by Melissa McCoy
After being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Black Boys Movement, a community book club for Black boys, has officially relaunched. The relaunch event was held on Sunday, July 28, at the New Mt. Zion AME Church in Sellers, with Rev. Shernard R. Barnes as pastor.
The Black Boys Movement was originally launched on July 13, 2020, in Marion, where a group of young men met to launch the initiative. Atlanta educator and author of “I Declare” Marie S. Boatwright was the keynote speaker, while Donovon Eaddy, who was retired from the military, and then-elected Marion School District Board President Nadine Harris Foxworth offered words of encouragement. Despite the pandemic, organizer Christopher Davis made sure books and educational materials continued to reach Black youth in the community.
Four years later, the community is committed to coming together again to create effective change. The Black Boys Movement aims to prevent black youth, especially boys, from falling into delinquency and illiteracy by creating a space for critical conversations and empowering educational experiences.
Community members who attended the relaunch included nonprofit CEO, real estate investor and entrepreneur Abdalla Straker; Judge Janette Dupree; nurse Adrienne Phillips; retired educator Ann Jones; and retired educator and minister Rev. Shernard R. Barnes. Each adult received a free copy of “Black Boy Joy,” donated by community members and businesses.
The movement recognizes the challenges faced by black boys in impoverished communities where numerous factors can contribute to trauma. Davis emphasizes the importance of reading and comprehension for making positive life choices and avoiding crime. He emphasizes the potential of black boys, who are often labeled at risk and have low self-esteem due to stereotypes held by non-black educators.
The Black Boys Movement provides black boys with books featuring characters that reflect their own experiences and traits, encouraging positive self-talk and academic success. The club also offers a display of books by black authors, illustrated by black illustrators or depicting black male heroism, and integrated into the curriculum.
Davis plans to expand the initiative to include black girls as well. The first book recommended for parents and mentors is Black Boy Joy by Kwame Mbalia, which is designed to inspire black boys to live their joy in unique and limitless ways.
Membership in the Black Boys Movement is open to black males in third through ninth grade. The organization also hosts mentoring trainings for black men who want to volunteer in South Carolina counties including Florence, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, Clarendon, Orangeburg, Richland, Lexington and Greenville.
For further information, interested persons may contact Christopher Davis at (980) 210-9448 or via email at [email protected].
