Why These Institutions Remain Unforgettable
Even while on a brief holiday pause, I was reminded that this work does not stop. Taking the short drive from Harlem to New Rochelle was less about distance and more about commitment. Moments like this reaffirm that HBCU education and advocacy are not bound by geography; they show up wherever community is willing to gather. A Moment Before the Program Even Began Before the formal program started, during the meet-and-greet, I had the opportunity to meet a high school senior and her parents. She shared exciting news: she had recently been accepted to Bethune-Cookman University, her first choice, with Florida A&M University close behind. I joked that “I suppose someone must be second,” but truly, it was all HBCU love. That brief exchange captured the heart of the day before the first speaker even took the stage. Legacy and possibility were already in the room. Opening the Circle Joe Andrews officially opened the program, welcoming the audience with warmth and grounding the gathering in intention. His remarks invited everyone into the space not as spectators, but as contributors to a shared experience. This event is a new addition to JAMAA’s existing programming and serves as a meaningful complement to their annual HBCU College Fair. Joe shared his excitement about growing this celebration in the years ahead. Eden Barnett, a May 2025 pre-med graduate of Howard University and a proud alumnus of New Rochelle High School, followed with reflections on his transition from high school to college. He spoke candidly about confidence, independence, and identity development, offering students and families a living example of what the HBCU journey can look like when preparation, support, and opportunity align. Joe’s business partner, Iman Sabree, then framed the day through the Kwanzaa principle of Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), naming what many already felt. This celebration existed because community showed up with intention. The presence of community partners further underscored the spirit of the day. Aisha Cook, President of the New Rochelle NAACP, along with members of the organization, were actively engaged in supporting the event and ensuring that several local youth were able to attend. Their involvement reflected a shared commitment to exposure, access, and advocacy, reinforcing that meaningful college readiness work happens best when schools, families, and community organizations move together.  The Heart of the Program: The 15 Things That Make HBCUs Unforgettable I then led the central conversation, “The 15 Things That Make HBCUs Unforgettable.” This was not presented as a checklist, but as a shared framework. As we moved through the fifteen points, one truth consistently surfaced: no matter which HBCU we attended, and regardless of the generation we represent, there is a common bond that connects us. These were not isolated experiences; they were shared ones. The presentation flowed intentionally, mirroring the rhythm of the HBCU experience itself. We began with history, grounding the audience in the federal definition of HBCUs under Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965. From there, we moved into several of the “15 Things,” paused for HBCU facts and trivia that both educated and entertained, returned to the points, and continued that pattern throughout. Several themes resonated deeply in the room. Alumni reflected on the impact of smaller class settings and close relationships with professors, advisors, and mentors, moments where students are truly seen and supported. Others spoke about lifelong friendships, campus traditions, and the enduring sense of HBCU love that continues well beyond graduation. These reflections reminded everyone present that while campuses may differ, the experience carries a familiar rhythm. Alumni were invited to the stage, transforming the session into a true conversation. Their insights were not supplemental; they were essential. Among those contributing were Tamika A. Coverdale of the Howard University Alumni Club of Westchester and Rockland; Eden Barnett, offering both student and alumni perspective; Tantaniqua Potts, a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University; and Cheryl Murphy of Morgan State University. Their short stories and testimonies brought depth, humor, and authenticity to every point. As the conversation progressed, we turned to the history and impact of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), discussing its role in scholarship access, alumni support, and educational equity. During this portion of the program, a Tuskegee alum in the audience added a powerful local connection, sharing that Dr. Frederick D. Patterson, former president of Tuskegee Institute and one of the founders of UNCF, had retired in New Rochelle. That moment reminded us that legacy often lives closer than we