Black Self Help Information

More than 1,000 AKA sorority sisters volunteer in Baltimore

More than 1,000 AKA sorority sisters volunteer in Baltimore

The other children sitting on the carpet in Diana Holley's first-grade classroom at Gilmor Elementary School on Friday wiggled and squirmed and laughed and whispered. But Briana Diggs stayed still.

Her chin rested in the palm of her hands. Her eyes upturned toward the Alpha Kappa Alpha volunteer as she read a story to the children. To Briana, she was the lead character in the book, "Boys Will Be Boys: Briana's Neighborhood."

The act of reading to children, allowing them to see themselves in the stories, and modeling behavior of an engaged adult was the objective for Johnnie Colisha` Searcy, one of 1,000 sorority sisters in Baltimore for the weekend to perform more than a dozen service projects throughout the city.

More at the link provided.

Historically Black Frats Introduce Mentoring Brothers In Action

Historically Black Fraternities Introduce Mentoring Brothers in Action

Big Brothers Big Sisters and its African American fraternity partners are marking National Mentoring Month and the January 16 Martin Luther King Day of Service with the launch of Mentoring Brothers in Action, Phase II of their two-year collaborative partnership. The goal of the program, which will include support from popular nationally syndicated urban radio host Michael Baisden, is to engage more African American men in fraternal, social, faith-based and professional organizations to get involved in one-to-one mentoring to change the odds for African American boys.

“Like so many of our young men, my father also abandoned me so I understand the importance of mentoring. I was fortunate to have uncles and other men in my community to set the right example and to correct me when I was out of line,” Baisden, who is challenging other influencers, donors and celebrities to support the effort. “If we want to see different results in our young people we have to invest more into them and show them what is possible. I became a successful writer because I saw successful writers; I became a successful radio personality because I saw successful radio personalities, and so on. If we want to create more successful children we need them to see an example of success and integrity. Success is not an accident, it’s something you practice every day in the way you live your life and the way you treat people. Become a mentor today and be that example!”

“With Mentoring Brothers in Action, we are working with our fraternity partners, bolstered by the support of Michael Baisden — one of the most prominent and passionate proponents of mentoring — to bring together our best resources to tackle one of the nation’s most urgent crises. Our goal is to have a positive impact on high school graduation, juvenile justice and economic equity,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Co-Chief Executive Officer Max Miller.

More at the link provided.

On MLK Day, 62 Students Given College Scholarships By 5000 Role Models

On MLK Day, 62 Students Given College Scholarships By 5000 Role Models

Curby Sneed didn’t quite know what was going to happen to him.

“When certain situations happen, it pushes my buttons and my blood starts to boil and I just snap,” the high school senior says.

His self-esteem was low and he came very close to getting into altercations with his instructors – a move that could have led to real trouble.

“When I would end up getting upset, I would end up having conflicts with my teachers,” Sneed says.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project has helped steer Curby and other youngsters in a different direction. The dropout prevention intervention program focuses on minority young boys who are at risk of leaving school or choosing a life of crime, in 82 Miami-Dade public schools.

“It gives me the opportunity to actually succeed in life and be someone in life,” Sneed said. That is not always easy in the neighborhoods where Sneed, who lives in Overtown, and other students in 5000 Role Models come from – a concern for his parents and State Senator Dr. Frederica S. Wilson.

She founded the program, which matches students with business and civic leaders to inspire them.

At a Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast, 62 students, including Sneed, were given college scholarships by 5000 Role Models to pay for their education next year.

“We’ve sent thousands to college and spent over $10 million on scholarships,” said Wilson, who founded the program while on the Miami-Dade County School Board. “You can imagine how wonderful I feel and I’m sure that Dr. King can think of no other way that he would want us to remember his holiday than by helping these young men.”

Sneed said his dad got him out of the neighborhood by sending him to Coral Park High School, where he has excelled on the football field and kept up his grades. His next stop: the classroom and football field at Florida International University.

Concerned Black Men: CBM Cares

CBM Cares ®

The CBM CARES ® National Mentoring Initiative is a program that provides middle school boys with responsible and caring adult male mentors. Created in response to the high dropout rate among African American males, as well as persistent truancy and low academic achievement, the school-based effort offers one-to-one and group mentoring to boys enrolled in public and charter schools across the country.

MIssion & Vision

We, the members of the National Organization of Concerned Black Men, Inc., (CBM) have committed ourselves in support of the social, emotional, academic and psychological development of African American youth. We offer ourselves as role models and pledge to help our children aspire to lofty goals and expectations. We pledge to protect, instruct, nurture and discipline —to trust, share, honor, and above all — to be there when needed. We will teach our youth that men and women build institutions and do not engage in self-destructive behavior. We will show our Nation’s youth how to direct their energies to positive activities of benefit to all, and remind them that respect for self and others is expected of men and women of distinction. We will provide community leadership and encourage this society to place our children’s needs first. In caring for our youth, we take our responsibility seriously, and will remember that the future of our children depends on our success. Our motto is “… Caring For Our Youth.”®

United Black Men of Queens County

United Black Men of Queens County, Inc

United Black Men of Queens County, Inc. (UBMQ) was incorporated in the state of New York in 1974 as a Domestic Not-For-Profit Corporation. It is a Federal tax exempt corporation under Section 501(1)(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. UBMQ was founded by a group of professional and civic minded men to serve residents in the borough of Queens, with a special interest in promoting the welfare of at-risk black high school-age youth through its Mentoring Program.

The fundamentals of the Mentoring Program is to get to know our youth in a meaningful and personal manner and expose them to positive activities and persons that will help them reach their full potential. The activities that take place under the program include college campus tours, trips to government offices to meet with elected officials, law enforcement persons, and other professionals. The program includes tutoring in math, science, language, technology, SAT preparation, and community service projects. We monitor student academic performance and intercede as needed. We train the mentees to mentor their peers and set positive examples for everyone to see. The program also includes exposure to the Arts through excursions to cultural centers and theatre events.

The United Black Men of Queens County, Inc. is dedicated to serving our at-risk youth to bring out the best in them and to foster positive growth for them and the community they live in. This has been our unyielding mission and we are dedicated to this cause.

'Boys to Men' mentoring program makes a difference

'Boys to Men' mentoring program makes a difference

Their name reminds many of the once-popular group of singers, but this band of brothers is more about teaching success than singing.

