| Advocacy | Community | Education | Integrity |

| Advocacy | Community | Education | Integrity |

I AM

ACADEMY

Empowering Black and multiracial youth to see their  potential, experience joy, become confident leaders, and drive positive change in our community.

Need Something? Let Us Know

Contact Us

Mailing Address

190 E. 8th Street,
P.O. Box 2072,
Holland, MI 49422

Physical Address

57 W 10th St,
Holland, MI 49423

Email Address

info@iamacademymi.org

Watch
OUR STORY

| Mentoring | Learning | Building Community Bridges |
| Mentoring | Learning | Building Community Bridges |

I AM...

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.

Join Us This Year!

ALL STUDENTS — new and returning — must register each year to participate.
Open House 2024 | Alexis Aaliyah Photography

PROGRAMS

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.

Student Programming

Preparing students for a future brimming with possibilities!

I AM Connect

Monthly fun activity or experience. Come hang!

College & Career Prep

Student-centered events, mentoring, and exposure to foster growth and prepare students for higher education and career opportunities.

| 2025 Summer College Tour

I AM The Future

Designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for academic and professional success.

| Tutoring & Mentorship

Black Gala

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

I AM Movement

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

Juneteenth Celebration

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

Empowerment Groups

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.

WHO WE ARE

| "We wanted to give our youth something we didn't have." |
Photo of Lindsay and Henry Cherry close together with faces toward camera and Lindsay's hand on Henry's chest

A Welcome From The Founders

WHO WE ARE

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

| Holland, Michigan |

NEW Building

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!

Events

Don’t miss your chance to invest in yourself or the youth in our community. 

Check out the I AM Calendar! |

New
Student Center

I AM Mentorship is designed for creating I.M.P.A.C.T. Integrity, Mutuality, Patience, Authenticity, Collaboration, and Trust with our students. We invite you to join us by filling out the application.

Join The I.M.P.A.C.T.

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Help Us reach More Students

Donate School Items

Tap below to choose your desired form of giving. 

Free & Welcome to all!

11.15.25

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

OUR 2024-2025 REGISTRATION IS OPEN!