think. To close the instructional arc, I shared the Common Black College Application (CBCA) as a practical next step for students and families continuing their HBCU journey. The message was simple and clear: inspiration must be paired with access and action. Although we did not play the game live, we also discussed the HBCU Trivia Game as a versatile learning tool for classrooms, alumni meetings, and community events. Several attendees purchased copies to take that experience back into their own spaces. Wisdom, Tradition, and Community Professor James Small, a retired professor from the City University of New York, and a respected scholar, activist, and speaker, followed with reflections rooted in scholarship and lived experience. Drawing from his time at Savannah State University, he encouraged scholars to do their research and challenged parents to remain actively engaged in the college process, reinforcing that this journey is communal. The program closed with Iman Sabree leading a full Kwanzaa celebration, including the lighting of the candles, acknowledgement of the ancestors, reflections on the meaning and purpose of the holiday, and a collective Habari Gani. And what is a Kwanzaa celebration without an amazing meal? Fellowship and food followed, thanks in part to Rachel Cornelius, a retired school administrator from New Rochelle High School and a member of the planning committee.  A Responsibility Carried Forward As I reflected on the day, I returned to the words of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman University and co-founder of UNCF: “I leave you finally a responsibility to our young people.” “The world around us really belongs to youth, for youth will take over its future management.” That responsibility was visible throughout the HBCU Kwanzaa Celebration. Ujima was not just named; it was lived. Community leaned in. Knowledge was shared. Young people were centered. That is the enduring power of HBCUs, and of gatherings like this one. They are, indeed, unforgettable. About the Hosts
JAMAA Headquarters Inc. JAMAA Headquarters Inc. is a New Rochelle–based community organization committed to empowering youth and families through culturally grounded programming, mentorship, education, and community engagement. Their work creates spaces where young people can connect to opportunity, identity, and purpose. Next Level Development Next Level Development supports community-centered initiatives that elevate youth development, leadership, and cultural awareness through partnerships and programming. Together, JAMAA Headquarters Inc. and Next Level Development created an experience that reflected the spirit of Kwanzaa and the promise of HBCU pathways for young people and families.
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Experiencing Liberation on Broadway Anthony and I recently had the opportunity to experience the Broadway production of Liberation, and it was one of those evenings that stays with you long after the curtain comes down. From the opening moments, the women at the center of this story were nothing short of phenomenal. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s women’s liberation movement, Liberation tells the story of radical women who dared to challenge systems that refused to see them as equals. Their courage, frustration, humor, and determination were all on full display, reminding us that progress has always required people willing to stand up, speak out, and risk being misunderstood. What made the storytelling especially powerful was its framing. Rather than simply presenting history, the play unfolds through the perspective of a daughter reflecting on her mother and her mother’s friends as they gather in a community women’s meeting. That generational lens added emotional depth and tenderness. We were not just watching a movement, we were watching a daughter try to understand the choices, sacrifices, and bravery that shaped the world she inherited. The actress portraying the adult daughter was superb. Her performance captured both curiosity and reverence as she imagined what her mother endured. When she broke the fourth wall, it was not a gimmick. It was an invitation. The audience was pulled directly into the reflection, asked to bear witness rather than passively observe. That connection felt honest, human, and deeply intentional. Another element that elevated the entire experience was the theater’s strict no cell phone policy. In a world where we are constantly distracted, this created a rare and sacred space for presence. No glowing screens. No interruptions. Just the collective focus of an audience fully engaged with the story in front of them. In many ways, it felt like an extension of the production itself. After all, there were no cell phones in the 1970s. That absence helped ground us in the era and reinforced the urgency and intimacy of the movement being portrayed.
