Korey Dean had a vision years ago to start a young men’s ministry aimed at helping young black men navigate culture and pursue higher education. Suddenly in the middle of a national story in the murder of George Floyd, there was an urgent and pressing need in the community.
Enter Dean’s “The Man Up Club”, which he founded and runs. They’ve created a pop-up grocery store after several were burned in riots that have taken place in the aftermath of Floyd’s death.
Dean says his goal is to “empower young black males to make positive choices while preparing them for post high-school education.”
While the community was on fire with anger and violent protest, Dean and his young men were busy creating a positive change. “We’re building a pop-up grocery store, if you will, just so we can serve our community,” Dean said. “Because some of our stores are burned, some of our stores are closed because of the COVID-19. So you add this tragic death and situation on top of COVID and you can kind of get a glimpse of the magnitude from which the community is suffering.”
Dean added that he was “traumatized” over what happened to Floyd and afterwords. “I was devastated to see the police officer with his knee on the neck of George Floyd. That was heart-wrenching to me. And I thought about the long-term implications of what had occurred and the historical perspective of what continues to be perpetuated in America.”
But in the midst of the chaos, Dean says he has a tactical advantage when dealing with trying and uncertain times.
“For me, I have an advantage. My advantage is my faith. My faith in Jesus Christ, and I believe that God is in control of all things.”
Dean received some notoriety online with a powerful prayer he issued to all walks of people in the streets of Minneapolis.
“We ask for your forgiveness for any of the sins we have committed. That you would allow us to tap into who you are, and that we would walk like you, and talk like you, and that we would love like you. we bless your name. Help us to keep peace in this city. Help us to keep peace in this country and all over the world. In Jesus name, amen!”
Do be praying for God to raise up more servants like Dean, and for the young men under his care.
Learn more about this ministry and TheManUpClub.org