BMA Field

“There is no cavalry coming to save the day. We are the agents of the change we want to see. We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for.”

SHAWN DOVE, CEO OF CBMA
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HOW THE BMA FIELD BEGAN

The story begins in 2008, when CBMA was launched as part of the Open Society Foundations (OSF). Over the course of seven years, CBMA helped catalyze the field of Black male achievement and move the movement forward. Then, in 2015 the Campaign spun off into an independent 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to ensure the growth, sustainability and impact of leaders and organizations committed to improving the life outcomes of Black men and boys.

WHY BLACK MEN AND BOYS?

For decades Black males have struggled to realize equal opportunities throughout their lives, especially in education and the workforce.

42%

of Black men and boys are likely to be educated in under-performing schools

3x

In schools, Black males are three times more likely to face disciplinary measures than their white counterparts

52%

of Black men and boys graduate with a 4-year degree compared to 78% of white counterparts

Unfortunately, history tells us that these leaders have struggled to keep their organizations focused on this challenge because of lack of funding and capacity-building support. In 1995, a report by the Urban Institute profiled 51 “promising” or “effective” programs tackling Black Male Achievement issues. Ten years later, the survey found that 25% of those organizations no longer existed and 50% ended their Black Male Achievement (BMA)-focused work. Due to a range of factors, many of the hurdles these leaders faced have shown signs of being unique and more complex than the hurdles faced by the general nonprofit sector. The Campaign for Black Male Achievement was created to close this gap and ensure that the Black Male Achievement field is strong enough to address the challenges facing Black men and boys in our country.

History or the BMA Field

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

What does black male achievement mean to you?

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The Players Shaping the Movement

CBMA plays the dual role of supporting leaders on the ground while at the same time amplifying and catalyzing the movement for Black Male Achievement around the country.

Nonprofit
We work to engage nonprofit organizations and leaders to to deepen their individual and organizational capacity by sharing expert guidance and mobilizing on the ground around key messages (narrative) and
Philanthropy
Working with funders, grantmakers, nonprofits and policymakers and anyone else interested in the Black Male Achievement Field to increase investments in this work and to facilitate engagement, catalyze collaboration, and
Business/Entrepreneuer
We work to engage businesses or entrepreneurs who see Black men and boys as assets through their philanthropic efforts and value the importance of ensuring that Black men have opportunities for
Government
We work with municipal leaders to further support for Black Male Achievement at a local level. Significant local, state, and federal initiatives are underway with leadership by elected officials. Among
Schools
Advancing the positive development of young people by promoting the principles and practices that enable them to thrive.
Faith-based
We work to engage faith-based leaders and institutions to address issues that disproportionately affect Black men and boys.