Boys to Men was founded at Aurora East High School in 2002, a year that saw 25 people in that city killed by violence. The mentoring group's founder says the idea was spurred by emotion and anger.

"We realize that no matter what race you are, no matter what side of town you live on, every boy wants to become a man," said Clayton Muhammad. "We got so tired of going to funeral after funeral of young people, we should be going to graduation parties."

In about eight years, Boys to Men has spread to a dozen suburban area schools and about 200 young men have been through the program. All of them graduated high school, and the majority went on to college or the military.

Meliton Chaidez is a Junior member. Boys to Men helped him get a poem he wrote about his father into the Library of America. The soon-to-be seventh grader said his mentors have taught him a lot about what's life is like as an adult.

More at the link provided

Silver Spring mentoring program helps guide youth

Silver Spring mentoring program helps guide youth

At 13, Shawn Harrison knew he needed help.

He was fighting at school, experimenting with drugs and had seen people shot and stabbed. Still, he would drag himself out of bed on weekends to attend a young men's mentoring program at his church.

"I would do all this in school, and yet, for some reason, I was still drawn to the program," said Harrison, 23. "I would wake up Saturday and go in there and they'd say, ‘Hey, how you doing?' ... and I would tell them what happened."

Harrison credits the program, Rites of Passage, for helping him make it through that part of his life. A member of the first class, he is among more than 80 people who have attended the program since it began in 2000.

This week, the three-year program for black teens, offered through the People's Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, celebrates its 10th anniversary. It was created to instill long-range values in its participants, said program Cofounder Norman Jones.

More at the link provided.

Michael Baisden Launches Mentoring Program

Michael Baisden Launches Mentoring Program

*Nationally-syndicated radio host Michael Baisden has created a campaign to encourage one million Americans to sign up as mentors for children in need through a national outreach effort.

The One Million Mentors Campaign to Save Our Kids will launch with its first event in Dallas on Feb. 17 and hit the road to visit 72 cities in a campaign-themed bus.

At each tour stop along the way, Baisden will host mentoring forums in partnership with local mentoring organizations and affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters, National Cares Mentoring Movement and 100 Black Men.

“The videotaped beating of Chicago teen Derrion Albert was truly the final straw for me,” said Baisden. “After seeing it broadcast repeatedly on national news I knew I needed to step up and get involved personally in the effort to save our kids. My hope is that by touring across the country, this national mentoring campaign will have an impact on some of these young people who need caring adults involved in their lives.”

100 Black Men of Chicago Mentoring Blog

100 Black Men of Chicago Mentoring Programs

Welcome to the 100 Black Men of Chicago Mentoring Blog. This Blog is to showcase our mentoring sites and the wonderful mentees that are involved with our programs. Our mentoring sites include 100BMC Westside, 100BMC Southside, and 100BMC Aurora.

More at the link provided

African-American male teachers try to be role models

African-American male teachers try to be role models

At a church service Sunday to honor African-American male teachers, the talk turned to the mentors who had made a difference in the lives of some black educators.

For George Maxey, the new principal at Raines High School, it was John Fox, a white teacher who inspired him in third grade, when Maxey lived in a housing project in Brooklyn, N.Y.

For Julius Paden, principal at private Lighthouse Christian School, it was the late Bernard Wilkes, basketball coach at Ribault High School for 30 years.

For Dwayne Thomas, assistant principal at Mandarin Middle School, it was Bud Hicks, who worked as a custodian at his school in Detroit.

The custodian encouraged Thomas, the son of a single mother, to go to school and keep up his grades. He took him to a Detroit Red Wings game. He nicknamed him "Slick" because he tried to slide out of work.

Mad Dads

General Background
The MAD DADS Organization...

MAD DADS is an acronym for Men Against Destruction-Defending Against Drugs and Social-Disorder. MAD DADS, INC. was founded in May of 1989 by a group of concerned Omaha, Nebraska parents who were fed up with gang violence and the unmolested flow of illegal drugs in our community.

We present ourselves as positive role models and concerned loving parents who are a visible presence in our neighborhoods against the negative forces destroying our children, our families and cities.  We started out of pain -- the pain of our children dying in the streets of their own communities. We were -- and still are -- tired of looking into the eyes of hollow youth who lacked hope, and who had ceased to dream. We realized that we could hold no one responsible for this but ourselves: we allowed it to happen. So we united as a handful of community fathers who now know that WE MUST BE THE FORCE BEHIND THE CHANGE.

From a genesis of only 18 men in Omaha, MAD DADS has grown to over 75,000 men, women and children nationally, with 60 plus Chapters in 17 states.  Chapters have been started in the following states: Nebraska, Maryland, Iowa, Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, Illinois, California, Michigan, New Jersey, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Some Chapters also have divisions of MOMS and KIDS.

More at the link provided.

Fort Pierce Chapter of Mad Dads to Honor Those Who Completed FAMU Program

Fort Pierce chapter of Mad Dads to honor those who completed FAMU program

Abelard Cesar is now a confident 17-year-old boy who plans to be a computer engineer and expects to attend Florida A&M University in a few years.

He credits that confidence to the Mad Dads Fort Pierce chapter, which sent him, along with six other high- and middle-school teens, to an intensive summer study program at FAMU.

Those teens are being recognized by Mad Dads for completing the Black Male College Explorer program at a ceremony Sept. 19 at Lincoln Park Community Center on Avenue M.

Mad Dads is a nonprofit organization mentoring boys with an eye to help them succeed in school and in their personal lives.

The Explorer’s college program is designed to keep black male students on track for college and give them a chance at success. Students who do well receive an all-expenses-paid first semester at FAMU, along with mentoring and assistance in applying for financial aid.

More at the link provided.

National OK Program

National O.K. Program

The O.K. Program is a mentor program, which fosters partnerships between police agencies, schools, students, community members, and the business and faith community to provide positive guidance and support to African American males 12-18 years old.

The primary goal of the program is to reduce the high rates of incarceration and homicide of young African American males by guiding them away from prison and towards college, military service, vocational training, and a life of responsible citizenship.

Under the guidance of an African American police officer, the program organizes responsible African American adult males to serve as positive role models and mentors for their younger counterparts. The adults in the program are called TEAMMATES, because the O.K. Program is based on a team-mentoring concept. Each teammate is importance to the team’s success. This concept provides the organizational structure necessary to allow teammates an opportunity to address specific issues, as identified in the program goals, which contribute to the high rates of incarceration and homicide of African American males.

