The City of Boston is pledging $1.8 Million to ‘The Office of Black Male Advancement’

[Ahadi]

A few dozen gathered at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building conference room for a historic meeting as the city’s Black Men and Boys Commission held its first public listening session and first formal appearance in the organization’s history.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
Different from other government meetings, where officials would do majority of the speaking, Wednesday’s meeting was focused on the residents and their vision for progression.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/

“We structured this for the community to have the first voice, the most important voice and in the beginning, there was some uncomfortability with that. But when it comes down to it, we realize the 21 individuals… we realize that we’re nothing without our community.”
Tito Jackson, Commission chairman

At $1.8 million, the Office of Black Male Advancement has one of the largest new line items within the city’s operating budget.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
Utilizing these funds will be crucial as community members are determined to create positive change. Items brought to this discussion included: Programs and initiatives to prevent violence, preparation for climate change, education and housing as well as the immense support for improving mental health and wellness.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
Members of Boston’s Black Men and Boys Commission listen to a speaker during the group’s first community listening session
Esteban Bustillos / GBH News

“The basis of much of that was hit on when people spoke about the economic wealth gap and the real need for people to be elevated, not only with jobs but through entrepreneurship,” Jackson said. “And when we look at the massive city budget, the manner in which those contracts are partitioned and whether or not people of color, and in particular Black men, have an opportunity to be at the table for those contracts. Which then means they’re going to hire folks from these communities, right?”
Tito Jackson, Commission chairman

Frank Farrow, executive director of the Office of Black Male Advancement echoed Jackson in saying the he understands the obstacles the community faces and knows the solutions.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/

“And it just reaffirms the need to listen to community first and bring them along the process, that they’re driving what the work is going to look like,” he said. “Because it’s a heavy load and we’re going to need everybody at the table.”
Frank Farrow, Executive Director of The Office of Black Male Advancement

The Office of Black Male Advancement is directly tied to the Black Men and Boys commission, representing a nearly ten-year, multi-administration effort to train a municipal lens on Black men and boys in the City of Boston.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
The panel was proposed and unanimously passed by the City Council, but was vetoed in 2014 by then-Mayor Marty Walsh. It was ultimately authorized last September by acting Mayor Kim Janey.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
Then in February, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the commission’s open application period along with the formation of the new Office of Black Male Advancement.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
Wu administration officials familiar with the panel’s work said at least one prior meeting last month was intended as an introductory conversation to help members become familiar with one another. Jackson pointed out that the budget cycle for the Office of Black Male Advancement, which directs and supports the commission, started on July 1.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
Another community listening session is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 3. For Jackson, the work is as important now as it was when he started to push for such a commission years ago.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
“And as Governor [Deval] Patrick used to say, this is about turning to each other and not on each other in difficult times,” he said. “And this warms my heart ’cause this has been a passion of mine.”
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
We will keep you updated for more information on this story.
https://theblackmaleimg.com/2022/07...lion-to-the-office-of-black-male-advancement/
You can learn more about The Office of Black Male Advancement / Black Men and Black Boys Commission and apply here

 

[get these nets]

Good post. So much potential in these young men. Good that they're creating a way to support and nurture it.

 

[NoMoreWhiteWoman2020]

@Mega

 

[Reality]

From SoCal to Boston, when and where black people elect non-hostile leadership and engage, good shyt is happening.

The city has to appropriate these funds and that's not going to happen with Republican leadership. Period. Nor can we sit back and let non-black liberals drive the agenda.

Vote & engage.

 

[UpAndComing]

Hopefully this $1.8 million is only a start. Program has to go well, then maybe they can get more funding in the future

 

[Unfiltered]

I expect Amazon warehouse jobs and a few cdl vouchers and maybe one of two brothers in corporate America. I need to know the money is going specifically.

 

[Mega]

Excellent.

 

[get these nets]

Best part of the story is that this has been a city priority for around for TEN years.
====
The Office of Black Male Advancement is directly tied to the Black Men and Boys commission, representing a nearly ten-year, multi-administration effort to train a municipal lens on Black men and boys in the City of Boston

====

 

[old soul]

Honestly not that much in the grand scheme of things, but a positive development for sure. These things need to be tied to city budgets

 

[get these nets]

. These things need to be tied to city budgets

Area politicians attempted to make it a PERMANENT commission

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H120

 

[At30wecashout]

You mean getting commissions into local government and working the ground level can actually kick some shyt off?

What a shock. I wish them the best

 

[13473]

I expect Amazon warehouse jobs and a few cdl vouchers and maybe one of two brothers in corporate America. I need to know the money is going specifically.

idk what all they do with the money but there is this program from them

Black Male Advancement Small Grant Fund ​

Our fund allows community-based organizations serving the Black male community in Boston to apply for between $2,500 to $7,500 in grants.
The three focus areas for mini-grants will be:

1. financial literacy and entrepreneurship
2. youth development and mentoring, and
3. civic organizing.

 

[Easy-E]

Or....politicians actually do something for these ppl

That was no typo: The median net worth of black Bostonians really is $8 - The Boston Globe

The median net worth for non-immigrant African-American households in the Greater Boston region is $8, according to “The Color of Wealth in Boston.”

www.bostonglobe.com

That was no typo: The median net worth of black Bostonians really is $8​

 

[Mega]

Or....politicians actually do something for these ppl

A lot of Boston Black Americans along with many Africans and West Indians moved to surrounding towns/cities.

 

[get these nets]

Boston announces new grant awards aimed at supporting Black men and boys

The city said the funding will “help organizations scale up their work and deepen their impact throughout the city’s neighborhoods.”

www.boston.com

Mar 27, 2024