We had the good fortune of connecting with Leteria Bailey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leteria, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
In 2016 I founded Young Black and Aware to raise awareness of police brutality and racism. My mission was to use my platform to accurately report ongoing social justice issues and build an audience as passionate about these issues as I was. The curated content intentionally focused on racism, politics, education and cultural nuances within American society. I help the community by dedicating time and resources to building and actively moderating a racially diverse and accessible online space. A space where people of all ages and races can proactively discuss racism, police brutality, and other cultural issues.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a deeply fulfilling journey of activism and advocacy, rooted in a passion for serving youth, families, and disenfranchised communities. What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to addressing social justice issues through a diverse lens, and my ability to blend corporate experience with nonprofit work to build effective digital platforms and communities of practice.

Career Path:
From personal experience in my youth, my heart was always inclined towards community service, leading me to work with five different nonprofit organizations. Each role allowed me to dive deeper into the intricacies of community building and advocacy. I started my journey in Corporate America in 2022 where I honed my skills in development and marketing. This experience was crucial in shaping my understanding of organizational dynamics and effective communication. Unknown to most is that I am a CompTIA certified technician.

Founding Young Black and Aware:
In 2016, I founded Young Black and Aware to raise awareness about police brutality and racism. The organization quickly gained international recognition for its impactful work. This venture was not without its challenges. Starting a social justice organization requires resilience, especially in the face of systemic barriers and social resistance. However, my dedication to the cause and the support of like-minded individuals helped me overcome and my audience always reminded me of the value in my work.

Professional Highlights:
One of my proudest moments was serving as the Director of Development and Marketing for Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, being elected as the Housing Chair of the Washington County NAACP Branch 7030B was a significant milestone that reinforced my commitment to social justice.

Lessons Learned:
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that perseverance and adaptability are key. The journey was far from easy, but each challenge taught me valuable lessons in leadership and lessons in advocacy from my youth. I also learned the major importance of moderating inclusive spaces where marginalized voices can be heard and empowered.

Current Work:
Young Black and Aware, now an entity of Airetel Media—a company I founded in June 2021—continues to be a beacon of support for Black youth. We provide safe spaces to discuss racism, police brutality, and cultural issues. Recently, I launched my nonprofit Project Antietam in 2024, aiming to empower and educate the next generation on American history.

My Brand and Story:
My brand is built on the foundation of community empowerment. I want the world to know that with dedication and the right support, we can create significant change. My story is one of resilience, passion, and audacity.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In 2016, the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) played a pivotal role in the early days of Young Black and Aware by generously sending their racial justice calendars to our organization. These calendars were not just tools for raising awareness; they symbolized a commitment to educating and empowering our community about the history and ongoing struggles for racial justice. EJI’s support was instrumental in our efforts to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action towards equality. Their contribution laid a strong foundation for our mission, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering dedication to justice.

Website: https://www.youngblackandaware.com

Instagram: @youngblackandaware

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leteriabailey/

Youtube: https://youtu.be/qfDtfhOmwUE?si=GyZTReXU8RwzFqN3

Image Credits
n/A

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.