School administrators and teachers play a critical role in the O.K. Program. Together, administrators and teachers provide a level of support to O.K. Program coordinators and students that are necessary for the program to be successful. This support encourages O.K. Students to excel and achieve a high level of academic excellence. Students in the program receive awards for their efforts, achievements and successes. Also, an incremental reward system is an important component for the O.K. Program.

Every Saturday, KIC’IT (Kids Interacting Communicating Immix Teammates) Sessions brings together O.K. Program coordinators and teammates to tutor and share life experiences with young African American males. During KIC’IT Session, students learn that they are responsible for their future. They also learn that they must always strive for excellence, compete for the best grades, be respectful, seek to make positive contributions to their families and communities, and are taught how to interact with police when contacted by an officer.

Black Star Project Joins Open Society Institute’s Campaign for Black Male Achievement

Black Star Project Joins Open Society Institute’s Campaign for Black Male Achievement

The Black Star Project will receive $50,000 from the Open Society Institute to support the Million Father March and a school-based program that engages Black men as mentors and tutors in the Chicago Public School System. The grant was awarded through OSI’s Campaign for Black Male Achievement, a three-year grantmaking initiative to address, and help reverse, the ways in which African-American boys and men are stigmatized, criminalized, and excluded from the U.S. economic and political mainstream.

Even as Americans elected their first Black president, the end of 2008 saw an onslaught of dire reports on the educational, social and economic outcomes for Black males in America. Sky-high dropout rates for high-school students, an out-of-control murder rate for 14- to 17-year olds and a 72 percent unemployment rate for high-school dropouts paint a bleak forecast for young Black men.

The Black Star Project has joined with the Open Society Institute’s Campaign for Black Male Achievement to address these issues. With the support of the Campaign, Black Star will expand its successful Million Father March and also launch an initiative that uses school-based strategies to recruit Black male tutors and mentors. Research by the National Fatherhood Initiative shows that children, male and female, perform better in school, at home and in life when their father takes an active and positive role in their lives. Additionally, Black male tutors and mentors provide measurable guidance for Black boys and young Black males in America.

More at the link provided.

Running Rebels Youth Programs

Running Rebels Youth Programs

The Running Rebels Community Organization (RRCO) is a private, non profit 501(c)(3) organization, located in Milwaukee’s central city, and began in 1980. as a small group of volunteers committed to helping the youth in their neighborhood stay off the street and in school through recreation, discussion groups, and educational field trips. Its mission is to help Milwaukee youth to develop mentally, physically, and spiritually. Most staff are minorities and reside in the central city. While the agency serves more than one thousand 4-18 year old children and youth and their families throughout Milwaukee County, the great majority of clients live in the central city and range in age from 10-15 years. About 90% are African-American, 90% are male, and most are referred through the court system and have had serious problems in family, school, and community. The majority of RRCO’s 60 paid staff (part- and full-time) are multi-cultured, and the seven-member volunteer Board of Directors are composed of minorities. Ten program volunteers and two office volunteers also work with the organization. Programs are funded through a variety of sources, including purchase of service contracts with Milwaukee County’s contracted managed care agencies, the Milwaukee County Probation Services Network and foundation grants.

Black Girls Rock! Inc

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc,  is a mentoring outreach program targeting "at risk" teenage women of color. This charity has been established to promote the arts and to encourage dialogue about the images of women in hip-0hop music & culture, as well as promote analysis of the ways women of color are portrayed in main stream media. one of the goals of the organization is to combat the psychological effects of the disproportionate number of negative images of black women depicted in the media and make a difference in the lives of young women of color wh are most affected by this one sided imagery. by raising awareness and offering support through discussion, edication, counseling, interhips mentoing and advocacy, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc, seeks to build the self-estem and selfworth of these yong ladies there-by changing their out-look on life, brodening their horizons and helping them to emower themselves.

Black Men Rising

Black Men Rising

Black Men Rising Black Men Rising is a group of men and women dedicated to using technology to help African American families live more productive and healthy lives.

BMR was started in Pittsburgh (PA) in 1997 by a group of men who were part of Northside Common Ministries Supportive Housing Project. This program was designed to help formerly homeless men acquire and maintain stable housing. The BMR project was designed to help reintegrate these men back into the community. All the men were residents of Pittsburgh's Northside.

BMR was aware from its inception of the need for more involvement by the African American population with the usage of information technology tools. At first we were primarily concerned with mentoring children. Our targeted areas were the California -Kirkbride, Central Northside, and Manchester neighborhoods. We chose these neighborhoods because all of our men lived in or near them and also because our research showed that there was a high incidence of single (women) parented homes.

To address these issues, we developed an outreach program that has a flag football league, African American history classes and gatherings that promote family and community unity. Over the past four years our emphasis has changed from not only serving children but also teaching computer skills to the adults of the community. We received our first computer donations from Primary Care Health Services and the University of Pittsburgh. In 1998, BMR received the JC Penny Golden Rule Award for our work.

One of the hallmarks of our program has been parental participation. We realize that the whole family must invest in the learning process so we encourage and expect children to be accompanied by their parents.This produces unique opportunities not only for the child but also for the parent

More at the link provided.

Student African American Brotherhood (S.A.A.B.)

Student African-American Brotherhoold (S.A.A.B.)

Mission

The Student African American Brotherhood Organization is a dynamic organization established specifically to assist our participants to excel academically, socially, culturally, professionally, and in the community. SAAB is primarily comprised of male students who strive for academic excellence and make a commitment to plan and implement programs that benefit their community at large. We encourage our participants to embrace leadership by being positive examples for each other through a strong commitment to academic achievement , brotherhood, and community service. We provide weekly study sessions, weekly developmental seminars for students of all ages, business meetings, social and religious activities, and work with various non-profit service agencies (i.e., Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys Club, etc.).

 

FedEx African-American Network launches new mentoring program

FedEx African-American Network Launches New Mentoring Program

“Every child is entitled to an education that prepares them to compete in a global economy,” said Supt. Kriner Cash.

About 200 FedEx employees recently attended a kickoff luncheon to celebrate a local mentoring initiative sponsored by the FedEx African-American Network. The African-American Network will coordinate the program through Memphis Cares, a part of the National Cares Mentoring Movement that encourages able adults to mentor at-risk youth via a trusted mentoring organization.

