Black Men and Boys Community of Practice (BMBCoP)
July 27, 2017
FFHC’s Work with Jane Addams Resource Corporation
The Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) held an On The Table discussion on January 27, 2017. Fifteen (15) men discussed issues surrounding the training they received to obtain manufacturing jobs and the constraints they face as members of the program. The men discussed what success for them would entail and how their successes could help JARC in the future. The men also discussed their roles and responsibilities in meeting their goals after successful completion of JARC’s program.
FFHC’s Work with Gary Commission for the Social Status of Black Males
The Gary Commission for the Social Status of Black Males (GCSSBM) held On The Table events August 11, 2016; January 21, 2017 and April 20, 2017. Over eighty (80) black men and young black men discussed their daily challenges, their responsibilities, and their roles in improving their quality of life. Throughout these meetings, the men discussed challenges related to transportation, safety, employment and their perceptions about how society perceives black men and young black men. These three meetings will help the GCSSBM plan around the priorities participants voted were the most important to them for one final convening before the end of 2017 to see what decisions and resources stakeholders will need to create solutions for black men and young black men in Northwest Indiana.
Ongoing Work to Advance the Future of Black Men and Boys
Fathers, Families, and Healthy Communities (FFHC) hosted over 20 meetings with various organizations in Chicago discussing issues black men and young black men face in Chicago throughout May 2016. Most of these meetings involved 10 to 20 participants, and over 200 participants were involved in these intimate discussions. Participants discussed their attempts at “maintaining optimism and hope” as older black men, and younger black men discussed the importance of “keeping a level head” while trying to balance being assertive” as a part of their daily challenges. Discussions about personal accountability and the responsibilities of stakeholders and policy makers that work with black men and young black men were also held to provide solutions in the near future.
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