The Educated Mentor: Volume 3, Issue 3 (Winter 2023)

MENTOR MENTOR

Habari Gani? Imani!

Habari Gani is Swahili which translates to "What's the news?" and is used to greet and acknowledge the Black cultural holiday of Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th through January 1st Each day represents a different principle (Umoja, Kujuchagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba, Imani) which is the response you give when asked, "Habari Gani?"

As we bring in a new year, the principle of the New Year (January 1st) is Imani. This principle focuses on honoring our traditions, drawing upon the best in ourselves, and helping us strive for a higher level of life for humankind Imani affirms our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle Imani is to believe in our people, parents, teachers, leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

In addition, we must believe that our dreams, aspirations, and goals are within reach of achieving. Achievement doesn't equal easy, but faith brings us closer and stronger in our strides, especially during trials and tribulations

On the last day of Kwanzaa and the first day of the new year, we celebrate and ground ourselves in Imani or faith

How will you reaffirm your self-worth and realization that we can triumph over any struggle? The struggle may not end today, tomorrow, next week, or month, but how will you utilize faith (Imani) to continue striving amidst adversity?

Dr Darryl Hylton, Jr Jamie L Enge

BOARDOFDIRECTORS

In Mentorship,

Dr Darryl Hylton, Jr & Mr Jamie Enge Co-Founders

DR. TYMON GRAHAM Board Chair

MS CORTNEY EDWARDS General Board Member

DR. ANITA BLEDSOE-GARDNER General Board Member

DR. JONATHAN FREEMAN General Board Member

MR DEMETRICK COLEMAN General Board Member

Anita Bledsoe-Gardner

Gabriella Torres

Gregory Alan Dendy, Jr. Jaron Dawson Joyce Walker Kriss Donovan Lindsey Nurczyk Marquise McGriff Nadine Spruell Nathan Anthony Rhuna Holley

National News

The Collegiate Black Male Symposium

A professional conference experience for the Black men on your campus!

Attending a national conference can be costly with minimal impact. However, with The Collegiate Black Male Symposium, we work with colleges/universities to maximize dollars and increase impact, ultimately providing a transformational experience for staff and students. Schedule

In a nutshell, we bring the conference experience to you! That's right, our Network of Experts will bring high-quality service and facilitation. There are even faculty/staff development sessions led by one (or both) of our co-founders.

Professional Mentors Needed!

As a part of the ONYX25 program, we do our best to pair students one-on-one with individuals who are in their career fields of interest. With this partnership, mentors and mentees will engage in a professional exchange of professional, leadership, and career development

Are you interested in helping mentor the next generation of collegiate Black men to achieve their goals? If so, please contact info@thecbmnetwork.org with the subject line: Professional Mentor Inquiry.

Amplified

"Can You Hear Me Now?!"

New Beginnings

By: Dr. Darryl Hylton

One of the most coveted student leadership opportunities at many colleges/universities across the nation is selected for membership into a fraternity or sorority The National Pan Hellenic Council comprises nine historically Black fraternities and sororities. For over 100 years, these organizations have provided brother/sisterhood, scholarship, and service to the African-American community Since their inception, these organizations have provided space for individuals of the African diaspora to build a strong legacy of network and community.

In this edition of Amplified, Fall 2022, initiates share their stories of why they were interested in their respective organization and what they hope to gain now that they are a fully inducted member

Brian Simpkins

University of the District of Columbia

Junior, Digital Media Student

Choosing to join Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated was a clear-cut decision for me based on several factors Firstly, like my founders, I’m an older student who balances work and academics while setting an example for future generations As a freshman, Theta Chapter recharter member Dr Ben Taylor served as my lacrosse teammate and mentor as he earned the program’s lone Academic All-American Award Since returning to UDC in Fall 2021, I made a 3.75 GPA or higher within three semesters, my collegiate best. Now that I’m a member, I look forward to engaging with and supporting DC community members. I’m nothing without my community as it takes a village to raise a child I strive to help future scholars and leaders understand and fulfill their true potential Lastly, the tireless and selfless mentorship from Nathan McCoy Adrion Celey Andreas Smith, Joel Bernola, Quintin Hudgens, and S reciprocate to our community

