About Us
Very few people were addressing this issue.
So we did.
A²MEND is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by Black male educators who use their scholarly and professional expertise to foster institutional change and increase the success of Black male students across high schools, community colleges and universities.
History
01 / 04Formed in 2006 at UCLA.
A²MEND was formed in 2006, after six emerging Black male administrators met one another at UCLA, where they attended an annual professional development conference for new college administrators.
While striking up a dialogue about the difficulties facing Black males, particularly in higher education, they realized that very few people were addressing this issue — and that it was overdue for action.
Since its establishment, A²MEND has served as the premier nonprofit organization focused on addressing the educational success gap for Black male students — across high schools, community colleges and universities.
Mission & Vision
02 / 04Our Mission
A²MEND’s mission is to advocate for the academic, psychological and spiritual development of Black male students, faculty, staff and administrators in educational systems.
A²MEND educators utilize their scholarship, professional expertise and influence to foster institutional change while creating independent educational spaces and institutions to increase the success of Black male students within education and other systems.
Our Vision
The vision of A²MEND is to transform higher education with a specific focus on community colleges while creating educational healing spaces where Black males are free to be successful as defined by their history, culture, and current circumstances.
To achieve our vision, we strive to:
- Be the leading influencer of educational policy and practice for Black males.
- Transform the educational enterprise into a system of pro-Blackness.
- Lead and advance the implementation of African-centered education in Africa and throughout the diaspora.
- Create and support independent and quasi-independent educational institutions centered on African epistemologies and practices.
- Build racial trauma healing and wellness training center(s) for professionals.
- Prepare Black men to be exceptional professionals, family leaders, and community advocates.
- Create parallel opportunities and spaces for Black women in their educational and professional development.
- Expand A²MEND’s student charters to colleges and universities nationwide.
Executive Board
03 / 04The Leadership
A²MEND is governed by an executive board of sitting presidents, vice presidents, deans, and faculty from across high schools, community colleges and universities.
Theory of Change
04 / 04Institutional Change
We work on the institution, not just the student. Policy, practice, and campus culture are the levers.
Explore →02Scholarly Expertise
Our leadership are practicing administrators and researchers who bring evidence to the table.
Explore →03Student Voice
Charters put students at the center of the work on their own campuses.
Explore →04Advocacy
Statewide and national advocacy to move resources toward Black male student success.
Explore →Accountability
Advocacy work
and annual reporting.
A²MEND publishes an annual report and maintains current 501(c)(3) documentation. Financials, IRS determination, and governance materials are available to funders, partners, and the public.