Understanding the Social, Emotional and Learning Lives of Black Male Students

"Imagine 3 African American boys, kindergartners who are largely alike in intelligence, talent and character, whose potential seems limitless. According to a wealth of statistics and academic studies, in just over a decade, 1 of the boys is likely to be locked up or headed to prison. The 2nd boy – if he hasn’t already dropped out – will seriously weigh leaving high school and be pointed toward an uncertain future. The 3rd boy will be speeding toward success by most measures."
Michael Fletcher, The Washington Post, June 2006

On October 18, 2006 the first presentation in a five part seminar series on the Education of Black Male Youth was held at Wheelock College. This was a momentous date, not only because of the success of the presentation made by David Banks, the founding Principal of The Eagle Academy for Young Men, but also because it launched an important new partnership.

On that day Wheelock College and The Delores Walker Johnson Center for Thoughtful Leadership at ATLAS Learning Communities agreed to commit its resources to addressing the challenge of educating black male students. Both organizations believed that the education of black male students has become the most pressing problem with the American public education system. We also agreed to commit our collective energies over a span of three years to illuminate the challenges and opportunities that surround this topic.

In its second year, the series aims to inform and engage both the local and national community about the crisis confronting Black male youth with five lectures and full-day workshops addressing the education of young black males. Though the presenters will pay specific attention to the trauma and emotional strain that too many Black boys face today, they will also broaden audience appreciation for their communication styles, cultural identities and development, and the unique opportunities that exist when working with this population.

The series consists of free lectures, and full-day workshops in which participants will engage in conversations with the facilitators and take an in-depth look at the research surrounding the issue, further developing their skills in working with this population. There is a registration fee of $175 for each all-day workshop, or $750 if you register for all five at the same time; there is no charge to attend the lectures.