Miles Stokes

Northern Kentucky University

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc

I chose to join Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc because of the impact they had on me while I was growing up. My mom used to work at the institution I’m currently attending as a kid, which meant I was always around students in the program she oversaw I got to meet a lot of her students, but the ones who stood out to me were my now fraternity brothers. They always made it a point to know me as a person and took a personal investment in my growth and development Without even knowing it, they served as the big brothers I never had. The biggest thing I look forward to now that I’m a member of my fraternity is pouring into young black men in my community through mentorship As a leader, it’s imperative for me to lift others as I continue to climb and pour into the next generation of young black men

The Collegiate Black Male Network is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help increase the persistence and graduation rates of collegiate Black men.

THINK ABOUT IT

Attending a national conference can be costly with minimal impact. However, with The Collegiate Black Male Symposium, we work with colleges/universities to maximize dollars and increase impact, ultimately providing a transformational experience for staff and students

the mentor

By: Jamie Enge

CContinuing our celebration and recognition of individuals doing the work of mentorship, this quarter, we are highlighting Jermaine Lawrence Anderson, who is making an impact within his respective community in Chicago, Illinois

Tell us a little about your background, who you are, where you're from, etc.

I grew up on the west side of Chicago and am a product of the Chicago Public Schools Early in my educational journey, I learned lessons and developed values that shaped and molded my life, enabling me to become a successful entrepreneur and businessman.

In the spring of 2016, I was blessed to launch I Am A GENTLEMAN, INC Our mission is to engage, enrich and

empower young men for successful careers, healthy lifestyles, marketable skills, and well-balanced relationships. Our organization also provides mentorship and leadership development to young men around the country.

Currently, I reside in the Bronzeville community and have been recognized by Real Times Media Group as Someone You Should Know (Who's Who in Black Chicago, March 2012) and I serve on the NBC5 Community Action Board in Chicago.

In addition, I was named a 2016 Man of Excellence by the Chicago Defender Newspaper; I received the Man of Courage Gamechanger Award in December 2020 and the Henry L English Humanitarian Award by the Black United Fund of Illinois in December 2021.

Most recently, I received the 2022 Waymaker Award from Louis Carr, who serves as the Executive Vice President of Media Sales for BET Television

I can remember one of my teachers telling me at an early age, that I was created to be one thing and that is a world-changer, and I hope that the small footprint that I have is leaving an indelible mark behind

Who are the mentors (if any) that have had the most significant influence on you? What was the best piece of advice they gave you?

I wish I could point out one person as my role model mentor, but I’ve been fortunate to have several influential and powerful people cross my path Each of them has been very extremely valuable But, without a doubt, my dad, Frank Anderson, was my number one role model and mentor He was and still is the epitome of what it means to be a strong black man. In addition, I look up to many of my teachers and leaders from the community. They have helped mold me into the man I am today.

The best piece of advice did not come from a mentor, it came from the Bible. I am often comforted by the words of Paul in Philippians when he encouraged himself by saying “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”

Through his own writing, Paul understood that he could persevere, share the gospel, and be content in any situation. Not on his own, but through Christ who gave him supernatural strength.

Not only was this an encouragement to Paul but for countless others through generations that would come.

What does mentorship mean to you?

Mentorship is relationship This relationship is between two people; one of whom has more experience, knowledge, and connections and the other who is willing to be teachable and learn.

Tell us more about I AM A GENTLEMAN, which you founded.

I Am A Gentleman, Inc began in 2016 after I hosted a one-day event for black and brown boys in our the city of Chicago to celebrate them on their graduation day I spent many years as a public speaker and traveled from the west coast to the east coast, speaking at graduation ceremonies. During my travels I noticed that many Black and brown boys would make it to graduation day but not have tools to make it beyond graduation day.