The luncheon highlight was the keynote message by Dr. Kriner Cash, superintendent of Memphis City Schools. Dr. Cash told the FedEx group that he would like to see all segments of the community come together to uplift the city’s children and give them new hope for the future. “Every child is entitled to an education that prepares them to compete in a global economy,” he said.    

Through Memphis Cares, the African-American Network will work with five well-established area agencies to sponsor one-on-one as well as group relationship-building opportunities for Memphis-area youth. The participating agencies are the U.S. Dream Academy, Streets Ministries, Memphis City Schools – CONNECT; Exchange Club Family Center, and Kappa Alpha Psi - Memphis Alumni Chapter’s Kappa Days of Caring. Each agency has subject-matter-experts, screening processes and training materials already in place

The Leadership Group

The Leadership Group

Barksdale, a vice president at Bank of America in Charlotte, author and motivational speaker who stayed in Rock Hill after college, is more than a mentor for one young black man. Barksdale runs an outfit called The Leadership Group, where he brings together black teenage boys in Rock Hill for the sole reason that he refuses to allow any to fail. There are a dozen young men in the group.

"All I want to do is make sure every one of these young men have every tool to lead successful lives," Barksdale said. "The future is where we look. Always, we look ahead."

Barksdale shoots straight. He tells teens flat out that society's expectations for them might not be as high as for others -- but that is unacceptable. It is impossible to get away from the disturbing facts that black men in America are imprisoned more, and educated less, than other groups.

He refuses to accept that result for the next generation. Black men can, must, achieve.

"I was raised in a single-parent home in Laurens, I know what faces these young men," he said. "I want to help them help themselves."

At church, Barksdale met a lady whose son was a top student and athlete, but needed a male role model. Patrick Cunningham, now 17, joined the group and has never looked back.

"I know from this group that I can be an honor roll student and anything else I want to be," Patrick said. "I guess I am a young male trying to become a man."

The Leadership Group

The Leadership Group

Barksdale, a vice president at Bank of America in Charlotte, author and motivational speaker who stayed in Rock Hill after college, is more than a mentor for one young black man. Barksdale runs an outfit called The Leadership Group, where he brings together black teenage boys in Rock Hill for the sole reason that he refuses to allow any to fail. There are a dozen young men in the group.

"All I want to do is make sure every one of these young men have every tool to lead successful lives," Barksdale said. "The future is where we look. Always, we look ahead."

Barksdale shoots straight. He tells teens flat out that society's expectations for them might not be as high as for others -- but that is unacceptable. It is impossible to get away from the disturbing facts that black men in America are imprisoned more, and educated less, than other groups.

He refuses to accept that result for the next generation. Black men can, must, achieve.

"I was raised in a single-parent home in Laurens, I know what faces these young men," he said. "I want to help them help themselves."

At church, Barksdale met a lady whose son was a top student and athlete, but needed a male role model. Patrick Cunningham, now 17, joined the group and has never looked back.

"I know from this group that I can be an honor roll student and anything else I want to be," Patrick said. "I guess I am a young male trying to become a man."

100 Black Men's Back to School Picnic a hit

100 Black Men's Back to School Picnic A Hit

Al Studesville watched the children and teenagers, some as young as 4 or 5 years old, mill about Demetral Field Saturday afternoon at the 100 Black Men's Back to School Picnic, each carrying a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies.

"The backpacks are almost as big as they are," he said, laughing.

Studesville is one of the original members of the Madison chapter of the organization, which promotes leadership and improvement among the city's African-American community. Besides the annual picnic, the group provides tutoring and mentoring for students and organizes events such as an annual gala, a golf outing and an African American History Challenge Bowl that quizzes local teens on black history and provides scholarships to winning teams for a trip to the national event.

Studesville said the idea for the backpack giveaway came from members who participated in the tutoring program, who soon learned that many children who they taught did not have enough supplies for school. Every year since 1996, the organization has given away hundreds of free backpacks filled with school supplies such as notebooks, folders, rulers, markers and pencils to children of all ages and races at the event.

CBM and 100 Black Men, Doing The Thang

CBM Partners with school system to help black boys

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Some Albany men want to make sure students get on the right track at an early age.

 Concerned Black Men of Albany is partnering with the Dougherty County school system to mentor and encourage African American boys in Kindergarten through third grade at Magnolia and Alice Coachman Elementary schools.

Alice Coachman principal Pat Victor compares the men's support to a tomato plant being supported by a garden stake. 

"If you stake them, your tomatoes will grow up to be fine tomatoes and not fall on the ground. So this is the intent, to make sure those young men get the support they need to be fine productive citizens," says Victor.

100 Black Men award $61K in scholarships

The 100 Black Men of Bradley County take a holistic approach to "breaking the cycle ... reaching out ... reaching back" in their efforts to improve the quality of young people's lives. The mentors focused Saturday morning on rewarding youths who have chosen to pursue education.

Scholarship checks averaging $1,800 were presented to 19 college students and scholarship accounts of about $1,550 each were opened in the names of 11 middle and high school students. The total amount of scholarships in 2008 equaled $61,000.

The community leaders have awarded more than $250,000 during the program's 12-year-existence.

100 Black Men of Baton Rouge Partners with Edison Learning

Baton Rouge, LA – 100 Black Men of Baton Rouge and EdisonLearning, the leading education company partnering with public schools in the United States, will welcome students for the first day of classes at the new Capitol High Academy for Boys and Girls on Thursday, August 7.  Capitol High Academy is located at 1000 N. 23rd Street in Baton Rouge.  Dawn Green is the school’s new principal.

“One of the greatest things you can ever do in life is to help someone else achieve their goals and dreams,” said John F. Smith, vice president of programs for the 100 Black Men. “Our collaboration with EdisonLearning, and with the support of parents, we will create a solid foundation for the future of our children’s education here at Capitol High Academy, and help them to fulfill their dreams.”

Fifth Ward Enrichment Program

The Fifth Ward Enrichment Program, Incorporated

The Fifth Ward Enrichment Program Incorporated (FWEP) is a youth leadership and development program for at-risk males, ages 12 - 19, located in one of Houston 's most economically depressed neighborhoods.

