Every African American male deserves an opportunity to attend college to pursue a degree in higher education. As we begin this new year, please join A²MEND in our mission of fostering Black male success in California’s community college system. Your generous contribution will make a difference in the lives of these young men and their promising futures. Become an A²MEND contributor by donating here.

A²MEND’s Student Charter Program offers a student support structure in an affirming environment where African American male students and other men of color are able to thrive. A²MEND’s student charters provide educational, cultural, social and intellectual programs that promote positivity and brotherhood among their members. The aim of A²MEND’s student charters is to improve academic success and to develop culturally competent servant student leaders.

There are more than 20 A²MEND student charters at community colleges across California. To find a A²MEND student charter at a California community college, please visit here.

If you belong to an educational institution, nonprofit or business that is aligned with A²MEND’s mission to support the higher educational goals of African American male students, we invite you to become a sponsor for the A²MEND Annual Summit, an inspirational event taking place in Los Angeles from March 1-3, 2023.

Last year, A²MEND brought together 800+ people, 75+ educational entities and 25+ businesses at the organization’s annual summit. Sponsorships for the summit enable A²MEND to further impact lives through the organization’s mentoring programs that support the success of Black male students in California’s community college system.

Sponsorships are established on a first-come, first served basis, so become an A²MEND sponsor today. For questions and more information about becoming a sponsor of A²MEND’s Annual Summit, please contact a2mendpartners@gmail.com. To apply as an event sponsor, please visit here. 

Munir Omar is an A²MEND activist who is a thriving student at Solano Community College. He is currently A²MEND’s student charter president as well as a bright mind in mathematics and technology.

Born in Dubai and raised in East Africa, Omar was such an excellent mathematics student that he was able to nab a coveted exchange student opportunity in the U.S. while still a young teenager. Although he was grateful to attend a high school in Northern California, Omar endured struggles as a foreign exchange student. “I was the only Black kid in my integrated mathematics theory class,” he said. “I felt unwelcomed there, like I didn’t belong.”

Omar persevered, graduating with high marks before returning to his home country. He later arrived back in the U.S. to pursue his college education. During his first year at Solano Community College, he was approached by another student, Mike Young, who persuaded Omar to help him start an A²MEND student charter on campus.

Omar worked with Young to bring other students into the charter by organizing campus events that nurtured relationships among fellow Black male students in addition to faculty and staff. His student activism enabled him to feel a greater sense of “community” on campus. “A²MEND taught me that I am welcome, that I belong,” he said. “They helped me realize that being African American is my identity. That’s who I am. And I am worthy.”