Imagine a table where generations unite, where wisdom flows as freely as laughter, and where the seeds of leadership, resilience, and transformation are planted with every shared meal.
That’s exactly what happened at the first-ever “Brunch w/ Young Pharaohs“ gathering that brought together seven Young Pharaohs (with one absent due to illness), nine members of Counsel to Young Pharaohs, the Petersburg Is Growing Board of Directors, and seven Future Pharaohs (ages 2-12).
For some, it was their first time meeting. For all, it was a powerful reminder that we move forward as one, carrying the legacy of those who came before us while building a future worthy of those who will follow.
This isn’t just a brunch. It’s a movemeant.
A movemeant that welcomes commUNITY voices, invites interGENERATIONal CONNECTion, and CREATEs space for LEARNing, MENTORship, and emPOWERment.
A Seat at the Table
This gathering was organized and co-hosted by Cigournay Parham Bright, a committed member of the Counsel to Young Pharaohs, whose leadership helped shape the intention behind this experience. More than just a meal, this was an opportunity to build bonds, strengthen community, and pour into the next generation of leaders.
Chef Bre of 1821 Academy honored our ancestors with a Kemet-inspired menu featuring Foul Madames, Za’atar Potatoes, Chicken Kofta, Harissa Yogurt Chicken, Tabbouleh, Makarona Bechamel, and more. Every dish was a taste of history-nourishing not just the body, but the spirit of the work ahead.
Adding to the sacredness of the meal, local honey was donated by Counsel to Young Pharaohs member & beekeeper Hollee Freeman. The same bees that pollinate and sustain life remind us of the importance of patience, hard work, and reciprocity-values that the Young Pharaohs are learning in Hollee‘s “Honeybees and Me” Apiculture Course. What we nurture, in turn, nurtures us.
A special thank you to Haus & Market Foundation for providing a safe, welcoming space for this gathering. Community flourishes in spaces where we feel seen, supported, and valued-and this was a place where legacy and leadership were nurtured.
The Wisdom of the Village
A Young Pharaoh doesn’t rise alone. The Counsel to Young Pharaohs is a village of leaders, healers, entrepreneurs, educators, and visionaries who showed up to pour into the next generation-not just with words, but with actions, experiences, and open invitations to learn.
Imagine sitting at a table where every conversation is a lesson, every mentor a guide, and every moment an opportunity to grow.
Among those who shared their wisdom:
• Farmer Juniper, Farmer, Educator, & non-profit leader, spoke on reparative agriculture, land access, and ownership as the foundation of community sovereignty. She extended an open invitation for Young Pharaohs to Maroon Grove Farm, where they can learn to care for animals with compassion, intention, and respect for the land.
• Regina Graves, Mother, Integrative Health Practitioner, and Travel Liaison, spoke on ancestral wisdom, holistic healing, and the importance of aligning the body, mind, and spirit.
• Adrienne Riley, Registered Dietitian & Nutritionist, emphasized the importance of “food as medicine”teaching that what we consume fuels not just our bodies, but our ability to think, create, and lead.
• Dr. Supreme Understanding, Author & Advocate, challenged the Pharaohs to reclaim their communities- economically, culturally, and socially. He reminded them that ownership, education, and self-determination are the keys to liberation.
• Speed, Author & Educator, reminded the Young Pharaohs of their deep connection to their ancestors and to Africa. He left them with a powerful thought: “I played football really good, and I never walked off the field with a clean jersey.“ Growth requires struggle, and struggle requires resilience.
• Branden Riley, Political Campaign Manager, broke down the power of civic engagement and advocacy, showing how leadership isn’t just about vision-it’s about action.
• Nathaniel X. Graves III, a former Mr. Virginia State University, offers powerful insights on fatherhood, leadership, financial and time management, professional etiquette, photography/videography. He reminded the Pharaohs that their time and talents are valuable tools that can be used to build legacy.
• Larry Bartenstein, shared wisdom on the importance of pursuing one‘s passion and using it to serve the community. True success, he reminded them, is measured in impact, not income.
• Karima Cherry, Mother, Market Manager, and Owner of Namaste Knots LLC, offered her unconditional support to the Young Pharaohs- reminding them that having a strong community behind them is just as important as the work they put in themselves.
Gifts with Intention
This wasn’t just a brunch-was an embarkation. A beginning. And every Young Pharaoh left with something tangible to mark the start of their journey. Each received a gift bag filled with carefully chosen items, each holding deep significance:
• Their first book, “The Four Agreements” - A guide to self-awareness, discipline, and personal freedom, laying the foundation for their leadership.
• A pouch from Kemet- A physical connection to the legacy they are stepping into, a reminder of the journey ahead.
• A journal- Because every great leader reflects, writes, and records their evolution. Their thoughts and experiences will shape the future.
• Lapis Lazuli- A stone of wisdom, clarity, and truth, worn by ancient Pharaohs as a symbol of enlightenment and power.
Every item was intentional. Every piece chosen to reflect who they are, where they‘re going, and the greatness that already exists within them.
Are you ready to be part of it?
Support the Young Pharaohs of Petersburg
Make an offering to help sustain this work. Your contributions support mentorship, learning experiences, and opportunities that will shape the next generation of leaders.
Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/db1dc172-070f-4d29-b8b2-f6c048a20d98
If you have books to donate, mentorship or internship opportunities, or would like to host a tour for the Young Pharaohs, reach out to petersburgisgrowing@gmail.com.
The table is set. The invitation is open.
Will you take your seat?
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