Founded in 1984, FWEP offers to 250 inner-city African American and Latino youth more than 20 support services that deter chemical dependency, teen pregnancy, school delinquency and dropouts, while promoting self-discipline, personal accountability, and self-esteem. These services are provided year-round through the School-based Projects, and the Teen Enterprise Center (TEC).

The School-based Project is the core program and truly defines the holistic approach to youth development that FWEP embraces. This project is housed in five schools in the Houston Independent School District 's (HISD) Northeast District and provides site coordinators who monitor school activities, interact with teachers and administrators, and coordinate daily, after-school activities. The site coordinators are responsible for the delivery of the life skills curriculum, home visits, and individual and group counseling sessions. The site coordinator is recognized by the school's youth as their mentor "on campus".

Future Black Men of America, Inc

Future Black Men Of America

In 2002 Future Black Men of America, Inc. (FBMA) was born in the mind of its founder Antoine Medley.
"The young black boys of today need the help of black men in society. It is up to us and no one else." -Antoine Medley

The organization was formally organized and incorporated as a non-profit organization in February of 2004 in the state of North Carolina. The organization also received its 501(c)3 Tax Exemption Status from the IRS in 2004.

FBMA, truly believes that young black boys need to be exposed to positive African American male role models, and positive experiences. The organization believes that black boys need to know that with hard work, sacrifice, and faith they can achieve anything. FBMA provides a variety of programs to positively alter the futures of our African American boys. Currently there are many organizations that provide similar programs but no one organization can reach all of the young males in need and for this reason FBMA was born.

The National Organization organizes and provides college tours, community activities, and mentoring for our young black men. The current education gap between young African American boys and other races is quickly widening therefore all of the FBMA programs are all geared towards closing that gap. The National Organization is currently accepting applications for the creation of new chapters around the United States. Currently there are chapters pending in Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA.

The organization is only as strong as its members. Members are needed to provide and plan our programs. African American men are needed.
"We are inevitably our brothers' keepers because we are our brothers' brother. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood

Opening Eyes, Minds

The trip to Connecticut was part of a program called "Mentoring Male Teens in the Hood," an effort to expose young Baltimore-area men to male role models and new experiences while helping them connect with their peers. Although it has been around for 12 years and served more than 8,000 boys, it exists solely because its organizer, Cameron Miles, is willing to beg for donations and go into his own pocket to help finance excursions.

He also seems to know all the right people. At the group's monthly meetings at Coppin State University, Miles presents a parade of important guests: Judge Robert M. Bell, chief of the Maryland Court of Appeals; television reporter Barry Simms; Baltimore State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy. Miles bumped into city Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III at a restaurant a few months ago and invited him to the April meeting.

"Frankly, I was blown away," Bealefeld said, "not just by his commitment, but by the manner in which he engaged the young men and by the substance of his message."

More at the link provided.

Black Scholars

Urban League of Rochester Salutes, Helps Black Scholars

Leonard, of Webster, will speak of that confidence and of her belief that one should "never give up ... no matter how hard things are," when she speaks before the Urban League of Rochester's "Salute to Black Scholars" recognition dinner on Tuesday.

Since its inception in 1980, the Black Scholars program has recognized more than 5,700 area students for their outstanding academic achievement. Leonard was named a Black Scholar during each of her four years at Edison.

She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and a master's in business administration from Clarkson University.

Leonard praises the Black Scholars program for being part of a support network that bolstered her confidence and emphasized the importance of staying focused on one's goals and giving back to the community.

She joins a chorus of Black Scholars who say the program has benefited them.

More at the link provided.

Project Alpha

Project Alpha

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the first black Greek letter fraternity in the nation, understands the importance of a community of support in every youth’s life, specifically focusing on fatherless African American boys and their need for a strong, male role model. The word mentor means a wise and trusted counselor or teacher or an influential senior sponsor of supporter. Even boys with supportive fathers in their lives can benefit from the program objectives set forth by this altruistic group of young men and their mission to nurture other male youth.

Through their partnership with the March of Dimes, Alpha Phi Alpha’s Project Alpha seeks to provide mentoring to at-risk youth working within the African American community. Project Alpha is a national initiative that seeks to provide “education, motivation and skill-building on issues of responsibility,” teaching young men ages 12 to 15 about fatherhood and the role of males in healthy relationships. Their program includes education on abstinence, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy in the hopes of inspiring wise decision making in the future.

Young Men Making Moves

Making Their Moves

But the euphoria was short-lived. Community activist William Shelton, who paid for the suits, heard his name over the loudspeaker. Eight Kenneth Cole watches were missing. Security cameras showed that some of his charges had stolen them -- a dispiriting reminder that while Shelton can take young men out of the Toga, wrenching the Toga out of them is far more difficult.

"You disrespected everything we are trying to do," Shelton scolded them a few days later in his office at Brookland Manor, where he is community relations coordinator. "At what point do you make a decision to do something positive with your life? You say you want jobs, but how can I send you out to jobs if I can't trust you? This is your life. You have to get rid of this get-over mentality."

It is a message preached daily by crusaders in the city's toughest neighborhoods: If you don't make better choices, you'll end up dead or behind bars. The message is sometimes heeded, sometimes ignored. But at community centers, schools and street corners across the city, mentors like Shelton are betting that individualized attention can make a big difference.

Most of the programs are aimed at disaffected young black men who are most likely to drop out of school, be unemployed or go to jail. They are either volunteer-supported or receive funding from city agencies, including schools, employment services and recreation, and juvenile justice. Many are tiny, draw from a single neighborhood and act as surrogate parents.

More at the link provided.

Black men answer leaders' call to action

Black men answer leaders' call to action

Inspired by a mobilization effort in Philadelphia, leaders of Baltimore's African-American community vowed Wednesday to recruit at least 5,000 black men to bring positive change to their communities.

The goal is to reduce the city's rates of violence, high school dropouts and absentee fathers. More than 50 men representing churches, educational institutions and civic groups gathered at Calverton Elementary/Middle School in West Baltimore to announce the initiative.

The group will meet on Father's Day, June 15, at the Baltimore Convention Center, where there will be opportunities for men to sign up as volunteers with more than 100 community organizations. Several service providers will be on hand to offer men whatever assistance they need to be productive residents, be it job training or substance abuse withdrawal. Plans for follow-up meetings are in the works to maintain the momentum generated in the next few weeks.

