In the spirit of Morehouse’s enduring legacy of leadership and service, Jay’Shun Mathews ’27, a sophomore Business Administration major, is making a national impact as the Founder and Executive Director of the Black Youth Empowerment Network (BYEN).
Founded in 2024, BYEN is a youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black youth through leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement. What began as a small initiative led by Jay’Shun and his peers has evolved into a national movement of more than 500 members across 25 states, with active chapters at Morehouse College and the University of Georgia, and several more campuses in development.
Jay’Shun’s remarkable leadership has not gone unnoticed. His dedication to empowering others has earned him national recognition, including being named to the HBCUniverse 30 Under 30 list in the Community & Impact category and becoming a two-time Rice Awards nominee for Youth Achiever of the Year and Organization of the Year.
But for Jay’Shun, the journey to this point has been defined not by accolades, but by vision, faith, and community.
“When I founded the Black Youth Empowerment Network, I didn’t start with major funding or connections — just a mission to unite and empower young Black leaders who wanted to make a difference,” Mathews said. “I began by hosting small virtual conversations and community projects that brought together youth from different states. Over time, that vision grew into a national movement.”
Jay’Shun credits his co-founder, James Brazzell, for helping to shape BYEN’s foundation and build the systems that enabled the organization’s growth. Together, they created a structure that transformed BYEN from a small collective of passionate students into a nationwide network of changemakers driving positive social impact.
He also points to the role of his support system including friends, mentors, and the Morehouse community for their encouragement and belief in his mission.
“Being at Morehouse College has inspired me to lead with purpose and integrity,” Mathews reflected. “The growth of BYEN is a reflection of consistency, collaboration, and faith in what young Black leaders can accomplish together.”
Through BYEN, Jay'Shun embodies the College’s core values of service, innovation, and impact, proving that the next generation of Morehouse Men are not waiting to lead, they are already doing it. As BYEN continues to expand its reach, Jay’Shun remains guided by a simple but powerful philosophy:
“Lead with purpose, lean on your community, and never stop building what you believe in.”
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Student Success