Then came the top of Act II. In one of the most striking moments of the evening, the women’s liberation movement depicted on stage made a bold decision to bare all as a form of protest and self-definition. This choice was not about shock value. It was about truth. It was a literal and symbolic declaration of autonomy, authenticity, and ownership of one’s body and identity. Vulnerability became power. In that moment, without distraction or escape, the audience was asked to sit with discomfort, courage, and clarity all at once. Taken together, the fearless storytelling and the intentional space for presence created a theatrical experience that demanded more than applause. It demanded reflection. It reminded us that art is not always meant to entertain alone. Sometimes, it is meant to challenge us, ground us, and ask us to truly witness one another. Kudos to the cast, crew, and creative team for delivering a thoughtful, courageous, and unforgettable night at the theater. This is the kind of work that honors the past while speaking boldly to the present. As I always say, #SupportTheArts #AnyArts  I’m deeply honored to share that I’ve been selected as a Fall/Winter 2025 Positive Impact Award Winner, receiving The Legacy Builders Award.
This recognition honors works that empower individuals to live intentionally, cultivate purpose, and create impact that extends beyond a lifetime. To have my work acknowledged for its focus on generational influence, conscious action, and inner growth is both humbling and affirming. In addition, I was selected as a winner in two other categories:
You can view the full list of winners on this website: View Winners Here What makes this moment especially meaningful is the intention behind these awards. The Positive Impact Awards celebrate stories that do more than entertain. They uplift, heal, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting imprint on the reader. To be counted among works described as emotionally moving, deeply reflective, and life-changing is something I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to Infinite Generations and the judges who took the time to truly sit with these stories, reflect on their truths, and honor literature that speaks to resilience, courage, faith, wellness, love, and legacy. This recognition affirms why storytelling matters and why sharing our lived experiences can be a powerful force for hope and understanding. Thank you to every reader, supporter, student, and community member who continues to walk alongside me. This honor is received with gratitude and a renewed commitment to continue doing work that serves, uplifts, and builds legacy. — Anthony H. Brown A New York Day That Mattered Some days are meant for rest.
Some days are meant for reflection. And then there are days that gently remind you that purpose doesn’t disappear just because you’re on vacation. I’ve been in New York for the holidays since December 15 and will be here through January 3rd, give or take. This trip is my holiday vacation, and most of my time is being intentionally spent with my son, slowing down, being present, and enjoying moments that don’t require an agenda. That time matters deeply to me. Today, however, I was able to sneak away for the day and put on my education and HBCU advocacy hat, connecting with like-minded people who are lifting the work in the Queens borough. It didn’t feel like stepping away from vacation. It felt like alignment. Instead of navigating a nearly two-hour train ride during the morning rush, I decided to drive over from Harlem. Truth be told, Anthony didn’t trust that I could manage the New York City subway system, and if I’m being honest, I didn’t fully trust myself either. Paying for an overpriced Uber ride was out of the question when I had a perfectly good car sitting right outside. The drive gave me space to think, make a few phone calls, take in the city waking up, and prepare myself for the day ahead. And with that mindset, the day unfolded. Planting Seeds at Eagle Academy for Young Men of Southeast Queens While in Queens, I had the honor of visiting Eagle Academy for Young Men of Southeast Queens, a grades 6–12 public school within the New York City Department of Education, hosted by Principal Dr. Christopher Smith and his dedicated administrative team. Eagle Academy is built on the belief that long-term investment matters. Serving students from middle school through high school allows the school to walk alongside young men during some of their most formative years. What makes this model even more impactful is that Eagle Academies exist in nearly every borough across New York City, all within the NYC DOE system, offering a consistent, mission-driven approach centered on academic excellence, leadership development, and brotherhood. I was also honored to be joined during the visit by Rev. Carlene Thorbs, Chairperson of Queens Community Board 12. Her presence underscored the strong connection between the school, community leadership, and the broader ecosystem supporting young men in Southeast Queens. Successful schools don’t operate in isolation. They thrive when community voices are engaged and invested. During my visit, I toured classrooms, learned more about academic and enrichment programs, and stepped