The initiative is modeled after 10,000 Men Philly, an assembly held in October. Former state Sen. Larry Young is credited with the idea of replicating the Philadelphia program in Baltimore. Organizers said they are trying to recruit 5,000 men because Baltimore is about half the size of Philadelphia.

Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men

Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men

As one of the premier African-American men’s groups in Virginia the organization works to promote Community Betterment throughout the Hampton Roads region.  The group serves the eight cities of Hampton Roads, namely Chesapeake, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.

The 200+ Men works to become catalysts for positive change in the region and as such works both alone and in tandem with other community organizations on a variety of projects that have goals and objectives similar to those of the 200+ Men.

Boys to Men program offers young men support from elders

Boys to Men program offers young men support from elders

Robert Jackson occasionally needs a little encouragement, and he's not ashamed to say it.

A Central Medical Magnet High School junior, Jackson, 17, plans to attend Stanford University and then law school.

The motivation to map out those plans has been stoked partially by his mentors in the local Boys to Men program.
Jackson joined about 160 other young men and 90 adult men from the school and community Wednesday for the group's luncheon in the Central girls' gym.

He described it as "a great program to get that extra push and drive to help me succeed in life."

Those assembled heard from school coaches about character development and focus. Central's drum line and students Johnathan McCowan and Jacobe Jackson provided the musical entertainment.

"This is all about character building," Central principal Patricia Lambert told the group. "This is all about helping you to soar."

More at the link provided.

Future Black Men of America, Inc

Future Black Men of America, Inc

In 2002 Future Black Men of America, Inc. (FBMA) was born in the mind of its founder Antoine Medley.
    "The young black boys of today need the help of black men in society. It is up to us and no one else."     -Antoine Medley
   
    The organization was formally organized and incorporated as a non-profit organization     in February of 2004 in the state of North Carolina. The organization also received its 501(c)3 Tax Exemption Status from the IRS in 2004.
   
FBMA, truly believes that young black boys need to be exposed to positive African American male role models, and positive experiences. The organization believes that black boys need to know that with hard work, sacrifice, and faith they can achieve anything. FBMA provides a variety of programs to positively alter the futures of our African American boys. Currently there are many organizations that provide similar programs but no one organization can reach all of the young males in need and for this reason FBMA was born.
   
The National Organization organizes and provides college tours, community activities, and mentoring for our young black men. The current education gap between young African American boys and other races is quickly widening therefore all of the FBMA programs are all geared towards closing that gap. The National Organization is currently accepting applications for the creation of new chapters around the United States. Currently there are chapters pending in Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA.
   
The organization is only as strong as its members. Members are needed to provide and plan our     programs. African American men are needed.
    "We are inevitably our brothers' keepers because we are our brothers' brother. Whatever affects     one directly affects all indirectly." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Group's Found Has A Mission to Mentor Young, Black Men

Group's Found Has A Mission to Mentor Young, Black Men

Raleigh, N.C. — Antoine Medley says he's following a call to save young people. Young, black men especially.

The people who are the target of his message might not like everything he has to say, but he's saying it anyway.

From 9 to 5, Medley is a computer guy. He's the one you call when something goes wrong.

He's also a family guy who has made the tough choice to give up family time to create something he believes in – Future Black Men of America Inc.

“Our young boys are really going through some things now by not having direction,” Medley says. That is what led him to decide he must be a leader, must try to shape and change those young men.

More at the link provided.

SOM students mentor Detroit schoolchildren

SOM students mentor Detroit schoolchildren

Wayne State University School of Medicine students have banded together to launch a cultural and academic academy for middle and high school students of Detroit.   

The Promoting Uplift to Lives of Success and Empowerment (PULSE) Enrichment Academy meets two Saturdays of each month from August to April, bringing Detroit students onto the School of Medicine campus to be taught a variety of cultural and academic subjects by SOM medical students.

The academy, the brainchild of second-year medical students Letacia Sims, Cecelia Calhoun and Dakisha Felder, was established with a Widening the Pipeline Program grant from the School of Medicine’s chapter of the American Medical Student Association. Many of the students volunteering as teachers and tutors are members of the Wayne State University School of Medicine chapter of the Black Medical Association/Student National Medical Association. Ms.Sims, Ms. Calhoun and Ms. Felder are community service chairpersons for the SNMA.   

“We saw a need for this type of programming,” said Ms. Sims, a native of Georgia who wants to practice pediatric medicine. “Kids need to expand their horizons in academics and culture. SOM students need volunteer hours, and the children of Detroit need the help, so it’s mutually beneficial. We get to give back to the community.”

More at the link provided.

Mentoring Program Gives Students Wisdom, Awards

Mentoring Program Gives Students Wisdom, Awards

DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO – In Bob Countryman's days, mentoring was a trickle-down affair – brother to brother.

That's all his family could manage for its 13 children when mentoring programs were practically nonexistent, said Countryman, 70, of San Diego.

Today, he is a driving force behind organized mentoring for young African-Americans.

Countryman, a retired Drug Enforcement Administration forensic chemist, served as master of ceremonies for the Links Inc. San Diego chapter's black male high school seniors achievement awards ceremony. It was held at the downtown Marriott Hotel & Marina yesterday.

Nineteen students were honored at the ceremony attended by roughly 400 people.

Links is a national nonprofit organization of black  women, with some chapters overseas.

More at the link provided.

Project Ready changing attitudes, 1 by 1

Project Ready changing attitudes, 1 by 1

For young black men, dodging gangs, drugs and negative peers and trying to avoid becoming a victim of crime is as much a part of their academic success as hitting the books.

"You've always got to watch your back when you're walking. You never know; maybe those two dudes, or three dudes, you just passed might come back. Like they've seen something they like (such as a clothing item or gold chain) and try to take it," said Marcus Bowens, 17.

Disturbed by the unyielding pattern of high youth violence rates and low graduation rates, the Urban League of Rochester has launched "Project Ready," a program to provide academic mentoring and training in life skills for young black men.

The development program meets twice a week to provide tutoring, train participants on test-taking and public speaking and raise cultural awareness.

More at the link provided.

Washington County Woman Seeks To Inspire Youths Of Color

Washington County Woman Seeks To Inspire Youths Of Color

As a department assistant in the radiology department at Washington County Hospital, Fara Thompson knows a lot about career opportunities in the medical field. She shares her knowledge and contacts as the Medical Cluster leader for the Hagerstown YMCA's Black Achievers program.

