Welcome to the Ryze August Newsletter :
- Larry Carroll Jr.
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Welcome to the Ryze Family!
Every month, I want to do more than just share updates, I want to share the heartbeat behind what I do. My mission is simple but powerful, to become the leading trauma-informed behavioral expert in Philadelphia, and to make sure our youth have the guidance, balance, and healing they need to thrive.
Featured content: Growth & Purpose
The mission I mentioned above, isn’t just about me. It’s about a calling a commitment to helping our young people rise above the barriers holding them back. Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of Philadelphia’s most resilient yet challenged youth.
From leading a pilot program at MacDaniels Middle School, a school home to some of our city’s most behaviorally challenged students to preparing high schoolers for the leap into college, one truth has become clear: our next generation needs more than academics to thrive.
In the Field
Alongside my good friend Brian Gaines, I’ve co-facilitated four weeks of workshops at Martin Luther King High School, helping students explore self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.
These experiences have shown me something powerful, grades don’t guarantee growth. Our young people need balance, guidance, and healing just as much as they need textbooks.
What We’re Up Against
Two patterns keep surfacing as I work with students:
Generational Limitations – Many parents, through no fault of their own, are operating with limited perspectives. The ceilings they’ve had to live under can unintentionally cap their children’s dreams and confidence.
Institutional Gaps – Schools and programs often overemphasize academic achievement while underdelivering on emotional resilience and real-life skills.
While academia matters, it’s not the full solution. A diploma is a milestone, not the destination. Without emotional intelligence, practical tools, and a sense of purpose, education alone can feel hollow.
Our Work at Ryze Above
With my company Ryze as the conduit in collaboration with my Jegnas (mentors) I work alongside step in. Together, we teach what the textbooks don’t:
How to navigate real-world challenges.
How to break generational cycles.
How to build a life that is not only successful, but whole.
We believe true education is about resilience, healing, and empowerment.
Updates & Announcements
New product alert
More than jewelry these are intentional tools for healing, identity, and empowerment. Each piece is:
Color-coded with purpose.
Inspired by ancestral wisdom.
Made to align with your energy and elevate your spirit.
Pre-order your piece today.
Ryze Necklace
Buy Now
Early 2026, my revised Ryze book will be available as well as my shadow mastery course. More details to come.
Hope Dealer Spotlight: OG Suave
This months Community spotlight is none other than the first formally incarcerated pulitzer prize winner Suave G. Suave has been instrumental in my business awareness and growth through inviting me to several events that he held as well as co created. His dauntless work in the area of reform offers unique perspective on the justice systems impact on an individual as well as magnifying the resilience needed to bootstraps oneself pass the experience of incarceration. Suave has an event at Triple Bottom Brewery, on August 14th to showcase his new movie coming out. Be sure to come support his movie.
Upcoming events
Aug 8th-Bringing Reality check Teen Summit
Aug 14th - Meet the Cast of Suave
Aug 20th - People You should know: Technology and Innovation.
Closing signature
Together, we can build a future where our young people don’t just survive they thrive.
Want to support or join us in helping the next generation? Here’s how:
Follow us on Instagram @RyzeAbove.
Reply to this blog if you’d like to partner.
Share this newsletter with someone passionate about youth and community impact.
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