On June 7, 14 young black men marched down an aisle, standing proud. They beamed with self-confidence and wore no saggin’ pants. They looked as if they’d completed requirements for a college degree. Twelve weeks before, they’d embarked on a journey that will, hopefully, change their lives. They participated in the Priority Male Institute, a life skills and job readiness program for young black males ages 18 to 28 sponsored by the non-profit Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta Inc.
These young men were not just statistics to be pored over and put away as an overwhelming problem that “someone” needs to fix. They were young men who had purpose and just needed structure. Within this small group were a future aviation technician, real estate professional, photographer, welder, videogame designer, forensics specialist, physicist and entrepreneur. They all had dreams and visions for their own success. On June 7, they graduated from the Institute at a ceremony held at the Interdenominational Theological Center.
The Priority Male Institute was created by the council to serve this group of black males who had missed out on educational and related opportunities during their childhood and teenage years. The 12-week curriculum includes presentations on personal assessment, self-confidence, heritage, goal setting, interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, fatherhood, communications skills, criminal justice, financial literacy, etiquette, business development, vocational exploration, higher education, employment rights and responsibilities, resume preparation, interviewing skills, workplace ethics and more.
More than 50 trainers, presenters, facilitators, speakers and guests participated, including a New York Times best-selling author, state senator, judge, TV producer, psychologist, physician, attorneys and formerly incarcerated men. Organizations like Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta police, Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, Atlanta Technical College and many others provided education, inspiration and resources to empower these young men for life.
In addition to the classes, students were assigned to selected businesses for work experience and taken on field trips to the APEX Museum, Fulton County Municipal Court, Atlanta Metropolitan College and the EPIC Atlanta Complex. Employment opportunities with participating employers were also provided.
Trained mentors will work with these young men for one year to help them navigate their journey. Without doubt, the lives of these young men are being transformed. Suffice it to say, this is what the Priority Male Institute is all about: providing life skills training to young men who want to be a part of the society that rewards hard work and ideas that can help humanity.
Imagine if this program could be duplicated, multiplied and funded properly. The council has plans to replicate the program throughout Georgia in early 2015, will accept applications from organizations that wish to be sponsors and will provide training, technical support and oversight.
I recall the faces of each student and the pride that resonated on their faces at the graduation and rite of passage ceremony. I am grateful I had an opportunity to change a life or lend a hand. Without the vision and passion of council founder Norma Joy Barnes, I would not be writing this today.
Samuel Greene is director of communications for the Community Council of Metropolitan Atlanta.