 

Black Achievers is a youth mentoring program for ages 12 to 18. Its goal is to expose participants to a variety of opportunities in the community, from career and business options to college tours to community service, Thompson said.

 

"We want to get them out into the community and try to help people, to get them to love who they are, to be proud of being a Black Achiever," Thompson said.

More at the link provided.

Gilmer begins mentoring group for students

Gilmer begins mentoring group for students

GILMER — Sometimes a young man needs know someone is watching when he ponders whether to pick up his homework or watch TV.

That's the premise of a new mentoring program that pairs black male students at Gilmer's Bruce Middle School with mentors they met Sunday night.

"Graduation seems a long way off — it's not," Bruce Middle School Principal Greg Watson told the 16 or so young students who met with about 20 volunteer mentors in the school's cafeteria Sunday.

"It's important to start planning right now. ... You're going to make mistakes along the way, but we're going to try to give you a support network."

The mentoring program for young black men formed about two weeks ago. Sunday was the first meeting between the mentors and students. The mentors also are black.

James E. Venters of McNeese and St. Claire Streets Church of Christ in Gilmer said each volunteer will be paired with a student. The mentor will make regular stops at the campus to check the student's progress, but Venters said off-campus activities also will be part of the curriculum.

Memphis Cares

Memphis Cares

Our Call to Action
We are asking every man and woman to commit just four (4) hours per month for one (1) Year

Recruitment Goal
To recruit 6000 mentors between January 2008 and December 2013! Goal is 50% of the mentors will be African American men!

Who Should Mentor?
All are welcome! We recruit men and women (like you) to become mentors because they have valuable knowledge and life experiences that will benefit young people. All it takes to become a mentor is a committed, caring person, responsible and a good listener.

Youth Advisers Bring Order and an Empathetic Ear

Youth Advisers Bring Order and an Empathetic Ear

Havoc was the order of the day at Bladensburg High School in Prince George's County.

Students were fighting, skipping classes and stealing cars from the parking lot.

Officials were stymied until they sought help two years ago from a national program designed to help schools by reaching out to troubled youths. Enter the youth advisers of the Violence-Free Zone, a program of the District-based Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, who let the students know that they were there to help them. The advisers also brought a stronger message: Control of Bladensburg was going to return to the adults.

"Kids can't be controlled by cameras, curfews and cops," said Robert L. Woodson, president and founder of the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise. "Those are threats, and they won't respond to that. . . . The Violence-Free Zone inspires them to obey the rules by providing life witnesses to them [who show] that just because you are from a dysfunctional household or a troubled neighborhood, you don't have to be a troubled person."

The Violence-Free Zone, now also in Largo High School, has been praised by school officials and community leaders for helping to turn around troubled schools.

At the same time, the program has fallen prey to the budget ax. Funded by Prince George's schools for the 2006-07 school year, the program is in danger of ending soon unless $500,000 can be raised to save it, authorities said.

Community stakeholders recently gathered at First Baptist Church of Glenarden to try find ways to raise money to continue the program, which Superintendent John E. Deasy would like to expand to more schools, said his spokesman, John White.

White credited the program with resolving significant conflicts and behavior issues at Bladensburg and Largo.

More at the link.

Helping Youth Lead Fuller Lives

Helping Youth Lead Fuller Lives

Youth who live in Springhill Lake in Greenbelt say they are grateful for the free mentoring programs offered by husband-and-wife team Brian and Camille Butler.

Jarrell Jefferson, 14, of Springhill Lake in Greenbelt said the programs, which include community projects and field trips, have helped to broaden his horizons.

‘‘I do look up to [Mr. Butler] as an older role model because he’s always trying to [help us] become better people. He’s always encouraging us,” Jefferson said.

Greenbelt resident Patricia Clark, 14, said youth in Springhill Lake could use more people like Brian.

‘‘Springhill Lake is a very big area. He’s limited in how many people he can help,” Clark said.

Camille, 30, and Brian, 32, who lived in Springhill Lake Apartments in 1999, said they created the mentoring programs to enrich, educate and instill respect in young peoples’ lives through field trips, community service projects and group discussions. Brian said the lack of black role models in the youth’s homes prompted him to start a mentoring program.

‘‘I knew just for that simple fact that I was an example. Positive or negative, it is really important for youth to see a black male in a positive light,” Brian said.

More at the link provided.

Essence Cares

ESSENCE CARES

Heeding our children's desperate cry for help, we have launched ESSENCE CARES: A National Mentoring Movement and a coalition with some of the most trusted organizations in the nation: the National Urban League; 100 Black Men of America; The Links, Incorporated; and the YWCA.

Our critical call to action simply asks this: that every able Black adult put his or her guiding hand on a vulnerable young person's shoulder. So many of our young people-our treasure and our future-are in peril. At this moment, the negative forces claiming our children are more powerful than our community's and country's efforts to secure them.

A thousand blessings to you for your willingness and commitment to help change that, and for joining with ESSENCE CARES to become part of the solution.

On this site we will connect you to mentoring organizations in your community that have men and women working to create a new world for our young people. Together we will end this state of emergency in Black America. Linking arms and aims, we will open wide the pathways to happiness, wholeness and high achievement for our struggling youngsters.

Our beloved children are waiting for us.

Black Male Initiative Worth Duplicating

Black Male Initiative Worth Duplicating

After a summer visit to the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island, N.Y., Shawn Mitchell couldn�t wait to plan a future career in technology.

 

�There were so many inspirational speakers there � they talked about not just the aspect of technology and science but about life and life�s struggles,� says Mitchell, 20, a sophomore at the New York City College of Technology, a branch of the City University of New York (CUNY) also known as City Tech. �It was just very inspiring, very eye-opening (and) I saw and experienced stuff that I never experienced before.�

 

Laboratory visits are one of many methods used by City Tech�s Black Male Initiative (BMI) program that engages Black male students in the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The BMI program, which targets both potential and existing City Tech students, was recently named one of nine U.S. Model Replication Institutions by NASA and the National Science Foundation for its innovative approaches in attacking the problem of Black male student enrollment and retention.

 

City Tech�s strategies will be replicated at other schools across the country as part of an initiative being administered by the Institute of Higher Education Policy (IHEP). IHEP officials say this initiative is designed to expand access in the STEM fields for students at minority-serving institutions.

Young men seek keys to future with Project Y.E.S.

Young men seek keys to future with Project Y.E.S.

