PREPARING YOUTH FOR IMPACTFUL LEADERSHIP
Rebirth Empowerment Academy
OUR STORY Founder & "The Birth of Rebirth"
FOUNDER
Charles Carson and his 1st Granddaughter
THE BIRTH OF "REBIRTH"
Charles Carson aka C.C. Dove was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. He is a writer, song writer, music composer, film maker, public speaker, and community engagement specialist. His life and work has been featured in books, magazines, news articles, other. The documentary film, CHRONICLES OF MY SOUL: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of a Native Son" released in October 2022, highlights Charles' life story, including his life connection to his Native mother, Ramona Bennett, Puyallup Tribe of Indians Founder and Elder.
Charles brought the idea for Tacoma’s original youth Late Nite program to fruition in 1991. It was the first program of its kind in the country, and it led to Charles being honored by former Vice President Al Gore in 1993. The program continues to thrive at YMCA branches across Pierce County under strong leadership. In 1997, Charles was chosen from more than 500 applicants nationally and awarded the National Do Something Brick Award by Do Something.org, MTV and Mademoiselle Magazine for exemplary community service. He was viewed as one of the top 10 most important people in the United States. He also received two other national awards for community service. Charles graduated from Oakland Alternative High School in 1990. He went on to earn an associates degree from Tacoma Community College/Evergreen State College Bridge, a bachelor’s degree from Evergreen State College-Tacoma, and a master’s degree from the University of Washington. Charles has and continues to speak and empower youth and adults in public schools, colleges, detention centers, churches, and events. Charles remains diligent in mobilizing and activating individuals and organizations for community health. He founded the REBIRTH EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY in 2024 and is connected with cross-generational leaders, educators, and citizens building the infrastructure for this "future proof" leadership academy and establishing a culture of life-long leadership.
The Rebirth Empowerment Academy is a leadership venue for youth like no other. Charles and the REBIRTH EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY pays homage (“rebirth”) to several impactful leaders that patiently mentored, trained, and guided him and to the Washington Leadership Institutes’ Governors School for Citizen Leadership (Seattle University 1987-1995). After years of childhood/teen struggle and being beaten, shot, and left for dead, Charles was embraced as a “native son” by historical tribal elder and co-founder of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Ramona Bennett. She shared new messages of hope, knowledge, and modeled a new life pathway for Charles, preparing him for the work that needed to be done. When Charles was eighteen years old, he was recruited to attend the Governors' School by his life-long mentor and guide, Stephan Harrell. Charles graduated- class of 1989 and set out to change the world. His impact in communities is now historical and he credits Ramona Bennett, Stephan Harrell, the Governors’ School, and dozens of other prominent leaders for igniting his life-long leadership and commitment to community health. The documentary film, "CHRONICLES OF MY SOUL: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of a Native Son" provides the full story.