Episode 22: How Wardell Frazier Jr. Is Transforming Grand Rapids Through Arts and Youth Leadership
Lessons in Love, Resilience, and Servant Leadership from Wardell Frazier Jr.
On this powerful episode of What I Know Now, brought to you by The Delta Project, co-hosts Bilal and Cole Williams sit down with community leader Wardell Frazier Jr., Executive Director of The Diatribe, and special guest Nick Williams, giving our first news segment in the podcast. Together, they explore the transformative impact of youth advocacy, the significance of servant leadership, and the critical role of arts and culture in empowering young people within the juvenile justice system and beyond.
Wardell shares his 18+ years of nonprofit experience, reflecting on “starting from the trenches” and the importance of creating spaces for youth voices to be heard without censorship. He discusses the vision behind The Diatribe, an organization fostering creative expression and community healing through spoken word and art, and how the new Emory Arts and Culture Hub will become a catalyst for economic and social change in Grand Rapids’ Burton Heights neighborhood.
Listeners gain insights into Wardell’s journey of building programs like SWAG (Succeeding While Achieving Greatness) from the ground up, emphasizing essential life skills for middle and high school students. Authentic conversations touch on the meaning of legacy, the value of mentorship, and the irreplaceable influence of positive fatherhood in shaping resilient futures for young men.
This episode also features an exciting news break from Nick Williams and spotlights recent legislative victories in youth justice reform and upcoming community events.
Key themes covered in this episode:
The importance of servant leadership and community-driven change
Building nonprofits and youth programs rooted in authenticity and collaboration
The role of arts, poetry, and culture as vehicles for youth empowerment and social healing
Fatherhood, legacy, and creating generational impact
Practical advice for emerging nonprofit leaders and advocates
The power of love, kindness, and building lasting relationships within the community
Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and strategies for making a difference in the lives of young people and shaping stronger, more inclusive communities.
