| Advocacy | Community | Education | Integrity |
| Advocacy | Community | Education | Integrity |
Empowering Black and multiracial youth to see their potential, experience joy, become confident leaders, and drive positive change in our community.
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OUR STORY
is used as a powerful affirmation that embodies our mission, values, and vision each year. It sets a focused intention that connects us to our community, inspiring the youth, families, and partners we serve.
Beginning in 2020-2021 with “I AM Academy”, we introduced ourselves and established our purpose.
In 2021-2022, “I AM Black Excellence” celebrated Black identity and achievement.
“I AM Ubuntu” in 2022-2023 focused on community and unity.
While “I AM The Dream” in 2023-2024 elevated dreams and future aspirations.
In 2024–2025, “I AM Love” centered on the power of love — for ourselves, our community, and the future we are building together.
Last year, for the 2025-2026 school year, we embodied I AM H.O.P.E.

Our 2026-2027 theme, “I AM Fearless,” encourages students to embrace courage, confidence, and authenticity as they step boldly into who they are becoming. Building on the themes before it, I AM Fearless reflects our continued commitment to empowering young people to know their worth, use their voices, and move forward without fear.
Preparing students for a future brimming with possibilities!
Monthly fun activity or experience. Come hang!
Student-centered events, mentoring, and exposure to foster growth and prepare students for higher education and career opportunities.
| 2025 Summer College Tour
Designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for academic and professional success.
| Tutoring & Mentorship
Our highly anticipated annual fundraiser! All funds are reinvested into the community, specifically supporting local students.
Join us for our 5th Annual Black Gala!
December 13, 2026
| Tickets: Coming soon
A community-based program that offers adult and child accessible classes in dance, fitness, and creative expression. Designed to build confidence, strengthen identity, and promote wellness.
| Cost: $10 per class
Our annual celebration is a vibrant, multi-day event that honors American
history and celebrates Black culture, entertainment, art, and resilience.
Holland's annual celebration on beautiful Lake Michigan features over 80 vendors, food trucks, artists, and live entertainment with over 3,000 attendees in 2024!
| Next Date: TBA, 2026
Want To Be A Vendor?
TAP HERE
6th-12th Grade Students meet every other week during the school day at Harbor Lights Middle School, Mac Bay Middle School, and West Ottawa High School. Students use song lyrics and poetry to explore their dreams, values, self-worth, societal norms, and historical contexts.
These creative sessions provide a safe space for self-reflection, personal growth, and meaningful discussions on identity and aspirations.

A Welcome From The Founders
A Welcome From The Founders
For many years, the preparation of African American students in our schools has left them less than adequately prepared to compete for desirable jobs and equitable compensation. Many have experienced the effects of generational poverty. Others have been steered to inferior schools or placed in less challenging curricula. Nearly all have been subject to lower expectations by society and by themselves. Although some are not subject to these factors, many still under-achieve in spite of their ability.
Henry and Lindsay Cherry, both committed educators, saw the impact of these factors on their students and even on their own children. They reached out to individual students with various aid, but soon realized that more help was needed…
– Henry and Lindsay Cherry, Founders
We are thrilled to announce that I AM Academy has a new home to host our student programs! Thanks to a fantastic partnership with First United Methodist Church, we now have our own dedicated space and entrance, giving our students a welcoming environment to grow, learn, and thrive. This new location marks an exciting step forward for our programs, empowering us to make an even greater impact in the community. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support!
Don’t miss your chance to invest in yourself or the youth in our community.
| Check out the I AM Calendar! |
New
Student Center

Tap below to choose your desired form of giving.

Join us for a meaningful morning as we explore the beauty of diversity in foster care and adoption.