Men matter in education.
The moMENtum Project is an initiative targeted at improving male student achievement, predominately among Black and Hispanic populations. Men of all races, backgrounds and socio-economic levels agree to actively engage in the teaching and learning process by helping young men apply school-based learning to real-life. Whether in suburban, urban or rural communities, schools are faced with meeting the complex needs of these student subgroups. The men of the moMENtum Project respond in practical ways.
Men make moves on purpose.
Education research lets us know that there is a need to consider how we are addressing the achievement and opportunity gap for Black and Latino males. The narrative that they are under-performing and are the deviants within the school setting is perpetuated far after they have left the traditional academic environment.
The conversation of race and student performance are valuable conversations to have so that the oppression that challenges the learning opportunities for students do not become the socio-economic, legal and judicial struggles of so many adult men. The success and accomplishment of Black and Brown men must be told to create a counter-narrative that represents the truth of the matter for Black and Latino males. Higher aspirations become more attainable when the younger generation can stand on the shoulders of the elder.
Facts on His Father.
Research has shown that the engagement of Black fathers in the educational development of their children has a positive outcome. Students who have engaged fathers who usually perform better in school and have healthy levels of self-esteem and empathy for other people. Unfortunately, program development to engage fathers as a school-based intervention for increasing student achievement is an ambitious under-taking for school systems when the teachers are predominately white females. This particular strategy must be community-initiated and supported by strategic alliances who can assist in breaking down personal, financial, familial or legal barriers that may prevent father engagement,
Facts on His Teachers
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 81% of teachers in America are White, 8% Hispanic and 7% Black. Research has proven, achievement of minority students increases with the integration of teachers that look like them. There is an issue of a lack of Black & Brown male teachers in the classroom, This needs to be changed, but while we move forward with programs and policy, there is something we can do.
The moMENtum Project brings men together who are interested in actively addressing these issues of equity through coalition-building and collaborations that are facilitated at sponsored in-person and virtual events.
“We must aim for a trans-generational, multi-cultural educational approach that mobilizes individuals, families, community and nation to start grass-roots level projects, businesses, programs, organizations or campaigns to address such issues .”
—excerpt from “The Edunia Experience”