Message from the Board President
By Dr. Edward Bush, A2MEND Board President & Co-Founder
Brothas, Sistas, and Allies,
It is with deep pride, humility, and a profound sense of purpose that I step into my role as President of the A2MEND Board of Directors. As one of the co-founders of this organization, I have had the honor of witnessing our growth from a vision shared among a few committed educators into a national movement that is transforming lives, communities, and the trajectory of Black men and boys in higher education.
First, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing President, Mr. Herbert English. Over the past two years, his steady leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment have strengthened our foundation and expanded our reach. It is upon that strong foundation that we will continue to build.
I also want to take a moment to thank each and every person who has supported, and continues to support, the work of A2MEND. To our charter advisors, whose dedication shapes the leadership journeys of our students, and to our institutional members, whose commitment sustains our mission—you are the backbone of this movement. If your college is not yet an institutional member, I strongly encourage you to join the A2MEND movement at the institutional level and stand with us in building equity, opportunity, and justice.
To everyone who has ever attended an A2MEND event, partnered with us, or donated to our cause—please know that your contributions, time, and belief in our vision have made a lasting difference. This work is not possible without you.
Our Students – Our Pride
These are challenging times. Changes in the federal administration have made the work of equity, inclusion, and justice even more urgent. Yet, our students continue to rise above these obstacles. In our Student Leadership Program and across our charters, we are seeing unprecedented numbers of young men excelling academically, transferring to four-year institutions, and graduating from some of the most prestigious colleges in the nation. They are living proof that when we invest in our students, we change the future.
Looking Ahead – Celebrating 20 Years
As we approach our 20th anniversary as an organization in 2026, followed by our 20th African American Male Summit in 2027, my heart is full of anticipation. These milestones are not just markers of time—they are a testament to our resilience, our vision, and our collective power. We will celebrate these moments with all of you, and I promise they will be occasions worthy of the journey we have traveled together.
Brothers and sisters, the road ahead is challenging, but together we will continue to break barriers, disrupt systems of oppression, and create spaces where our students not only survive—but thrive.
Let us keep building. Let us keep fighting. Let us keep believing.
With determination and gratitude,
Dr. Edward Bush
Board President & Co-Founder
African American Male Education Network & Development (A2MEND)