Boys and Men of Color

PolicyLink has embarked on an effort to identify the systemic failures which have created unequal health outcomes for BMoC (boys and men of color), and to promote policies and system practices which demonstrate the greatest potential for improving their quality of life.  Many BMoC are victims of systems that ultimately provide them with a severely limited amount of access and support.

For example, within the criminal justice system, non-violent offenders are incarcerated and treated as violent offenders, addicts are treated as criminals and not as patients, and diversion programs for youth offenders are gravely under-resourced. Within the education system, there is a lack of connectivity between employment and education and high school graduation, “zero tolerance” policies and practices have a disproportionate impact on BMoC, and education policy and funding is undercut by resources directed towards community policing and incarceration. Countless disparate impacts in the foster care, health, and workforce arenas also disproportionately burden BMoC, preventing them from achieving healthy, stable, and productive lives and living in safe, nurturing communities of opportunity. (See Resources)

The team works with partners in Oakland, Fresno, and Los Angeles to coordinate a policy agenda designed to change the life trajectories of BMoC throughout the state. Our work includes: conducting research to inform programs and policies; planning and participating in convenings; and supporting community organizations, government, civic leaders and advocates throughout the state of California. BMoC efforts and statewide collaborations will work to:

•   Change the public policy landscape
•   Address inherent systems’ biases
•   Promote promising and effective practics
•   Move systems beyond silos, focus on addressing the needs of the whole person
•   Ensure that equity is a platform for change
•   Create an infrastructure for change and a framework for action

While our current work with boys and men of color is focused specifically around the African American and Latino experience, we recognize that many Asian and Pacific Islander American and Native American boys and men face similar barriers to opportunity. As our knowledge and expertise in this area develops, we expect to expand our work to these other vulnerable populations to improve health and opportunities for all BMoC. With a set of priorities developed from our November, 2009 convening, Boys and Men of Color: Learn, Connect, Act!, we are tailoring the Leadership and Learning Network to achieve policy goals that meet the challenging needs of BMoC and will move the needle in a positive direction for them and their communities in California.