into a parent workshop already in progress. Seeing families actively engaged reinforced what we already know, sustained student success happens when schools and families move together. I also spent meaningful time with seniors discussing Historically Black Colleges and Universities, campus culture, and postsecondary pathways. Assisting students with the Common Black College Application was more than procedural; it was an access point. For 12 eager scholars, we were able to gift and lift a critical barrier to college admission by providing a fee waiver access code, removing cost as an obstacle and turning intention into action. Eagle Academy is preparing young men not just to graduate, but to lead beyond the building. Excellence by Design at HBCU Early College Prep High School From there, I traveled to another powerful space, HBCU Early College Prep High School, a New York City Department of Education public high school led by the Founding Principal Dr. Asya Johnson. This visit carried added significance, as the school is currently in its inaugural year, welcoming its first cohort of high-achieving ninth-grade scholars. As a criteria-based program, the school establishes high expectations from the very beginning. Students are admitted with intention, and the academic culture is clear, focused, and uncompromising, even in year one. At the time of my visit, scholars were preparing for their first college-level final exams, a remarkable milestone for ninth graders. Teachers are trained and credentialed to teach at Delaware State University’s academic standards through the senior year, ensuring students are not simply earning credits, but developing true college-level mastery. As students move through the program, they will transition into taking Delaware State University online courses, allowing them to experience the pace, accountability, and rigor of college learning while still enrolled in a NYC DOE high school. By graduation, scholars have the potential to earn nearly 60 college credits, with automatic transfer to DSU’s main campus and preparation to enroll at any HBCU of their choice. To witness this level of clarity, structure, and rigor in a school’s very first year speaks volumes. This is what it looks like when bold vision meets disciplined execution within a public education system. The Relationships Behind the Work Both school visits were made possible by my good friend and community advocate, Vanessa L. Sparks, a College Access Financial Advisor whose work centers on parent and student advocacy within the postsecondary financial aid process. With more than 25 years of experience, Vanessa has supported families through college admissions and financial aid navigation, with training that includes the U.S. Department of Education, the College Access Consortium of New York, Davidson College, and the Goddard-Riverside OPTIONS College Access Program. Later in the day, Vanessa and I met Judi Belle Raines, a retired educator, published author, and librarian whose impact across Queens is both deep and joyful. Judi is a recipient of the Queens Public Library Shining Star Award, recognized for her leadership, volunteer service, and unwavering commitment to literacy and community engagement. Meeting Judi in person after corresponding about Inspire Me Moments was a full-circle moment. Signing her book felt humbling in the best way, sitting with someone who has devoted her life to education and access. Brotherhood, Sobriety, and Sacred Conversation After all of the running around with Vanessa, a cup of coffee was in order — because as the saying goes, America runs on coffee, and for those who know me well, you know I really mean Dunkin’ — and after dropping her home, I spent time with my good friend Walter Dogan of Morehouse College. If you’ve read Inspire Me Moments, you know his name. Walter represents the kind of brotherhood that doesn’t enable, doesn’t excuse, and doesn’t look away. There was a season in my life when clarity mattered more than comfort, and Walter was one of the brothers who helped me see myself clearly. He was a catalyst in my sobriety journey, not through judgment, but through presence, honesty, and belief. We talked about life, family, community, and UNCF. No agenda. Just real conversation. Growth often happens quietly, in spaces of trust. Inter-Alumni Council, MLK, and Building Bridges Forward To close out the day, I joined the Greater New York Inter-Alumni Council virtual meeting. One of the major takeaways was the continued planning for their 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Breakfast. I’ve had the pleasure of attending this event in person in years past and hosting their virtual program during the pandemic. No matter the format, the spirit has remained consistent, excellence, service, and commitment. Thank you to Adenika Cumberland, GNYIAC President, for allowing me a few moments to speak on the agenda. I shared highlights from my school visits and let the council know that both Eagle Academy and HBCU Early College Prep High School are open to hosting Inter-Alumni Council meetings, alumni chapter gatherings, and related events. The principals expressed genuine interest in welcoming alumni organizations into their spaces as partners in exposure, mentorship, and