About Our Founder
Jordan A. Bankston
Founder
Building the Brotherhood He Needed.
Raised in Cincinnati by his mother and great-grandmother, Jordan grew up surrounded by love, faith, and resilience. Like many boys and young men of color, however, he spent years searching for identity, belonging, purpose, and what it truly meant to become a man—all while navigating life without consistent positive male role models.
Those experiences didn’t define his future—they revealed his calling.
Forever Kings was born from a deeply personal belief that no boy should have to discover his worth alone. Jordan created the organization to be the brotherhood he longed for growing up: a place where boys and young men of color are seen, heard, valued, challenged, and equipped to thrive.
Today, that vision has grown from twelve young men into one of Greater Cincinnati’s leading youth development organizations—serving thousands of boys and young men while building a legacy that will impact generations to come.
Why This Work
Jordan’s leadership is rooted in lived experience.
He doesn’t simply understand the challenges many Kings face—he has lived them. That shared experience creates trust, authenticity, and the kind of relationships that transform lives. His story reminds every young man who walks through Forever Kings’ doors that their past does not determine their future.
“It is in our greatest pain that we often discover our greatest purpose.”
The Founding Era (2019–2026)
During the Founding Era, Forever Kings grew from 12 founding Kings into one of Greater Cincinnati’s leading youth development organizations.
Impact
- Served more than 3,000 boys and young men across Greater Cincinnati.
- Maintained a 100% on-time high school graduation rate every year of operation.
Growth
- Expanded programming to 50+ schools and 40+ ZIP codes.
- Developed a comprehensive youth development model from elementary through young adulthood.
Infrastructure
- Opened multiple facilities, culminating in the Forever Kings Hub.
- Built a sustainable organization with nearly $1M in annual operating revenue.
Legacy
- Established the annual Building Strong Men Gala.
- Transitioned from a founder-led organization to an institution prepared for its next generation.
In July 2026, Jordan completed the assignment he believed he had been called to fulfill by intentionally transitioning leadership to the organization’s first Executive Director.
Awards & Recognition
Jordan’s leadership and impact have been recognized locally and nationally through numerous honors, including:
While these recognitions are meaningful, Jordan considers the success of Forever Kings’ young men to be his greatest accomplishment.
Forever Kings
“I am thankful every day that I get to help create a place where boys and young men can show up as their authentic selves, experience belonging, and discover the greatness already within them.We must challenge the systems that prevent boys and young men of color from reaching their full potential while reminding every young man that he was born with purpose, on purpose.Because every King deserves to know who he is before the world tells him who he isn’t.”
Do You Have Any Questions?
Hear more about the impact JB is leading, partner with the Kingdom, or reach out to the team.