That’s when I decided to curate an experience that would help celebrate them and provide tangible resources for graduation day and beyond What started as a one-day event is now an award-winning, non-profit organization designed to provide male mentoring and leadership development to young men ages 13-21 in the Chicagoland area

Serving as a direct service program of I AM A GENTLEMAN, INC, speaks more about the Male Mentoring Academy and where was the inspiration or need behind it. The Male Mentoring Academy is a 14-week program that imparts and teaches essential life skills to the young men we serve We ensure that the young men are involved in insightful classroom conversations and community service projects. They also have a series of recreation days, and we take them on several cultural experiences which are designed to expose them to life outside of their community.

We serve more than 130 young men each week in our school-based and community academies. These young men get up, dress up and show up because they have committed themselves to become ‘better.’

What attracted you to doing the work you are currently doing?

I have always had a passion to serve others and when I noticed that black and brown boys are the ones who deserve it most, that’s when I knew that they should be my focus.

What has been the most rewarding experience working with young black males?

For me, the most rewarding experience is seeing the face and the life of a young man impacted by our program I often say that on day number one, many of the young men do not want to be a part of our organization and have never had a mentoring experience Still, soon after, they discover that the mentorship process has improved them

Each time the young men visit our administrative offices, at least one of them says they will retire me and take over as Executive Director one day. This is BEYOND gratifying because it lets me know they want to see this organization outlive me. More importantly, they want future generations to benefit from the experience they have received.

What specific advice would you give those looking to mentor Black men?

Many professional leaders want to mentor people who are younger than them. They feel as if they have something to share, and in many cases, they do; however, I would caution anyone who says they want to be a mentor I caution them because it is a lifelong commitment I advise you to enter the mentorship world only if you are willing to build a relationship I endeavor to build a unique relationship with my students because they are unique I want them to have confidence in the experience and to be comfortable being transparent and showing their true colors For them to do that, it requires vulnerability from them and me.

Although I am the face in many respects of I AM A GENTLEMAN, INC. we have an AMAZING team of 41 men and women. Each of them volunteers their time daily to ensure that the young men and the families we serve receive a first-class experience from our organization. Our team comprises entrepreneurs, white-collar workers, blue-collar workers, and even professional students. Each of them adds something unique to our organization, and all of them help us to shine.

CONTACT INFORMATION

I Am A Gentleman, Inc PO Box 4667 Chicago, IL 60680-4667

Phone: (312) 471-5590 Email: info@iamagentleman.org Website: www.iamagenteman.org Facebook @iaaginc Instagram @iaaginc

Anything else you would like to share with us?

DEAR BROTHER DEAR BROTHER

A WORD OF EMPOWERMENT A WORD OF EMPOWERMENT

BY: RASHEED ALI CROMWELL, ESQ. BY: RASHEED ALI CROMWELL, ESQ.

Dear Brother

A Word of Empowerment

Dear Brother,

"A life's journey that the brotherhood will remind you of requires purpose and perspective. Purpose and perspective that make you realize your life's value is ultimately measured in how you helped others along the way.."

-Rasheed Ali Cromwell, Esq.

TThis is so much bigger than you realize I know you are proud of getting in the frat but don’t get lost in the moment. The moment is a snapshot, a mere glimpse of a much larger, powerful universe of brotherhood That brotherhood transcends your chapter and your school It is a brotherhood that consists of an unbelievably talented and expansive network of Black men you have yet to meet. These brothers are living examples of the best of the best. They are what you strive to be They will connect you to opportunities that most won’t have access to, advise you when you don’t realize you need advice, and empower you with encouraging words of support when you are too proud to ask for help.

This is so much bigger than you realize. Brotherhood is not limited to your fraternity. Brotherhood comprises a group of Black men sharing their Greek experience through their organizations Despite these differences, they recognize one similarity: a commitment to seeing you succeed as a Black man.