college awareness. When alumni meet in school spaces, students get to see legacy up close. They see pathways made visible. That matters. Carrying It Forward As January approaches, I’m reminded that MLK season is not just about reflection. It’s about recommitment. Recommitting to students who deserve access. To families who need clarity. To schools doing bold work within public systems. To brotherhood, mentorship, and accountability. This New York day didn’t feel like a detour from vacation. It felt like alignment. And as I return to my son, to rest, and to the rhythm of the holidays, I carry the quiet hope that one day he’ll understand why moments like these mattered. Not because I left, but because I showed him what it looks like when purpose and presence walk together. For Educators, Families, and HBCU Champions If you’re an educator, school leader, counselor, parent, or HBCU advocate committed to expanding access and honoring student potential, I invite you to stay connected. This work lives at the intersection of public education, family engagement, and HBCU opportunity, and it thrives through collaboration. You can explore resources, reflections, and tools rooted in college access and student advocacy, including Inspire Me Moments, and learn more about partnerships, workshops, or speaking engagements at www.aharrisbrown.com. Together, we can continue building pathways that affirm brilliance, preserve legacy, and prepare the next generation to lead. A Community Call to Support Family Engagement, |
 | 🌟 How You Can Support A portion of the award decision includes community voting.
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🌟 TOP REASONS PEOPLE CAN USE ON THE BALLOT
In the section that asks “Why did you select this finalist?”, you may write from the heart, or use language like:
In the section that asks “Why did you select this finalist?”, you may write from the heart, or use language like:
- I selected Anthony because he builds systems of equity and belonging that uplift families, fathers, educators, and scholars across Cleveland.
- Anthony strengthens family engagement in ways that directly support attendance, literacy, student success, and overall school connectedness.
- He creates sustainable, community-rooted partnerships that honor the voices and experiences of families while building trust and transparency.
- Anthony’s fatherhood engagement work celebrates Black and Brown fathers, strengthens the village, and transforms how families feel seen and supported.
- He empowers male educators of color through mentorship and leadership development, creating a culture of representation and support for our scholars.
- Anthony brings the heart of a storyteller and the skill of a systems leader. His writing and speaking inspire families, educators, and the entire Cleveland community.
Your voice matters.
Your story matters.
And your vote amplifies the work of an entire community.
On Friday evening, November 21, the night before the 23rd Annual Destination HBCU College Fair, I sat down with Spectrum News inside Warrensville Heights High School to talk about something that continues to shape our future as a community: the decline in Black male college enrollment, and more importantly, what we can do about it.
The interview was a great conversation and a therapeutic moment. We were standing on the eve of an annual event where scholars would be searching for opportunities, scholarships, and a sense of belonging. It was certain to be a day filled with impact.
And for me, it was deeply personal.
The city of Warrensville Heights has been my home since the age of four.
Warrensville Heights High School, and the entire school district, is my alma mater.
I graduated from this institution in 1988.
I also had the opportunity to teach here for 12 years.
I walked these halls as a student, returned as a teacher, and this year stood in the gymnasium to receive an honorary doctorate in front of my community. To sit in that building the night before the fair, talking about the future of Black men in education, felt like purpose coming full circle.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________A Scholar Who Represents What So Many Are Facing
During the interview with reporter Rose Todd, I sat with 11th grader Roland Jones, a talented band leader and future first-generation college student. He is thoughtful, focused, and resilient. He has experienced deep personal loss, yet he continues to show up, grow, and lead with purpose.
Roland talked about wanting to go to college to learn new things and gain new experiences. He dreams of attending an HBCU and hopes to use music as a pathway forward.
Roland is exactly why this work matters.
And this will not be a one-time conversation.
I plan to follow up with Roland and with his band director, Donshon Wilson — who is also a member of the Profound Gentlemen Ohio Cohort — to offer continued encouragement, resources, and mentorship. Supporting him is not about a news moment. It is about a relationship that grows, a young man who deserves consistent guidance, and an educator who deserves community around him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Data Paints a Clear Picture
College enrollment nationwide declined by about 15 percent between 2010 and 2021.
