Services

The Idea: Providing Support to African American Males
Who's Idea: Brother Wilson, A Florida Storyteller and Musician
Where It's Worked: Wilmington, North Carolina
This Program Can Be Duplicated: Throughout the Diaspora
Specific Steps (as stated by Program Coordinator): I first observed that there was/is a need for Adult Black Males to become
more actively involved in the lives of our children, especially boys. I then researched and studied the art of Mentoring and attended
a few workshops. Then, with the aid of some Black Teachers, and the student counseling department, I was able to set up a
volunteer program to meet with African American Boys, once a week, all grade levels, in several schools. It was that easy!
Because it was all volunteer, the schools opened their resources. The State PTA acknowledged this program as one of the most
outstanding volunteer programs in the state.
Road Blocks: I coordinated this award winning program, called BRO or Brothers Reaching Out, for 15 years. In that time,
one brother assisted me for one school year. So, my biggest road block was finding capable Black Men who would commit to a
volunteer program that was more than just sports-centered.
How He Overcame Road Blocks: I continued, alone. Teachers and parents, mostly Mothers, offered their support and
guidance.
Questions to Ask Yourself if You Want to Duplicate this Program: Are you prepared to commit
yourself to lifelong involvement? Are you capable of inspiring, motivating young minds? Do you see the need?
Support System for the Coordinator: Teachers, who were friends.
How He Notified the Community: The program spoke for itself. When the word got out that BRO members were
attending class, when they would normally play hooky, scoring well on their exams, when they would flunk, becoming actively
involved in cleaning their communities, that started a wildfire that burned brightly throughout the city. Even white teachers bought
into the program. BRO served approximately 75 boys per year.
How to Get the Materials He Used: It's much easier than when BRO was in operation. Now, you can go to the
Internet and find out all you need to know about Mentoring Programs. Start with Kunjufu.
How to Contact the Brother Who Started & Ran BRO: Call him at 561.455.1535 or Email him at This
Link or Go to his website at MADAFO

The Idea:
Forcing government to redirect funds away from Youth oppression through incarceration and toward youth liberation through education.

Who's Idea: Books Not Bars, A Project of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
Where It's Worked: Oakland, California
This Program Can Be Duplicated: Where ever government money is being diverted away from education toward prisons
Specific Steps (as stated by Program Coordinator): (SOON TO COME, ALONG WITH ANSWERS TO EVERYTHING BELOW)
Road Blocks:
Overcame Road Blocks:
Questions to Ask Yourself if You Want to Duplicate this Program:
Support System for the Coordinator:
How He Notified the Community:
How to Get the Materials He Used:
CONTACT BOOKS NOT BARS: Books Not Bars