This commitment requires work, work that is established through relationships. Relationships will range from casual text check-ins to formal in-person meetings, breakfast and lunch, and everything in between For those relationships that develop into friendships, work means taking time out of your busy schedule to celebrate special family occasions. Both good and bad, post-college graduations, births, deaths, and life experiences are made better with each other’s presence This work will strengthen your bonds and create places and spaces to build, cultivate and maintain your relationships. You will need those moments to get you through the hard moments you will experience in your journey

Those moments, the foundational bricks of brotherhood, will make you realize that no matter how lonely you feel, you are never alone No matter how down you are, you are never fully out. No matter how bad it gets it is never as bad as it seems.

So, when you get discouraged, frustrated, and tired read this letter again After you finish reading it, reach out to those seasoned brothers Journeymen who will tell you that the potholes you will inevitably hit, and direction reroutes you must take will seem like minor detours instead of major setbacks in your life’s journey A life’s journey that the brotherhood will remind you requires purpose and perspective. Purpose and perspective that makes you realize the value of your life is ultimately measured in how you helped others along the way.

That is the beauty of brotherhood – it is so much bigger than you realize.

Love, Rasheed Ali Cromwell, Esq

Rasheed Ali Cromwell

North Carolina A&T State University, Class of '97

Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Class of '01

Brothas, Y’all Alright?: Supporting FirstGeneration Black Males in Higher Education

By: Jarrod D. Benjamin, MBA, PMP, CASP, CISM

and racial labor” (Branch, 2017). These challenges faced by Black male first-generation students lead to mental health concerns and deepen the lack of support. We have a responsibility to look at each of these challenges with the intention of offering solutions to support our Black male students, especially those attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWI)

Historically access to higher education has been reserved for the privileged Combine that with the systematic racism that has impacted the ability of Black males to access higher education, and we are left with a significant gap. According to the 2010 US Census Bureau, Black males only accounted for 425% of the US college and university population (Jackson et al., 2013).It is necessary for us leaders to examine how we are supporting our first-generation Black male students on their higher education journeys. We must understand their challenges as well as key factors for their persistence By understanding both we position ourselves to build effective programs for supporting their success

Challenges

Kayoko Peralta explains the educational challenges of Black students by stating “In educational settings, students of color experience racial isolation, stereotype threat, racial microaggressions, identity performance,

Isolation - Though segregation has ended by law, it still exists through racial isolation This phenomenon occurs due to several factors including income and socioeconomic status. First-generation Black male students also experience isolation when feeling separated from their family, peers, and community members who have not been afforded the opportunity to pursue higher education. In this case, isolation becomes a dual threat to the students, both on campus and off Stereotype Threat - Stereotype threats occur when an individual is presented with an opportunity to confirm a negative stereotype about their group (Steele & Aronson, 1995). Many Black males in higher education settings find themselves in a constant effort to avoid fulfilling the negative stereotypes. These associations include laziness, inferior intellect, hypermasculinity, and moreWhen a student is working to avoid being perceived in one of these categories, one of two things happens: they succumb to the self-fulfilling prophecy and become that which they seek to avoid Or they spend a significant amount of time and energy pushing back against the narrative.

Microaggression - Black males report experiencing microaggressions in academic and social settings making them difficult to avoid (Jackson et al, 2013) Our Black male students are feeling these microaggressions at the same time as experiencing imposter syndrome and facing feelings of isolation This creates a compounded internal conflict about where they truly belong in our classrooms and on campuses

Identity Performance - “The main function of such identity performance is to position self positively and legitimate or justify one’s acts” (Badarneh, 2020) Black male students are finding themselves working harder than their peers to present themselves positively. This constant quest for approval and acceptance is another challenge to Black male student success in higher ed settings. One of the ways that students approach this challenge is by using code-switching. This is the altering of their language syntax, appearance, and behaviors to be more like that of the dominant culture represented in a group or setting. Simply put, our Black male students are faced with putting on to be who they are not to fit into our academic spaces

When we look at these challenges, it becomes easier to see the need for increased mental health support for our Black male students They are carrying psychological and emotional loads that cannot always be readily identified as a problem Moreover, Black males are often more reluctant to seek mental health support (Hoskin & Harris, 2021) Therefore, these challenges often go overlooked and unaddressed.