Black male enrollment has fallen even more sharply.
HBCUs have seen nearly a 25 percent decrease in Black male students.
These numbers represent real barriers, real inequities, and real missed opportunities. Yet they also demonstrate why spaces like the Destination HBCU College Fair and organizations like Profound Gentlemen remain essential for our community.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why My Journey Matters in This Work
There was a time when my GPA was a 1.9. I know what it feels like to be overlooked by a system that does not always affirm young Black men. What changed my life was not luck. It was mentorship, representation, and a community that believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
My journey from academic struggle to educator, author, impact leader, speaker, entrepreneur, and honorary doctorate recipient shows what can happen when support meets potential. In my book, Inspire Me Moments, I talk about living boldly, breaking cycles, and reclaiming purpose. Young men like Roland, and so many others across Cleveland, remind me why those words still matter.
The interview was a great conversation and a therapeutic moment. We were standing on the eve of an annual event where scholars would be searching for opportunities, scholarships, and a sense of belonging. It was certain to be a day filled with impact.
And for me, it was deeply personal.
The city of Warrensville Heights has been my home since the age of four.
Warrensville Heights High School, and the entire school district, is my alma mater.
I graduated from this institution in 1988.
I also had the opportunity to teach here for 12 years.
I walked these halls as a student, returned as a teacher, and this year stood in the gymnasium to receive an honorary doctorate in front of my community. To sit in that building the night before the fair, talking about the future of Black men in education, felt like purpose coming full circle.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________A Scholar Who Represents What So Many Are Facing
During the interview with reporter Rose Todd, I sat with 11th grader Roland Jones, a talented band leader and future first-generation college student. He is thoughtful, focused, and resilient. He has experienced deep personal loss, yet he continues to show up, grow, and lead with purpose.
Roland talked about wanting to go to college to learn new things and gain new experiences. He dreams of attending an HBCU and hopes to use music as a pathway forward.
Roland is exactly why this work matters.
And this will not be a one-time conversation.
I plan to follow up with Roland and with his band director, Donshon Wilson — who is also a member of the Profound Gentlemen Ohio Cohort — to offer continued encouragement, resources, and mentorship. Supporting him is not about a news moment. It is about a relationship that grows, a young man who deserves consistent guidance, and an educator who deserves community around him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Data Paints a Clear Picture
College enrollment nationwide declined by about 15 percent between 2010 and 2021.
Black male enrollment has fallen even more sharply.
HBCUs have seen nearly a 25 percent decrease in Black male students.
These numbers represent real barriers, real inequities, and real missed opportunities. Yet they also demonstrate why spaces like the Destination HBCU College Fair and organizations like Profound Gentlemen remain essential for our community.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why My Journey Matters in This Work
There was a time when my GPA was a 1.9. I know what it feels like to be overlooked by a system that does not always affirm young Black men. What changed my life was not luck. It was mentorship, representation, and a community that believed in me before I fully believed in myself.
My journey from academic struggle to educator, author, impact leader, speaker, entrepreneur, and honorary doctorate recipient shows what can happen when support meets potential. In my book, Inspire Me Moments, I talk about living boldly, breaking cycles, and reclaiming purpose. Young men like Roland, and so many others across Cleveland, remind me why those words still matter.
Profound Gentlemen: Why the Presence of Male Educators of Color Changes Everything
Nationally, only about 1 to 2 percent of teachers are Black men, according to federal data summarized by organizations like ASCD and ABC News/Good Morning America. This absence matters.
Research continues to show that when students, especially Black boys, have even one Black male teacher early in their schooling, outcomes improve significantly.
