Seven Web Resources for African American Men Wishing to Make a Difference

I have received more than a few emails from people stating they would like to get involved by mentoring young African American men and/or giving whatever assistance is necessary in the community or they would like to become better acquainted with the issues facing African American men and boys. So to that end, I have put together a list of sites.

1. Being a Black Man

If you don’t follow any other link on this page, you must follow this one. This site has collected a number of different media resources as part of an on-going series featured in The Washington Post and on washingtonpost.com exploring the experience of being a black man in America. The narrative of this experience is told via interviews with both celebrities and average brothers alike as well as articles and written narratives. You can also leave your own thoughts and questions, and better still, space is given for African American women to have a voice in the conversation.

In addition, the articles from The Washington Post featured in the series have been collected in an anthology, Being a Black Man: At the Corner of Progress and Peril. This is one I am definitely purchasing for my library. [Click here to explore site.]

2. Concerned Black Men

Concerned Black Men’s stated philosophy is one of men offering themselves as positive role models to children. The program works to provide mentors and programs in communities so that the care and discipline requisite in the lives of all youth is affirmed. In addition, the program offers opportunities for academic and career enrichment. [Click here to explore site.]

3. Urban Leadership Institute

The Urban Leader Institute is part of an initiative that aspires to give voice to all youth as well as extend to them an opportunity to exercise their innate leadership abilities, collectively affect change, and create a safe environment, thus inspiring a youth movement. [Click here to explore site.]

4. Mybrotha.COM

Mybrotha.com offers information and education content to empower African-American men and Black men worldwide. [Click here to explore site.]

5. Black Men in America

This site offers visitors a forum to exchange information on a variety of subjects and issues concerning African American men. [Click here to explore site.]

6. Future Black Men of America, Inc.

As stated on the site, “Future Black Men of America, Inc. (FBMA) is an organization designed to improve the quality of life for African American males.” [Click here to explore site.]

7. XY Online

XY Online concentrates not only on African American men, but on issues facing all men. For those doing gender related research, this is an invaluable resource. According to the site, “XY is…focused on men, masculinities, and gender politics. XY is a space for the exploration of issues of gender and sexuality, the daily issues of men’s and women’s life, and practical discussion of personal and social change. [Click here to explore site.]

And as always, this site is in no way comprehensive. If you know of any sites or resources I somehow neglected, just leave them in the comments section.

UPDATE:

This was dropped off by DC Dating Adventures:

In you are in the DC area, there is a non-profit called BUILD looking for mentors for high school students. The non-profit teaches kids in under resourced communities hot to start a business. The program also focuses on college admissions and begins in the 9th grade.

Here's the website for more info & their mission statement.

web: www.build.org

Metro dc blog: http://buildmetrodc.blogspot.com

Mission: BUILD is a four-year entrepreneurship-focused college preparation program whose mission is to provide real-world entrepreneurial experience that empowers youth from under-resourced communities to excel in education, lead in their communities, and succeed professionally. By helping students develop and run their own small businesses, BUILD supplements traditional school with real-world business experiences and critical skill-building for the future.

Thank you, DCDA.