Hi, I’m Anya Owensbrown—a proud Black woman, mother of five, and the founder and CEO of OUR KINGS, a nonprofit built on love, culture, and purpose. I come from a long line of strong, ambitious, and courageous women on my mother’s side—women who led with wisdom, stood with grace, and passed down strength like a birthright. From my father’s side, I inherited deep Mississippi roots and the Southern values that shaped my heart: faith, family, hospitality, and the importance of preserving our traditions.

Though I was born in San Diego, I always say I was raised Mississippi—where you hug everyone in the room, speak with heart, and never forget where you come from. Our culture is sacred, and I believe it's our responsibility to protect it, live it out loud, and pass it on to our children with pride.

I’ve spent over 25 years in early childhood education—working as a preschool teacher, site director, and advocate dedicated to creating safe, joyful, and empowering spaces for children to grow and thrive. I studied visual arts and photography at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), and one of the most impactful experiences in my early life was serving as a youth leader and advocate with the YWCA. I was part of a dynamic team that taught peers about healthy versus unhealthy relationships—an experience that not only shaped my confidence but also ignited my passion for healing through education and advocacy. It gave me a sense of purpose early on that still drives me today.

I also had the opportunity to work for the Girl Scouts as an outreach leader, where I led programs for girls in juvenile hall and underserved communities. That role allowed me to show up for young women in hard places—offering sisterhood, encouragement, and a sense of possibility.

At 18, I moved to the Bay Area, where I fell in love with the culture, the boldness, and the freedom to be fully yourself. After a brief move to Las Vegas, I returned home to San Diego to attend cosmetology school. Before I even graduated, I opened my own salon and became a mom to my first son, Rashad. Soon after, I was expecting again and made the decision to close the salon and fully embrace motherhood.

That choice led me back to my foundation in education, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve built my life around nurturing young minds, supporting families, and creating environments that celebrate who we are.

In 2014, after the murder of Michael Brown, I was overcome with grief and urgency. I knew my sons—and all Black boys—needed more than safety. They needed joy. They needed space to just be kids. When I couldn’t find that space, I built it. Then, in 2021, following the murder of George Floyd, I turned that grassroots effort into a full nonprofit—OUR KINGS.

Today, OUR KINGS is a movement. A place where Black boys are seen, celebrated, supported, and surrounded by brotherhood. A space rooted in joy, cultural pride, tradition, and community love. This work is my calling, my legacy, and my love letter to our children and the powerful villages that raise them.