Supporting Black and Brown Men and Boys Through Mentorship

Mentorship, sometimes referred to as kinship (Bryant & Walker, 2023), is a powerful practice that can help individuals navigate their personal and professional lives. A mentor is someone who provides guidance and support, sharing their experiences and knowledge to help others achieve their goals. For Black males, mentorship is especially important. This group faces a range of challenges, including negative stereotypes, lack of access to resources and opportunities, and systemic racism and discrimination. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of mentorship for Black males, its benefits, and the qualities of an effective mentor. We will also look at different types of mentorship programs and success stories of Black males who have benefited from mentorship.

Challenges Black Males Face

Can you imagine what it’s like to constantly face negative stereotypes, biases, and a lack of access to resources and opportunities? Black males are often confronted with these challenges on a daily basis. Society tends to stereotype Black males as violent, lazy, and uneducated. These stereotypes can lead to discrimination and make it difficult for Black males to access education, employment, and other opportunities. Another challenge is the lack of access to resources and opportunities. Black males are more likely to grow up in impoverished communities with limited access to quality education and job opportunities. They are also more likely to experience poverty, which can limit their access to resources and opportunities.

Systemic racism and discrimination is another major challenge that Black males face. They are more likely to experience discrimination in education, employment, and other areas of life. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including limited access to resources, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence.

Benefits of Mentorship for Black Males

How can mentorship change the lives of Black males? By providing a constellation of mentors who act as positive role models, access to resources and opportunities, emotional support, and guidance. One study found that mentorship can increase a person’s self-esteem, confidence, and ability to achieve their goals (Rhodes et al., 2014). Having a positive role model can be especially important for Black males. It can help them see what is possible and give them the confidence to pursue their dreams. Access to resources and opportunities can also be transformative, helping Black males gain access to education, employment, and other opportunities that can improve their lives.

Emotional support and guidance are also important benefits of mentorship. Black males often face a range of challenges that can impact their mental health and wellbeing. Having a mentor to talk to and share their experiences with can provide much-needed emotional support and guidance.

Qualities of an Effective Mentor for Black Males

To be effective, a mentor for Black males needs to have certain qualities. These include shared experiences, strong communication skills, empathy and cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to advocate and provide opportunities. Shared experiences are important because they help create a bond between the mentor and mentee. This can help the mentee feel understood and valued. Strong communication skills are also important, as they help the mentor convey their knowledge and experiences to the mentee in a way that is understandable and relatable.

Empathy and cultural sensitivity are also crucial qualities for an effective mentor. Black males often face unique challenges that may not be understood by those outside of their community. A mentor who is empathetic and culturally sensitive can help bridge this gap and provide the support and guidance that Black males need. Finally, an effective mentor for Black males needs to be willing to advocate for and provide opportunities for their mentee. This can include introducing them to new people, helping them gain access to resources and opportunities, and advocating for their success.

Types of Mentorship Programs for Black Males

There are different types of mentorship programs that can be beneficial for Black males. One-on-one mentoring is a traditional form of mentorship that involves a one-on-one relationship between the mentor and mentee. Group mentoring is another type of mentorship program that involves a group of mentees and one or more mentors. Online mentoring is a more recent development and involves mentorship taking place through online platforms such as video conferencing and instant messaging. Workplace mentoring is another type of mentorship program that can be especially beneficial for Black males who are just starting their careers.

One-on-one mentoring can be highly effective for Black males who need individual attention and support. This type of mentorship is usually structured around regular meetings and can be highly personalized. Group mentoring, on the other hand, provides an opportunity for Black males to connect with other individuals who have similar experiences. Group mentoring can provide a sense of community and support, which can be highly beneficial for Black males.

Online mentoring is a more recent development that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This type of mentorship program is especially beneficial for Black males who live in remote areas or have limited access to in-person mentorship opportunities. Online mentoring can take place through video conferencing, instant messaging, or email. It can be highly flexible and allows for mentorship to take place on a schedule that works for both the mentor and mentee.

Workplace mentoring is another type of mentorship program that can be highly beneficial for Black males who are just starting their careers. This type of mentorship program can provide access to resources and opportunities that might not be available otherwise. Workplace mentoring can also help Black males develop important professional skills and gain the confidence they need to succeed in their careers.

Success Stories of Black Males who Benefited from Mentorship

There are many success stories of Black males who have benefited from mentorship. One such story is that of Michael Ealy, an actor who credits his mentor with helping him achieve his success. Ealy’s mentor, an African American actor, provided him with guidance, support, and access to resources that helped him get his start in the industry (Harris, 2015).

Another success story is that of Rashad Jennings, a former NFL player who now works as a motivational speaker. Jennings credits his mentor, a high school football coach, with helping him develop the confidence he needed to succeed. His mentor provided him with emotional support, guidance, and opportunities that helped him develop the skills he needed to excel in football and beyond (Hill, 2019).

In 2017, a comprehensive case study was carried out by Goings et al. with the aim of investigating the experiences of a 17-year-old Black male second-year college student from the United Kingdom. This student was participating in a male-centric mentoring program at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

This case study presents a focused examination of the academic journey of a 17-year-old Black male college sophomore from the United Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on the role of mentoring in shaping his trajectory. The study utilized a qualitative methodology, observing and interviewing the subject over a specified period, seeking to uncover the impact and influence of mentorship on his academic path and personal development.