For 20 young black males, Project Y.E.S. has been instrumental in their saying "yes" to their dreams.

"I thought it was about getting big, so I was excited about coming," said Darius Walker, 15. "We've had a lot of speakers who know where we're coming from and they tell us how to be successful. It put a thought into my mind that I can be successful too, so when I think about it, Project Y.E.S. is about getting big in a way."

Project Youths Exemplifying Success began in July through a collaboration between Shiloh Comprehensive Community Center and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

"When I came to Shiloh, we didn't have a youth male program," said Tonda Booker, the executive director of the community center. "I wanted to think of something that was not just another program out there, but something that's going to make a difference."

The youths, ages 10-18, attend the program twice a week for tutoring, test preparation and mentoring. Each week, a different black role model from the community speaks to the youths.

"We have honor roll students now. We have students who look forward to going to school and coming to Project Y.E.S. They are doing very well. It's been a success," she said.

For the tutors who also act as mentors for the youths, seeing them succeed is rewarding.

"It makes us put things in perspective. When you hear a guy say that he has gone from being a D student to being a B-plus student, it lets you know that you are in the right place and you are making a difference," said Jarvis Ellis, a tutor and mentor.

Beyond academics, the goal of Project Y.E.S. is to teach the youths to dream and to plan to achieve their dreams, Ms. Booker said.

Next Level Mentoring Program

Next Level Mentoring Program

The Next Level Mentoring Program is a community based, non-profit 501c3 organization located in Florence, KY. Our mission is to provide minority high and middle school students, primarily African-American, in our community with the skills and knowledge to maximize their potential to continue higher education post high school. We aspire to prepare students in grades 8th -12th for a successful transition from high school to college. Services provided by the Next Level Mentoring Program include academic one to one mentoring, personal development, cultural awareness, community service, ACT prep, a variety of seminars/workshops/panels, and college visits including a one week Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) tour.

On Our Shoulders

The On Our Shoulders program was created out of the empathy felt by its founder, Ray Cook, as he watched countless youths die and become victims of violence on the streets of Baltimore.

The counseling, education and skills training offered by On Our Shoulders helps young people develop career potential and connections to advanced education.

The program components include:

Group Sessions

• Assessment
• Review Street Violence Statistics
• Health and Hygiene Classes Conducted by Registered Nurses
• Individual Drug Counseling and Referral
• Young Mothers/Fathers Group
• Support Groups for Young Victims of Violence

On The Job Training

• Pre-apprenticeship Training
• Catering, Food Handling and Baking Classes
• Clerical Training
• Construction/Electrical/Plumbing
• Barbering/Braiding (Hygiene Enhancement Classes)
• Modeling Training/Fashion Shows

Skill Enhancements

• Academic Skills
• G.E.D. Preparation and Testing
• Computer Skills
• Job Readiness Skills
• Life Skills/Coping Skills/Decision Making Skills
• Paid Internships
• College Preparation/Scholarships/Advanced Education

Crimminal Assessment

• Help young people understand charge papers and court procedures
• Provide an assessment on program participants to the courts
• Appropriately recommend "On Our Shoulders" as an alternative to incarceration

Advanced education will be based on academic performance, attendance, punctuality, and commitment to the program. Our youth will need to demonstrate a high degree of motivation within the program to receive a court representation and assessment verification

Pioneer Achievement Committee Scholars

Pioneer Achievement Committee Scholars

For the Pioneer Achievement Committee Scholars, high school is more than a place to hang out with your friends.

Instead, they view it a chance to set the rest of their lives on the right path.

It's a message the Scholars - all black males - hope to pass down to more than 40 of their peers at Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School..

"This is about giving everyone a chance at a better life," said Kyler Wilkins, junior who hopes to go to the University of Michigan and major in computers and/or engineering. "It has to start here (in high school). You have to be going now in order to there later."

The PAC Scholars program was set up three years ago by Pioneer High School students to help shrink the achievement gap.

It runs as a mentoring program. Scholars, who are juniors and seniors with grade-point averages above 2.8, work with emerging and potential scholars, underclassmen with GPAs under 2.7. There are about 13 scholars this year.

"We're working to facilitate the transition to achievement," said Marshall Thomas, a senior with plans to go to Columbia University to study creative writing. "We want to be a role model. We want to try to level the playing field at least.

Pathways For Kids

Pathways For Kids

MISSION

Pathways for Kids serves to empower San Francisco’s Underserved, Inner-City Youth by exposing them to career opportunities through Mentoring and Motivational Programs, with an emphasis on Entrepreneurialism, Investing, and Capital-Building..

VISION

Founded in 1998 by local business leader, Peter Dwares and like-minded board members, Pathways’ vision is to prepare inner city kids for both higher education and a variety of career options by involving them in career exploration activities – in class, after class, in the workplace and one-on-one – tapping their imagination and motivation and inspiring them to explore their own paths.

Through the ongoing recruitment of volunteer coaches, Pathways also advances philanthropy in our community as participants enjoy the opportunity to give back to the kids by sharing their own experiences.

To date, Pathways’ programs have served over 8,000 kids and we are significantly increasing our exposure every year.

Group talks about racial disparity in school achievement

Group talks about racial disparity in school achievement

It started on a playful note.

Brunswick County Schools Superintendent Katie McGee ducked under a desk and came out on the other side, at the center of a large room at Love Faithfully Ministries, a church in Leland. About 20 other desks flanked hers.

She went around talking to people and making jokes.

It was a way to break the ice on a subject that has upset black community leaders: the achievement gap between black and white students in Brunswick County, which has narrowed slightly in the past year but is far from closed. On Monday, McGee, other school officials and members of the religious community gathered at the church to once again discuss the gap.

In state standardized tests for grades 3 through 8 this year, 78.4 of black students were proficient in reading. That's 10.9 percentage points lower than white students, a gap that decreased from 13.4 last year. In math, 43.3 percent of black students were proficient this year, which brought the gap down from 27.6 percentage points last year to 27 this year.

Since the first meeting in May, cooperation has grown between local churches and the school system, McGee said. Love Faithfully Ministries now has a program that offers county students an alternative to suspension, giving them mentoring and 17 computers to work on.

"We have to get beyond the color thing," said the church's senior pastor, the Rev. Gene Brown, who launched the program at the start of this school year. "That way it doesn't become a black or white issue. It becomes an issue for the entire community."