Persistence

While it is helpful to give attention to the challenges faced by our first-generation Black male students, it is imperative that we examine the factors that contribute to their persistence. Studies indicate that compared to other demographics, the persistence of firstgeneration Black males to graduation significantly decreases over time (Simmons, 2020). How can we as higher education leaders and community members help recruit and retain Black males within our programs through completion? Factors noted to impact first-generation student success include family support, a sense of belonging, and financial support. Other influences include the presence

of Black male faculty and staff, co- and extracurricular programming, and career counseling

Family support has been found to have a great influence on student persistence and degree attainment (Tabrizi, 2020). Family support is influential from the application process to the initial transition, and throughout the degree program itself. Feeling connected (belonging) on campus has also been identified as a significant contributor to Black male persistence, particularly among first-year students (Owens & Lacey, 2019) Having supportive campus and social bonds fits into the influences of students feeling connected. A third factor contributing to persistence is financial support For many firstgeneration students, access to financial support can mean the difference between full-time and part-time learning experiences Financial stability also impacts a student’s ability to participate in extracurricular campus activities. If a student is working to maintain financial stability, they may not be able to participate in the non-class activities offered on campuses In turn, this may impact their overall sense of support and belonging. Other factors impacting student persistence include the presence of Black male faculty and staff in their educational environments. First-generation Black male students need to see others that look like them in positions of leadership and instruction A final consideration in persistence is the support of career counseling and resources As firstgeneration students, our Black males need access to career counseling to map out clear paths for post-graduate success This program can and should be made available through crossdepartmental efforts between the career center, student affairs, and academic departments

As a Black male in higher education, I see firsthand the disparities experienced by our firstgeneration Black male students. The systematic gaps that have been created in educational access will take a systematic approach to

resolution I urge us in leadership to look at the challenges faced by this population of students and work to create beneficial solutions toward their success We must stop trying to “reinvent” and “create” solutions that are performative in nature. Instead, we must engage in the opportunity to double down on the factors that research has identified as contributing to Black male persistence.

References

Badarneh, M A (2020) Identity performance and positioning in online discourse in Jordan | 1. Taylor & Francis eBooks Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10. 4324/9780203730515-17/identity-performancepositioning-online-discourse-jordanmuhammad-badarneh

Branch, K. R. (2017). Access to Higher Education for Black Men: A Narrative Perspective. Eastern Illinois University Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? article=3685&context=theses

Hoskin, M. N., & Harris, P. A. (2021, November 30). Black Masculinity and Mental Health: How to Move Past Outdated Roles for Better Care. Everyday Health Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://wwweverydayhealthcom/blackhealth/black-masculinity-and-mental-health/

Jackson, J, Epps Jackson, C, Liles, R, & Exner, N (2013). The Educated Black Man and Higher Education American Counseling Association Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://www.counseling.org/docs/defaultsource/vistas/the-educated-black-man-andhigher-educationpdf?sfvrsn=4

Owens, D, & Lacey, K K (2019, January 17) FirstGeneration African American Male College Students: Implications for Career Counselors. ResearchGate Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/2643

54281 FirstGeneration African American Male College Stu dents Implications for Career Counselors

Simmons, S (2020) First-Generation Black Males' Challenges in Attending a PWI: Understanding What Makes Them Persist. Eastern Illinois University Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? article=5778&context=theses

Steele, C., & Aronson, J. (1995). Stereotype Threat. Rutgers Philosophy. Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://philosophyrutgersedu/climatev2/climate-issues-in-academicphilosophy/stereotype-threat

Tabrizi, M. H. (2020, April 23). The Lived Experiences of First-generation Black Men at a Predominantly White Institution and the Impact of Sense of Belonging on their Social and Academic Integration. Rowan Digital Works. Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://rdw.rowan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi? article=3781&context=etd

For more information The Collegiate Black Male Network: