In 2005 the Twenty-First Century Foundation launched the Black Men and Boys Initiative, which sought to raise the visibility of the crisis facing Black men and boys nationally. As they traveled cross-country to research the challenges facing Black men and boys, there was plenty of reason to despair. However, what they found was positive Black men and boys committed to developing new models for greatness, Black families forming in non-traditional ways, brothers who've "made it" returning to the hood sharing truths they've found and gaining strength and purpose from the brothers never left.
Soon, a question emerged: What could we do as a society to improve the life of a Black boy born in 2007 so that by the time he was eighteen his odds for success were significantly greater? With support from the Ford Foundation and others, the answer came in the form of 2025 Campaign for Black Men and Boys.
I am a King: A Rite of Passage to Manhood
Sequan Born Spigner |
 When I walk out of my house each day I cannot help but feel I am in a battlefield. Missiles are flying over my head and carnivorous bullets originating from advertisements and stereotypes are harming anyone with traces of individuality. My only weapons are my words, ideas, and thirst for knowledge. I have been born not only to win the battle, but also the war. I do this while focusing on the words of Fredrick Douglass as if they were the solution to all that is wrong: “Without struggle there is no progress.” I will struggle to succeed.
|
Read it || Share it
|
Bring Your A Game
|
 To catalyze a national conversation on the plight of Black men and boys, The Twenty-First Century Foundation (21CF) has partnered with actor–director Mario Van Peebles to create BRING YOUR A-GAME — a documentary film that, in Van Peebles’ words, “sheds light on the resilience and influence of Black males.” BRING YOUR A-GAME is a groundbreaking documentary film that will use screenings and accompanying community discussions as a catalyst to transform the lives of urban youth.
|
Read it || Share it
|
Making a Difference with Media Literacy
|
 In Los Angeles Unified School District, only 48% of African American and Latino students who enter high school in the 9th grade, complete 12th grade four years later (CRP, 2004). The nationwide public educational system as we know it currently operates using an outdated framework (BMGF, 2007) and has failed to properly engage and prepare minority youth (CRP, 2005), specifically Black male youth, to further their academic goals, develop as morally responsible citizens and to successfully transition, socially and economically, into the community and the workforce of the 21st Century.
|
Read it || Share it
|
Foster Care Advocate Zaid Gayle Chosen to Receive National Award for Improving Local Health Conditions
|
 Zaid Gayle had a dream ten years ago when he launched Peace4Kids, a grassroots effort aimed at creating “community as family” for foster and at-risk youth in South Los Angeles. After touching the lives of over 1,500 youth and growing Peace4Kids into a thriving non-profit, Mr. Gayle has been recognized on the national stage.
|
Read it || Share it
|
Black Youth to Organize After the Election
|
| "This is an exciting year for Black Youth Vote!," says Melanie L. Campbell, executive director and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), the parent organization for Black Youth Vote. Campbell continues, "They worked hard to register new voters, educate them on the issues and their rights at the polls, and make sure they turn out in record numbers. They did a phenomenal job this year."
|
Read it || Share it
|
