The Story Behind
Young, Black & Global
Young, Black & Global was founded by Jaxson Blaise and his father, John Garfield, after a simple family conversation sparked something extraordinary. What began with an eight year old’s curiosity, a father’s vision, and his sister Morgan’s insight grew into a shared mission to create a space where young Black voices could connect, create, and be seen. From a PowerPoint presentation and a single heartfelt question came the spark for a global movement built on connection, creativity, and culture.
Jaxson’s Question Started Our Movement
Jaxson Blaise from Meriden, Connecticut has always been curious about the world. By the age of four, he was passport ready and began what has become his annual summer explorations across the U.S. and the world with each trip brightening his light of curiosity a little more.
When Jaxson and his dad, John, began planning their first trip to Japan inspired by Jaxson’s love of anime and coding he created a PowerPoint presentation filled with places he wanted to visit: Akihabara, Studio Ghibli Museum, Pokémon Café, and more. In the middle of their planning, Jaxson looked up and asked a question that would change everything:
“Dad, how do I get as many people like me to try what I’m creating and tell me if it’s fun?”
That question became the spark that ignited Young, Black & Global a digital space for young creators, thinkers, and travelers to connect across borders.
Our Core Pillars
YBG is built on three simple but powerful pillars that inspire everything we do.
Move.
Explore
Think.
Create
Be.
Live
Join the YBG Movement
When Jaxson’s older sister Morgan joined the conversation, she added the insight that made it complete: “This shouldn’t just be for kids. It’s for all of us no matter what generation you belong to.” That moment transformed YBG from a family idea into an intergenerational movement.
YBG is your community. It’s a space that will support you as you move through the world , think creatively , and be unapologetically you. Support the movement by sharing your voice.
