Community is a M.U.S.T.

March 11, 2024

March is Women’s History Month, and one of our biggest champions and most essential collaborators is Ms. Porcia Beard, the Attendance Intervention & Success Coordinator at Garfield High School. Having worked closely with M.U.S.T. for approximately the past 6 years, she has been a powerhouse that continues to make M.U.S.T. successful in helping young Black males work towards finding their own liberation.

In her own words:
On working closely with the M.U.S.T. program:
“My experience with working with the M.U.S.T. program has been such a wonderful collaboration. I have much respect for the program and the excellent work that they do to support our young Black men to be the best versions of themselves.  The M.U.S.T. program allows these young men to see life through different lenses that they might not have otherwise had the opportunity to do so. I love the mentorship and trusting relationships… built with our youth. It takes a village.”
Advice for the next generation for finding their own liberation:
“My advice for the next generation… is to be the artist behind your own canvas and paint your own story. Never allow someone to interfere or interrupt your goals and dreams.”

Mission Moments

SUPPORT IS A M.U.S.T.

October 6, 2026

Friendly Competition 🏈 Franklin vs. Garfield High Mentees, Corde Frazier (Franklin) & Bryan Hurd (Garfield), played against each other in their high school’s football game, and…

Summer 2026: Brotherhood, Memories & Good Times

September 10, 2026

Some racing, a little time at the lake, a day at the movies, and a whole lot of time together — that’s what summer 2026…

Celebration is a M.U.S.T.

August 10, 2026

While eating burgers, visiting Hollywood, and relaxing poolside might seem like standard summer vacation activities, these “normal” experiences carry life-changing weight for our Mentees. During…

Congrats to our 2026 M.U.S.T. Mentee Graduates!

July 1, 2026

New Beginnings are a M.U.S.T.

June 1, 2026

Movin’ on up — the M.U.S.T. office has moved to a new, bigger space! We are excited to announce that we have officially moved into…

Shaping Leaders Through Experience

May 4, 2026

History. Brotherhood. Experience. From walking the trails at Millersylvania State Park and unpacking how racism impacted the Civilian Conservation Corps… to turning up in Portland…

Proud Moment: Two Mentees Earn Student of the Month Honors

April 15, 2026

Please join us in giving big congrats to 2 of our Mentees for being awarded Garfield High’s March Students of the Month! Elijah Brown Durron Kirvin…

Learning Life Skills in Unexpected Ways

March 2, 2026

M.U.S.T. Mentees took part in an adrenaline-filled experience at K1 Racing, where they raced high-performance electric go-karts on a professional indoor track. This experience was designed…

Honoring Ourselves

February 5, 2026

“Learning my history made me realize I come from more than struggle — I come from strategy, survival, and strength.” ~ Mentor

Celebrating is a M.U.S.T.

January 5, 2026

Work Hard, Play Hard. The M.U.S.T. Staff ended the year laughing together and recognizing our 2025 successes. We also awarded our first-ever quarterly staff member,…