Birmingham, September 18, 2025
News Summary
LegacyWorks, founded by Terrance Ingram, is a nonprofit in Birmingham dedicated to empowering young Black men through education and skilled trades. The initiative, which started at a local elementary school with just four students, has now supported 44 young men in learning valuable trades and engaging in community service. Despite challenges faced during the pandemic, LegacyWorks aims to expand its programs and continue providing crucial mentorship and vocational training for the community’s youth.
Birmingham—LegacyWorks, a nonprofit organization founded by Terrance Ingram in 2018, focuses on empowering young Black men through education, skilled trades, and mentorship in Birmingham. The initiative provides a structured environment designed to guide participants towards higher education opportunities and employment in various trades.
The program began as a pilot at Martha Gaskins Elementary School in Roebuck, initially serving just four students. Since its inception, LegacyWorks has grown significantly, helping 44 young men from diverse neighborhoods in Birmingham learn valuable trades and engage in community service projects. The organization emphasizes creative expression through music, highlighted by a music video filmed in 2020 that celebrated Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This project has led four of the young men featured in the video to currently attend Alabama HBCUs.
LegacyWorks provides training in essential trades, including electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry. Trainees are instructed by qualified professionals and gain practical experience through job placements across Birmingham. Ingram underscores the program’s mission to keep young men away from the criminal justice system by involving them in constructive community service, fostering accountability, and personal growth.
Participants have credited Ingram with being a pivotal influence in their lives. He is considered a father figure, guiding young men like Te’Micah Hutton, Henry Reynolds, and Jeremiah Hayden as they pursue their aspirations and develop their skills. Nevertheless, the organization faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with enrollment declining from 25 members to just 10 due to resource constraints.
The difficulties were compounded by the tragic events involving two former program members, Markell Sanders and Demarious Cherry, who lost their lives in shootings, and another group member who was incarcerated. Ingram has expressed regret for not being able to maintain the program’s full operations during the pandemic, believing that a robust support system could have potentially averted these tragedies.
LegacyWorks operates primarily through volunteer efforts, donations, and grants from local entities such as the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and Alabama Power. A spokesperson has pointed out the pressing need for the program’s expansion to better support the young men in the community. Ingram aims to raise $60,000 to hire a full-time staff member, which would enhance operational capabilities and allow for broader outreach to more young men in need.
Background Context
Terrance Ingram, a former educator who graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in music in 2009, founded LegacyWorks to address educational and vocational hardships faced by young Black men in Birmingham. His dedication stems from a desire to create opportunities and mentors in a community where resources and support often fall short. The organization continues to adapt to the evolving needs of young men while sustaining its core mission of mentorship, education, and employment in skilled trades.
Key Features of LegacyWorks
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Foundation Year | 2018 |
| Founder’s Background | Terrance Ingram, former educator, graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a music degree |
| Initial Program Location | Martha Gaskins Elementary School in Roebuck |
| Current Enrollment | 44 young men from various neighborhoods |
| Training Offered | Electrical work, plumbing, carpentry |
| Community Engagement | Community service projects to prevent involvement in the criminal justice system |
| Funding Sources | Volunteer work, donations, and grants from local organizations |
| Target Fundraising Goal | $60,000 to hire full-time staff member |
FAQ
What is LegacyWorks?
LegacyWorks is a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham that empowers young Black men through education, skilled trades, and mentorship.
When was LegacyWorks founded?
LegacyWorks was founded in 2018 by Terrance Ingram.
Where did LegacyWorks start?
LegacyWorks started as a pilot program at Martha Gaskins Elementary School in Roebuck with four students.
How many young men have been helped by LegacyWorks?
The program has helped 44 young men from diverse Birmingham neighborhoods learn trades and participate in community service.
What trades does LegacyWorks offer training in?
The program includes training in electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry.
How does LegacyWorks engage its participants?
Participants express themselves through music and engage in community service projects.
What challenges has LegacyWorks faced?
LegacyWorks has faced challenges, including a decrease in program membership during the COVID-19 pandemic and tragic incidents involving former participants.
How does LegacyWorks operate?
The nonprofit operates solely on volunteer work, donations, and grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and Alabama Power.
What is the fundraising goal for LegacyWorks?
Ingram hopes to raise $60,000 to employ a full-time staff member, which would strengthen the program.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Nonprofit Guides Young Black Men
- Wikipedia: Skilled Trade
- AL.com: Community Engagements of LegacyWorks
- Google Search: Nonprofit Organizations in Education
- AL.com: Impact of LegacyWorks on Black Men in Birmingham
- Google Scholar: Mentorship in Trades Education
- AL.com: LegacyWorks Funding and Future
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nonprofit Organization
- AL.com: The Growing Need for Trade Skills in Birmingham
- Google News: Education and Skilled Trades
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