The Bankole Thompson Center

Lead Boldly

Futuros Príncipes Excolimus

Equip young people with courage, character, and real-world skills to lead change in their schools, communities, and future careers.

President Obama and Bankole Thompson in historic interview series of America’s first Black president.

Robert Weiner, Bankole Thompson and editorial interns working for Robert Weiner Associates in Washington D.C. during the summer of 2023 at the National Press Club of Washington D.C.

Statement from Former White House Spokesman Robert Weiner, Chairman of The Bankole Thompson Center

I am proud to be named a Board member and Chairman of the Bankole Thompson Center, at the invitation of Bankole.  No one in America has done more to create a culture of justice and economic opportunity than Bankole Thompson, with his national journalistic leadership as an editor– one of the first to interview President Barack Obama, and with his editorship of the Michigan Chronicle and founding of The PuLSE Institute defining and fighting to change the roots and repercussions of poverty.  He also carries on this critical battle in his regular columns now in the Detroit News and on national radio in many ways.   

I am so honored to be a part of The Bankole Thompson Center for youth empowerment. Involving and empowering young people has been the guts of my career from creating the first mock presidential convention at my high school, being a youth coordinator for Senator Edward Kennedy in the 70’s, to serving as the youth voter registration director for a major national political party immediately following the enactment of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution giving 18-21 year olds the vote, to being the youngest staff director of any congressional committee (ironically the Aging Committee) under Chairman Claude Pepper, to bringing in college and high school interns to White House public affairs in my agency there (National Drug Policy), to recently winning the National Press Club President’s Award for recruiting young journalists who have helped me write1100 op-eds in major media — an ongoing program. 

I’ve considered no voice more important on major issues than young people.  I am so pleased that I can continue this priority for the Bankole Thompson Center, and I thank Bankole for making this possible. I look forward to working with all the other Board members, staff, and Bankole himself. As Bankole is announcing The Bankole Thompson Center on his birthday, April 18, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANKOLE!

Programs

A collection of symbolic leadership objects carefully arranged on a dark walnut bookshelf: a brushed metal compass resting on a stack of navy blue strategy binders, a crystal globe glowing faintly from a hidden LED base, and a series of labeled folders reading “Vision,” “Voice,” “Courage,” and “Integrity.” Nearby, a small framed plaque bears the inscription “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” Warm, directional desk-lamp lighting creates gentle pools of light and soft shadows, highlighting textures in the wood and metal. The atmosphere feels introspective and purposeful. Captured from a slightly elevated, close-up angle with a shallow depth of field, the central objects are in sharp focus while the rest of the shelf fades into a soft bokeh, in a realistic, editorial photographic style.

Intensive leadership institutes combining workshops, coaching, and community projects so teens practice decision-making, teamwork, and public speaking.

A modern training room prepared for a youth leadership workshop, with rows of simple, elegant chairs facing a large digital screen. The screen displays a vibrant, abstract mountain peak made from interlocking shapes, symbolizing achievement and collaboration, beneath the title “Leadership Lab.” On each chair sits a neatly arranged folder, pen, and blank name tent, all branded with The Bankole Thompson Center logo. Diffused daylight from high windows combines with discreet ceiling lights, casting balanced, neutral illumination and soft, barely-there shadows. The mood is energized yet orderly, ready for action. Photographed from the back corner at a wide angle, the perspective leads the eye toward the screen, with sharp focus throughout, creating a realistic, professional training environment without any visible participants.

Intensive leadership institutes combining workshops, coaching, and community projects so teens practice decision-making, teamwork, and public speaking.

Stories

A polished oak conference table engraved at the far edge with the words “The Bankole Thompson Center – Where Leaders Are Created,” set in a modern glass-walled meeting room. Neatly arranged on the tabletop are leather-bound notebooks, stainless steel water bottles, and a single open laptop displaying a bold, minimalist “Youth Leadership” slide with iconography instead of faces. Soft late-afternoon natural light pours through tall windows, creating gentle reflections on the glass walls and subtle highlights on the metal details. The mood is professional and aspirational, suggesting strategic planning and vision. Captured at eye level with a slight diagonal angle, the foreground in crisp focus and the background softly blurred, in a clean, photographic realism style that feels corporate yet inviting.

Hope D.

The Center helped me transform from a quiet student into a confident organizer leading service projects and speaking at school board meetings.

A sleek wall-sized mission statement display for a youth leadership nonprofit, printed in crisp black lettering on matte white panels, with colorful abstract geometric shapes symbolizing growth and progress branching outward like pathways. The installation is mounted in a bright lobby with polished concrete floors and a subtle reflection of the design beneath. Overhead recessed lighting and indirect natural daylight from an unseen skylight create even, soft illumination with minimal shadows. The mood is focused and optimistic, emphasizing clarity of purpose. Shot straight on with symmetrical framing and sharp focus from edge to edge, this photographic image has a contemporary, museum-like aesthetic that reinforces professionalism and vision without depicting any people.

Hope D.

Our daughter now mentors younger students and leads assemblies; the program gave her direction, accountability, and a deep sense of purpose.

A collection of symbolic leadership objects carefully arranged on a dark walnut bookshelf: a brushed metal compass resting on a stack of navy blue strategy binders, a crystal globe glowing faintly from a hidden LED base, and a series of labeled folders reading “Vision,” “Voice,” “Courage,” and “Integrity.” Nearby, a small framed plaque bears the inscription “Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today.” Warm, directional desk-lamp lighting creates gentle pools of light and soft shadows, highlighting textures in the wood and metal. The atmosphere feels introspective and purposeful. Captured from a slightly elevated, close-up angle with a shallow depth of field, the central objects are in sharp focus while the rest of the shelf fades into a soft bokeh, in a realistic, editorial photographic style.

Hope D.

Workshops on media literacy and civic responsibility opened my eyes to issues in our city and showed me practical ways to respond.

A modern training room prepared for a youth leadership workshop, with rows of simple, elegant chairs facing a large digital screen. The screen displays a vibrant, abstract mountain peak made from interlocking shapes, symbolizing achievement and collaboration, beneath the title “Leadership Lab.” On each chair sits a neatly arranged folder, pen, and blank name tent, all branded with The Bankole Thompson Center logo. Diffused daylight from high windows combines with discreet ceiling lights, casting balanced, neutral illumination and soft, barely-there shadows. The mood is energized yet orderly, ready for action. Photographed from the back corner at a wide angle, the perspective leads the eye toward the screen, with sharp focus throughout, creating a realistic, professional training environment without any visible participants.

Hope D.

As an educator, I see participants returning to class more focused, respectful, and eager to take constructive leadership roles every day.

Contact us

Connect with the Bankole Thompson Center for youth leadership programming and opportunities.

Email: info@thebankolethompsoncenter.org

Address: 607 Shelby Street Suite 700-981 Detroit, MI 48226