII and Korean War veteran’s lawn," recalls Drury. "All of these experiences built the foundation for me to create a program that would empower young Black men and give them the same mentorship and guidance I had."
Word Is Bond: A Vision for the Future
Launched in 2017, Word Is Bond aims to fill a gap in programs for young Black men. Drury saw many programs designed for at-risk youth in detention, but none focused on potential, empowerment, or belief in greatness. He wanted to change that. Word Is Bond provides mentorship, resources, and opportunities for young Black men to thrive and lead unapologetically.
One of the organization's flagship programs, Rising Leaders, is a three-year summer initiative designed to equip young men with leadership skills, internships, and community involvement. "In the first year, they create personal mantras. My mantra is, 'I’m a visionary, I dream in freedoms...,'" explains Drury. "Each of our young men develops their own mantra. It’s a central part of their journey with us."
The program includes engaging dialogues with local law enforcement, allowing participants to build bridges and develop critical communication skills. By their second year, students intern with companies such as Titan Freight Systems, Sekai Creative Development, and even work with Senator Ron Wyden’s office.
In 2023, Word Is Bond introduced the Black Star Homecoming Expedition, a transformative two-week leadership journey to Ghana. Drury proudly states, "By the end of the program, these young men have a passport, international experience, leadership skills, and a jetpack on their back, ready to soar to success."
Expanding Horizons: The Power of Mentorship and the Arts
Another key initiative, the In My Shoes project, allows participants to lead walking tours of their communities, sharing their stories and aspirations. These young men not only educate others about their neighborhoods but also earn money by guiding tours through Portland’s historic districts.
The Spring Leadership Forum takes participants to Washington, D.C., where they engage in civic activities, meet with Congressional leaders, and pitch public policy proposals to lawmakers. "They leave this experience with a greater sense of agency," says Drury.
Drury’s commitment to removing barriers for young people is reflected in the program’s accessibility. "There are no financial barriers. No GPA requirements. Everything is free to the youth. If we ask for their support, it’s through fundraising, a skill that can translate into many areas of life," he says.
Additionally, Word Is Bond teaches participants etiquette, professional attire, and the importance of philanthropy. “You deserve to be respected, whether you’re wearing a suit or your favorite urban brand. We help young men navigate both worlds and gain the tools to succeed.”
The Future of Word Is Bond
Currently, Drury is working on expanding Word Is Bond beyond Portland, envisioning it as a national model. "Our goal is to become a beacon of empowerment and leadership for young Black men, not just in Portland, but everywhere," he affirms.
Word Is Bond continues to reach new heights, including the production of a documentary about their trip to Ghana, titled The Black Stars. This 55-minute film, produced by local filmmaker Twix Williams, showcases the transformative journey and leadership development of the program's ambassadors. It premiered at Portland's historic Hollywood Theater, and since then, it has been shown in schools, colleges, and even youth detention centers, where it has inspired many.
Drury concludes, “We’ve used art and storytelling to elevate our young men’s voices. The music video that accompanies the documentary has become a powerful anthem for Black youth in Portland and beyond, reminding them that they are stars—capable of greatness.”
With plans for more groundbreaking projects, Word Is Bond is set to continue making waves in empowering young Black men, proving every day that the future is bright and full of promise.
When asked if Word Is Bond has had a positive impact on Black youth in Portland, Lakayana Drury doesn’t hesitate. "Yes," he says, "I see it every day."