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Exploring the Collaborative for Black Men Success: A Conversation with Jesse Ford
Jesse Ford’s journey began at Coastal Carolina University, where he immersed himself in various campus activities, from being a tour guide and orientation leader to participating in a fraternity and student government. Despite his active involvement, he noticed a significant disparity among Black men on campus, who appeared less engaged than their peers. This observation sparked his curiosity about the underlying reasons for this trend and how to promote greater participation among Black male students.
Now an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro), Ford recently launched The Collaborative for Black Men Success. Although still in its early stages, the program aims to address equity challenges in higher education. Ford shared insights about the inspiration behind the Collaborative and his aspirations for its future.
The Spark of an Initiative
Ford’s professional path led him to the University of Miami, where he served as an assistant director of multicultural student affairs, focusing on supporting various racial and cultural groups. His interest in the unique needs and experiences of Black men continued to grow, eventually leading him to pursue a Ph.D. at Florida State University, where he researched the experiences of Black individuals in education.
Throughout his career, the common thread has been a desire to understand and enhance the experiences of Black men in college. Ford explained, “The Collaborative has been something in the back of my mind for years, and in the past several months, it has come to fruition.” He noticed that while Black men were present on campuses, they often lacked a deeper connection to the institution.
Understanding the Disconnect
When asked about the reasons for the lack of engagement among Black men in higher education, Ford highlighted the importance of fostering a sense of belonging. He pointed out that while many institutions focus on creating inclusive environments, they often overlook the need to actively solicit feedback from students about their experiences and barriers.
“We need to create spaces where students don’t just feel like they belong but also understand the benefits that come from that connection,” Ford emphasized. He seeks to equip Black male students with the tools they need for success, extending beyond the college experience itself.
Innovative Educational Approaches
Last fall, Ford taught a course titled Black Men Leadership, which was a pilot course tailored to UNCG. The curriculum emphasized leadership skills while also covering life skills, such as financial literacy and career readiness—topics often overlooked in traditional classrooms.
The course fostered rich dialogue and engagement among students, many of whom will now serve on an advisory board for the Collaborative. Ford expressed his desire to plan a monthly dialogue series that would encompass K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students, facilitating a sense of community and shared experience.
A Holistic Vision for Support
The Collaborative’s initiatives are designed to target several key areas: professional development, leadership, mentoring, student success, and community outreach. Ford emphasizes the necessity of providing meaningful experiences that prepare students for life post-graduation, ensuring they have the resources to thrive beyond college.
In discussions about the dialogue series, Ford shared the planned topics, which range from academic skills and financial management to exploring cultural identities and navigating masculinity—recognizing the complexities of Black male experiences.
Research-Informed Strategies
The insights shaping the Collaborative are grounded in Ford’s extensive research on racialized stress and its effects on Black men’s college experiences. This research has illuminated the challenges faced by these students, revealing that they often contend with issues related to racism and microaggressions without adequate support or avenues for discussion.
Ford believes addressing these issues is crucial, stating, “We need to understand how these factors impact their college experiences and ensure there are outlets for them to express their concerns.” Currently, the focus is on students, but Ford envisions future initiatives extending to faculty, staff, and parents to create a comprehensive support network.
Guidance for Institutions
Ford’s encouragement for other institutions is simple yet profound: demonstrate genuine care. He believes that fostering a supportive environment begins with showing students they are valued members of the community. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of recognizing the diversity within the group of Black men and tailoring approaches to meet their distinct needs.
Finally, Ford advocates for direct engagement, reminding educators and staff to openly ask students about their needs rather than making assumptions. “A genuine inquiry can lead to deeper understanding and connection,” he concluded.
The Collaborative for Black Men Success stands as a testament to the power of informed action, empathy, and a vision for a more inclusive educational landscape, aiming to ensure that Black men not only succeed in college but also thrive in their professional lives beyond graduation.
Source
www.higheredjobs.com