Black Male Initiative Program
ABOUT US
Low levels of engagement and poor academic performance are issues faced by most African American males in higher education. Philander Smith College was no different. In 2007, President Kimbrough led the charge to address the challenges faced by Black men and to ensure their college success.
After a critical review of the graduation rates, the president pulled together a committee to begin to look for new ways to engage the men on campus. As a result, the College established the Black Male Initiative (BMI). Through a series of sessions and special events for the male students, BMI regularly provides opportunities for the men to connect with each other, and with faculty and staff.
The Philander community serves as mentors for the males on campus -- coming together to embrace the concept of being their brother’s keeper. BMI's goal is to impact lives through involvement and support as the males strive for their objective…to graduate.
THE MISSION STATEMENT
The BMI mission is to provide relevant experiences for males that will ensure success academically, professionally and socially through development in the following areas: education/retention; leadership; social justice issues; community involvement; and cultural and spiritual enlightenment.
ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS
Michael Hutchinson, chairman of the Black Male Initiative, is responsible for developing strategies coordinating the activities designed to improve students’ success. Most recently, a "Swagger Like Us" contest for the men was held. This was a fun and creative activity to have the men dress with their own sense of style, and then be judged by how they pull it off. There were 3 celebrity judges that included a bank Vice President, and two college queens. The judges mingled with the contestants and then determined the winners.
Another initiative started by the BMI is the acknowledgement of birthdays. A special card was designed and produced for distribution to all male students on campus. This effort not only fosters a sense of community, but it also serves as a reminder of the mission of the Black Male Initiative.
Additionally, the BMI group formed a group to serve as “street team” members for the college’s Bless the Mic lecture series. Their first assignment was to assist in hosting the 1,400 attendees at the lecture given by Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin. The men attended a mandatory training session which provided them tips on how to be good hosts and ambassadors of the college.
Author and activist Kevin Powell (center) is surrounded by BMI street team members before his talk in support of his book, The Black Male Handbook.
Other activities have included lectures featuring notables such as Byron Hurt, producer of Beyond Beats and Rhymes, Dr. Shaun Harper, a leading scholar addressing issues facing Black men in higher education and Kevin Powell, author and activist; local speakers focusing on personal finance and men’s health; and activities such as “Are You the Next Tiger?,” a golf outing teaching students how to play golf. On occasion, the men gather for bowling night to bond and socialize with their mentors.
Mentor Dr. Frank James, vice president for academic affairs, gives "the next Tiger" (perhaps) guidance on his golf swing.
Philander Smith College is excited to assist its African American male students as they strive to succeed on and off the campus. If you would like to partner with this group, or receive more details on how you can play a role, contact Michael Hutchinson at mhutchinson@philander.edu.
BMI 'fencing' project
(April 3, 2009) The Black Male Inititative recently gathered a group of young men to give the fence across the street from the main campus entrance (the former Brick House Liquor parking lot) a new coat of Philander green. As a surprise bonus for their participation, the student volunteers were rewarded with a trip to play paintball later this month.
BMI - as featured in the Fall/Winter 2008
issue of The Philanderian magazine