The study revealed that mentoring played a pivotal role in this young man’s academic journey. His mentors, through their consistent guidance, emotional support, and valuable insights, played an instrumental role in fostering his confidence and equipping him with necessary academic and life skills. The mentors served not just as guides but also as role models, exemplifying the potential successes attainable despite the systemic obstacles often faced by Black males in academia.

Specifically, the study highlighted how the mentors helped navigate the challenges typically associated with being a young Black male in a predominantly white academic environment, offering strategies to handle implicit bias, microaggressions, and institutional racism. Their influence was seen to be crucial in sustaining the student’s motivation, enabling his academic achievements, and affirming his racial identity in a supportive, empowering manner.

In essence, this case study underscored the transformative power of mentorship in the academic trajectory of a young Black male. It demonstrated the mentors’ role in nurturing his intellectual growth, resilience, and sense of belonging within an often complex and challenging academic landscape. The findings suggest that effective mentorship programs could be vital in supporting the success of Black males in higher education, highlighting the need for such initiatives to be implemented more widely.

These success stories are just a few examples of how mentorship can be transformative for Black males. They illustrate how mentorship can provide access to resources, opportunities, and emotional support that can help Black males achieve their goals and succeed in life.

How to Find a Mentor for Black Males

Mentorship is a vital aspect of personal and professional development, and for Black males, finding the right mentor can be a game-changer. Fortunately, there are several ways to find a mentor that suits your needs and goals. Networking and community involvement are great ways to meet potential mentors. By attending events, joining organizations, and volunteering in your community, you can connect with people who share your interests and experiences. By building relationships with individuals in your community, you increase your chances of finding someone who can serve as a valuable mentor.

Mentorship programs and organizations can also provide access to mentors for Black males. Programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the 100 Black Men of America offer mentorship opportunities and can help connect you with mentors who share your experiences and interests. These organizations have a wealth of resources and networks that can provide valuable guidance and support. In addition to these options, pre-conference workshops and summits can also be excellent opportunities to connect with seasoned professionals. For instance, the Black male summits organized by ACPA and NASPA are platforms that bring together some of the brightest minds in higher education. By attending these workshops, you can gain insights and advice from experienced professionals who can guide you in your personal and professional growth.

Finals Thoughts

Finding a mentor as a Black male requires intentional effort and a willingness to connect with others in your community. By attending events, joining organizations, and volunteering, you can build relationships that can lead to valuable mentorship opportunities. Additionally, mentorship programs and organizations and pre-conference workshops can also provide access to experienced professionals who can guide you in your journey.

Reaching out to potential mentors is another option for Black males who are looking for mentorship. Black males can identify people who they admire or who have achieved the goals they aspire to and reach out to them for mentorship. This can be done through social media, email, or in person.

Mentorship can be a powerful tool for Black males who are looking to achieve their goals and succeed in life. It can provide access to resources and opportunities, emotional support, and guidance. To be effective, a mentor for Black males needs to have certain qualities, including shared experiences, strong communication skills, empathy and cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to advocate and provide opportunities.

There are different types of mentorship programs that can be beneficial for Black males, including one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring, online mentoring, and workplace mentoring. Success stories of Black males who have benefited from mentorship illustrate how mentorship can be transformative, providing access to resources and opportunities that can help Black males achieve their goals and succeed in life.

Black males who are looking for mentorship can find mentors through networking and community involvement, mentorship programs and organizations, and by reaching out to potential mentors. Mentorship is a valuable tool that can help Black males overcome the challenges they face and achieve their goals. By finding the right mentor, Black males can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life.

Reflective Questions

1. How has mentorship played a role in your personal or professional life? Can you think of a time when a mentor made a significant impact on your growth or development?
2. In what ways can you serve as a mentor to others, particularly young Black and Brown boys in your community? What experiences, knowledge, or resources can you share to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals?
3. How can you actively seek out mentorship opportunities for yourself or others? What steps can you take to create or strengthen mentorship relationships that have the potential to change the trajectory of your personal or professional life?

References

Bryant, A. L., & Walker, L. J. (2023). Am I My Brother’s Keeper?: The Importance of Black Male Kinship at a PWI. In Best Practices and Programmatic Approaches for Mentoring Educational Leaders (pp. 48-64). IGI Global. https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/am-i-my-brothers-keeper/318997 

Goings, R. B., Davis, J., Britto, J., & Greene, D. (2017). The influence of mentoring on the academic trajectory of a 17-year-old Black male college sophomore from the United Kingdom: a single case study. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 25(3), 346-368. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2017.1364853 

Harris, J. (2015). Michael Ealy reveals his ‘mentor’ and how he became an actor. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/michael-ealy-reveals-his-mentor-how-he-became-actor-n428781

Hill, J. R. (2019). Rashad Jennings: From NFL star to motivational speaker. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jerylbrunner/2019/06/28/rashad-jennings-from-nfl-star-to-motivational-speaker/?sh=1e1a5f7d2e12

Rhodes, J. E., Grossman, J. B., & Resch, N. L. (2014). Agents of change: Pathways through which mentoring relationships influence adolescents’ academic adjustment. Child Development, 85(4), 1837-1851. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.12267