Davon’s Story

Tell us about yourself. Who are your people? 

I was born and raised in Harlem. My people are rooted in tradition, and the traditions of our community. My people are cocky, and arrogant, but very humble at the same time. We are spiritual, faith-based, mainly Christian. There’s a down south country culture -- manners and respect, valuing of the family. 

Bigger picture, my people are anybody who follows a positive and purposeful mindset to create change for themselves and the world around them. My people share the same superpower is me: vulnerability. 

What were you like when you were younger? 

Very arrogant. I knew everything, and was very much rooted in self-preservation. I didn't ask I just took it, and basically did anything I felt like I could get away with. I was quick to fight, because I couldn't differentiate sadness from anger. Deep down, I was a shell of a young boy, even though I was a father at a young age. I held no sense of responsibility to my daughter or myself. I didn’t really care about my education. I just wanted to look cute, get girls, and do my own thing. 

Things started to change when I was incarcerated, for domestic violence — sentenced to four years, did three. While inside I took control of my freedom by creating positive circumstances for the men inside, working in a church as a chaplain clerk, working in orientation, guiding men into the facility, or working in phase 3, which meant helping men going home to see life thereafter in a more positive light. Ultimately I received an opportunity to come home six months early. I fought to continue to work in those spaces, and that's why I love All Kings so much. 

Can you say more about that? What drew you to All Kings? 

Ismael [another All Kings man] came up to me with the opportunity to see The Work, and I not only connected with him and the film, but I loved the circle we created afterward. What brought me in further was the mentor training. I showed up, and within the first 30 minutes I was already in tears. I was finally able to complete my grieving for my grandfather. I don’t know why, but I felt I could let go of the energy, as soon as another man started talking about losing his sister. There was a sense of brotherhood that gave me that. I came as I was and left a better man. 

Tell us about your first weekend experience. 

Seriously, that first weekend gave me a chance to break generational curses, from how I felt about my grandfather dying, to how I felt about my father today, and how I saw myself as a man post-incarceration. The weekend helped me identify the strength in me, and granted me the power and gave myself permission to own my own greatness. 

What was it like to do this work with other men? 

(Laughs.) Honestly, the first thought I had was “Fuck it, what’s the worst that can happen?” I’ll tell a group of men my indiscretions, my shortcomings, and speak my truth, and live in what comes. And what happened was I was welcomed with love and compassion. I wasn't judged, I was celebrated. They helped me feel secure with myself -- the way I was thinking and feeling. I felt seen.

How has being part of the community shifted your perspective? 

I learned that it's okay to divert from the original plan, to know the circumstances I am currently facing is only momentarily disruptive. Long-term, the circles help not only with coping mechanisms, but actually with affirming myself in any situation. 

What’s a king to you now? What does that word mean? 

Being intentional, holding myself accountable, to my feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Being able to assert myself by the power and authority vested in me from the work I’ve completed. Knowing that I am worthy, that I am qualified, and that I belong in any and all spaces that I walk in. 

What’s something you’re working on right now, in yourself and in the world?

I’m still working on being okay with myself, when I fall short of the glory of God. And knowing that failure is temporary -- that’s one of my biggest fears. The old me didn’t attempt things because of the fear of failure. In my life, more broadly, I’m trying to help make vulnerability part of black culture, to create a community of men and women who can speak freely and be in their own power. 

What would you say to someone considering getting involved in All Kings? 

You can start to master yourself by acknowledging that you’re actually no longer in control of your emotions, and also not in control of what happens to you. But you can be responsible for how you respond to your situations and your emotions, and so start to regain control of your life. All Kings is a safe space to do that, to learn how to get your power back.