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Kiante Young
by Guyan Wilks
Photos by Shomari Chinnery

 

The power to change and make a difference in the world is a great one, and with that power comes a great responsibility. It is a responsibility that many people choose not to have, and it often shows up in the gifted. In this age and time, men and women who want the responsibility and have such a power are in limited numbers. One of those people is young man by the name of Kiante Young. Kiante is a young person at age 19, whose ambition, dreams, and ideas can change the city as well as the world.

Born in Las Vegas and raised in Harlem, Kiante is a multi-faceted young man who is bursting with ideas that will help his community and empower the generation of tomorrow. He has made his mission: empowering people, young and old through career development. He is doing this with his TV show called "Young, Black & Doin' It"

Raised in Harlem, Kiante went to P.S. 123. He excelled academically while entertaining his classmates. He was continuously excepted into the "Talented & Gifted" class which awarded him with the opportunity to attend Harlem School of the Arts. There he learned how to play percussion instruments as well as dance and draw. After graduating from that school, he was excepted into the rigerous Frederick Douglass Academy. He unfortunately allowed peer pressure to get the best of him. His grades slipped tremendously. He became a religious hooky player, disruptive influence and an all-around terror to his teachers.

After motivation from one of his teachers, Kiante realized that he was on a destructive path and 'put his car in reverse and his outlook on the value of educaton was reborn.' He decided that he wanted to be successful but he didn't know what he wanted to do. Meanwhile he applied for a scholarship to Columbia University. After acing that entrance exam, he was accepted to Columbia University to study Dental Assisting.

While at Columbia, he spoke to one of his old high school teachers. She encouraged him to keep writing. About a week later, while listening to a lecture on bacteria, he envisioned his novel "Sporulation." Kiante devoted his spare time and energy to formating that ingenious science fiction novel. He also began compiling his best poems. He called the book of poetry, "I Used to Be a Beast, the auto-bograpgical poems of Kiante Young" Black Diaspora magazine has featured his prolific poem, "I Used to Be a Beast" their June 1999 issue.

After leaving Columbia University, he became a student owner at the Institute of Youth Entrepreneurship. There he learned to market himself, network and run a business. While being interviewed by a gentleman, the idea of Kiante having his own show came up. This ambitious young man jumped at the opportunity. He began featuring careers. HE noticed that there was so many people, young and old who didn't have careers. The reason was partially because they aren't exposed to all of the career opportunities that are available. He has interviewed financial planners, CEO's, Designers restauranteurs, authors and actors just to name a few.

Recently Kiante has become interested in the music industry. He is a passionate songwriter. Thus he changed his show a little. He began profiling people in the music industry. He has interviewed Ruff-Endz, Donell Jones, CASE, Drag-On, Members of The LOX. EVE and her man Stevie Jay, The CEO's of Ruff Ryders, LL Cool J, Fith Evans, Shyne, Members of the Terror Squad, Wu-tang's Killer Army, Brandon of Jagged Edge, 555, Free of BET's 106 and park, Dame Grease of VAcant Lots, Iron Mike Entertainment's Jackie Rowe, The Marxmen and the beautiful Antonique. He has even aired performances by Donell Jones, CASE, Kelly Price and Kandi Buress.

Kiante is an exemplary young man whose drive and commitment has given him the patience to await his destined greatness. When asked how does he credit with his positive attitude and decision to aim for success, he credits all of the men who took out time to encourage him and guide him. He list Darien Dash for 'his powerful example' which inspired him to to thing about entrepreneurship on a corporate level.

 

In his short life time, Kiante's face has been seen on Channel 4 News, NY 1 News, Good Day New York, 20/20, The Queen Latifah show, BET and the TV show, Now and Again. This kid is definatly young, black and doin' It

Kiante Currently serves as an Americorp Volunteer. He works as the Harlem Overheard newspaper as the Advertising Sales Manager.

Kiante's mission is to inspire and empower and encourages everyone to become a mentor. He says, "how can someone who hasn't stepped, step unless someone who has stepped, shows them the steps."

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Kiante is a very focused young man and has no doubt that he will reach the goals that he has set for himself. So Kiante has taken on the responsibility and already has the power. So now he will try to change the world with his will because of his focus and pride. One thing for sure is at that at the rate Kiante is going. You can be sure that his name will be another name for success as he is young, black and doing his thing.

 

 

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