A study from Johns Hopkins University found that Black students who had at least one Black teacher by third grade were:
Studies from the IZA Institute of Labor Economics and the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that having a same-race teacher:
The Education Trust found that students taught by teachers of color report:
At Profound Gentlemen, we invest in the journey of Black and Brown male educators. Our work extends beyond bringing men into the classroom. We provide mentorship, community, and professional support that helps them thrive — because when our educators thrive, our boys thrive. And when our boys thrive, our communities thrive.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Barriers Exist, But So Do Solutions
In the Spectrum News interview, I named several barriers young Black men face:
Our mission is not simply to identify barriers. It is to dismantle them. Through mentorship, representation, community partnerships, and relentless advocacy, we are changing the narrative one scholar at a time.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Legacy Event With a Legacy Impact
The next morning, Warrensville Heights High School filled with recruiters from dozens of HBCUs for the Destination HBCU College Fair. For more than two decades, this fair has served as a gateway, helping students secure scholarships, meet alumni, and understand that college is attainable.
To stand in that space, in my own alma mater, on the heels of my honorary recognition, and in the presence of scholars who look like I once looked, reminded me that purpose has a long memory.
Nationally, only about 1 to 2 percent of teachers are Black men, according to federal data summarized by organizations like ASCD and ABC News/Good Morning America. This absence matters.
Research continues to show that when students, especially Black boys, have even one Black male teacher early in their schooling, outcomes improve significantly.
A study from Johns Hopkins University found that Black students who had at least one Black teacher by third grade were:
- up to 39 percent more likely to graduate
- more likely to consider college
Studies from the IZA Institute of Labor Economics and the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) found that having a same-race teacher:
- decreases the likelihood of suspensions
- increases academic performance
- strengthens student confidence and motivation
The Education Trust found that students taught by teachers of color report:
- stronger relationships
- increased trust
- greater belief in their own academic ability
At Profound Gentlemen, we invest in the journey of Black and Brown male educators. Our work extends beyond bringing men into the classroom. We provide mentorship, community, and professional support that helps them thrive — because when our educators thrive, our boys thrive. And when our boys thrive, our communities thrive.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Barriers Exist, But So Do Solutions
In the Spectrum News interview, I named several barriers young Black men face:
- resources
- support and encouragement
- self-motivation
- finances
- access to mentors and advisors
Our mission is not simply to identify barriers. It is to dismantle them. Through mentorship, representation, community partnerships, and relentless advocacy, we are changing the narrative one scholar at a time.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Legacy Event With a Legacy Impact
The next morning, Warrensville Heights High School filled with recruiters from dozens of HBCUs for the Destination HBCU College Fair. For more than two decades, this fair has served as a gateway, helping students secure scholarships, meet alumni, and understand that college is attainable.
To stand in that space, in my own alma mater, on the heels of my honorary recognition, and in the presence of scholars who look like I once looked, reminded me that purpose has a long memory.
Read the Full Story, Further Reading and Supporting Research:
- Spectrum News Article: https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/columbus/news/2025/11/27/encouraging-more-black-men-to-go-to-college-
- ASCD: https://www.ascd.org/el/articles/what-motivates-black-male-teachers-to-stay
- Good Morning America / ABC News: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/black-male-teachers-us-classrooms-programs-changing-96821522
- Johns Hopkins: https://hub.jhu.edu/2017/04/05/black-teachers-improve-student-graduation-college-access/
- IZA Study: https://www.iza.org/publications/dp/11869/role-model-effects-for-high-school-students
- NBER Study: https://www.nber.org/papers/w25254
- Education Trust: https://edtrust.org/resource/if-you-listen-we-will-stay/
A Character is Born
A. Harris Brown's story begins as a child growing up to the temptations of the urban streets. However, due to a mother and grandmother’s prayers, their sacrifices kept him grounded. When so many youth that could have fallen victim to society’s woes; Anthony, and like the phoenix from the fire, he rose above life's challenges to walk bold in greatness. Read More...
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