Too many young black males are at risk. This is not a myth, but a statement of fact.
For years, I have been concerned about the welfare of at-risk youth and disadvantaged individuals. It has led me to volunteer service and a human service career. However, it was during my volunteer work with Joint Action in Community Service Inc., and my 30-plus years with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, that I became acutely aware of the plight of young black males, who seemed to face insurmountable odds.
Bleak statistics and compelling evidence showed these young males were disproportionately excluded from the thriving workforce, but over-represented in the criminal justice system. My heart ached as I witnessed their struggles. I was compelled to do more than commiserate about their plight. The quote, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,” had always inspired me, but I realized that I had to put it into action if I truly wanted to help. This realization refueled my desire to make a real difference and planted a burning vision in my heart to do so.
In 2008, my vision was actualized with the incorporation of the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta Inc. as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In September of that year, the Priority Male Institute, a free life-skills and job-readiness program, was implemented to teach black males 18 to 28 skills to help them reach their full potential — academically, vocationally, economically and personally.
With no grant or ongoing funding, the council depends on donations to provide its free programs. Morris Brown College has co-sponsored the institute since 2010 with classroom and conference space and logistical support.
The council is currently recruiting trainers, workshop leaders, keynote speakers, mentors, potential employers and partners for the 2014 Institute. It will run March 3 to May 23, with classes 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, at the Hickman Student Center, Morris Brown College.
Participants will be provided hands-on training in self development, goal setting, interpersonal skills, communication skills, conflict resolution, etiquette, image, financial literacy, vocational exploration, entrepreneurship, work ethics and other life skills. In layman’s terms, they will be taught how to fish, even in turbulent or murky waters.
Throughout the program, participants will be assigned life-skill coaches and mentors to provide support and guidance. The goal is to place graduates in gainful positions with participating employers, or facilitate enrollment in educational/vocational institutions.
The council cannot do this alone. We need businesses, organizations, churches, employers and individuals to partner with us. Together, we can teach at-risk young men how to “fish for a lifetime” and empower them to live more productive lives. Please contact me at normajoybarnes@live.com. or visit www.communitycouncilma.org.
Norma Joy Barnes is president/CEO of the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta Inc.
