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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Dr. Sheila Thomas knows what it takes to raise successful Black boys because she’s done it. Her sons James, Erick, and her stepson Lorenzo, are proof of what intentional parenting can do.

That experience became the foundation for Raising Brilliant Black Boys, Incorporated, a nonprofit serving boys ages five to 12 and their parents.

“As a parent, I know what I’ve given them and I know the tools and resources that I needed to advocate and support them,” Thomas said. “I found it not to be robbery to give other parents what they needed to support their sons.”

Building a Foundation through Parent Engagement

The nonprofit meets with boys several times a month, offering community activities, science programs, reading and writing exercises. But Thomas said the parent component is what makes the program work.

“We can give whatever we want to the boys and want them to be successful. But it works better when the parents also understand what we’re doing to support their parenting journey,” she said.

Parents are required to meet once a month for an hour. If Thomas teaches the boys about love languages, the parents receive the same lesson.

Thomas started by writing a book and offering a course but realized she needed to do more for her community. She wanted to give younger boys a solid foundation in their early years through well-rounded experiences.

The boys have participated in community events, attended performances like The Lion King, and taken part in service projects like picking up litter. They’ve also stood on stage at Martin Luther King events to recite poetry, experiences many had never had before.

First Annual Mother-Son Gala

This year, Thomas hosted a Mother-Son Gala, a full-day event designed to strengthen bonds between mothers and sons.

The morning session featured board games, checkers, Jenga and a paint party where mothers and sons worked together on one canvas. The activities also included a sound bath led by Ashley Reeves, who guided mothers and sons through affirmations and physical connection.

“She played the different sounds. But she gave them affirmations like, ‘Moms, touch your sons and hug on them. And boys, love on your moms,’” Thomas said.

The morning ended with mothers and sons writing letters to each other.

The evening transformed into a formal gala where mothers and sons dressed up and celebrated.

“The moms crowned the sons with the crown on the head. And the sons crowned the moms with the tiara on her head. And they gave a little speech — ‘Upon this head, I placed your crown. I’ll love you forever,’" Thomas said. “And that was the beauty of it.”

Next year’s gala is scheduled for May 29, 2027.

Extension of the Mission

Thomas has channeled her advocacy into books and affirmation cards designed to help parents speak life over their children.

Her book JR’s Biggest Fan tells the story of a mother who supports her son through every endeavor, whether riding a swing, competing in a spelling bee or playing sports. When her son fails, she tells him to never give up.

“I want moms to be able to speak those words and speak life over their children,” Thomas said. “And it’s about perseverance. Never give up. Yes, you can.”

Other books include JR Gives Thanks, which teaches children to be grateful for small things, and Raising Brilliant Black Boys, which guides parents on community involvement, advocacy and academic success.

The Sonshine Affirmation Cards feature affirmations on one side and parent tips on the other, teaching parents how to use the affirmations with their sons.

Thomas has also created a cologne line for boys with three scents. The signature scent is called Brave, Bold, and Brilliant, the nonprofit’s motto.

A Family Legacy

Thomas said her sons are excited about the nonprofit and serve on its board of directors.

“I want it to be a legacy for them. I believe in community activism. My mom is that way and my sons love it as well,” she said.

James, attended Morehouse College before earning his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of California at Irvine. He now serves as a professor and assistant band director at Fisk University. Erick graduated from Lowndes High School and is majoring in journalism and communication at North Carolina A&T, where he is in the band.

Thomas said she involves her sons in the nonprofit’s decisions to get their input and understand the male perspective.

Advice for Parents

Thomas said her message to parents raising Black boys is to give themselves grace and prioritize communication.

“Give yourself grace and do the best that you can as a parent. Listen to your sons. Communication is the key to a child’s success,” she said. “And just connect and bond with your son — make sure it’s not just while they’re little. It carries on through middle school as well as high school.”

She encourages parents to understand their child’s love language and respond accordingly, whether through quality time, gifts or physical touch.

For more about Dr. Sheila Thomas and Thomas Education Consultant and Training click here.

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