A Penn Hills-based organization is breaking ground to build up the community.

The Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens (YBMKQ) De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center received a $1 million check May 29 from state Rep. Joe McAndrew and state Sen. Jay Costa to begin phase 2 of its renovation project.

Funders and community members were in attendance to celebrate the milestone.

Renovations will include improvements to the gymnasium, a community co-working room for aspiring entrepreneurs and a library among other building enhancements. This will be in addition to the current offerings, which includes after-school programming and child care, a summer camp, mentorship, financial literacy resources, a food pantry and the Rose Room, a therapeutic art room dedicated in memory of Antwon Rose II where students can write poetry and channel their artistic outlets and other community-driven initiatives.

The center currently is constructing a mindfulness suite for counseling and other mental health resources. A music broadcasting center dedicated to podcasting, editing, design and app creation has yet to be funded, though the center’s leaders are in talks with funders to begin the renovation process.

“This $1 million investment is more than money to me,” said Kahlil Darden Jr., founder and CEO of YBMKQ. “It is an opportunity to open doors for the young people in our region.”

The day also marked the third anniversary of 18-month-old De’Avry A. Thomas’ death. De’Avry, for whom the center is named, was killed in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting in 2022 in Downtown Pittsburgh.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve (not only) as his uncle but his godfather as well,” Darden said. “Even in his death, (De’Avry) is able to impact lives.”

McAndrew said one of his goals is to implement programming that will support the youths in Penn Hills.

He noted Darden’s passion for the community during the early stages of establishing YBMKQ.

“I could tell that it was going to be a place that was going to make a difference for our community and make a statement that we are here to make sure that the people in this community are being listened to and invested in,” McAndrew said.

McAndrew also spoke on behalf of Costa, who was unable to attend.

Damion Wilson attended the groundbreaking as a representative of the POISE Foundation, which has provided financial support to YBMKQ.

Wilson sees the need for community programming from a funding and parent perspective. His two children attended the center’s summer camp last year at Penn Hills High School after the YMCA’s closure limited summer options.

“(The summer camp) was a great opportunity and was very close to our home,” Wilson said.

Becky Brindle, representing the Heinz Endowments, said they have been a supporter of the project since day one.

“We feel very strongly about how this is going to positively impact the community as it already is,” Brindle said. “This is such a wonderful project, and we are honored to support it.”

On top of financial support, Darden is surrounded every day by people who trust in his dreams.

Marice Redwood, who serves as director of programming, began his position in March 2024. He runs the center’s summer camp and after-school programming.

“We have a lot of potential and a lot of space to do great things here,” Redwood said. “We’re excited for phase 2 and to be able to put these things into action.”

The YBMKQ mission hits close to home for Redwood, who said he attended after-school programs at the Hill House and Kingsley Association as a child because his father was involved in those organizations.

“Our goal is that we provide them with academic support because they don’t always get what they need at school,” he said. “We want to find innovative and creative ways for them to continue learning.”

In addition to academics, the after-school programming offers students social, emotional and mental health support to fuel their goal of developing “well-rounded students.”

“Mental health and emotional support are a big component of why Kahlil started this organization,” Redwood said.

Dr. Lyasha Bishop-Gaines, who serves as chief impact officer, said there are many ways to support YBMKQ.

She encourages community members to give through their website but understands not everyone has the means to donate monetarily.

“We ask people to donate their time or any kind of support by volunteering at our community events or (by) coming to read to kids,” Bishop-Gaines said.

She was excited to announce that YBMKQ will be launching a monthly newsletter detailing events and other happenings.

Bishop-Gaines’ journey with YBMKQ began five years ago when she joined the team as a grant writer. She supported Darden in receiving a nonprofit status, building a strategic plan and fundraising. As of two weeks ago, she joined the team full time.

“I feel like I’ve been home the whole time,” she said, reflecting on her time at the center.

YBMKQ board member Beth Goldstein also was in attendance. She has been on the board since the beginning of this year.

“I feel that all children deserve the same opportunities no matter where they’re from and what circumstances they’re born into,” Goldstein said.

Ayanna Squair, who attended the event with Goldstein, was nearly speechless when asked to reflect on the center and its mission.

“I can’t even explain it,” Squair said. “Looking at the progression and seeing how everything is going to excel, I can’t wait.”

When asked to reflect on his own emotions, Darden called them a roller-coaster ride but said he is committed to making the center representative of the community it serves.

Phase 2 is only the beginning for the YBMKQ De’Avry A. Thomas Community Center.

Last summer, 107 students attended its summer camp. Once the building becomes fully renovated, the center will be able to serve 100 children on the first floor and 118 kids on the second floor, in addition to the children and families who use the center’s food pantry and other resources.

“We call it a Ferris wheel where families, kids and young people are able to get any and every thing that they need from this space,” Darden said.

Above all, Darden hopes the center will continue to embody the spirit of his nephew.

“I want this space to be like him,” he said. “Happy, filled with joy and always busy.”

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