Addressing the Needs Of Boys and Men of Color
Boys and Men of ColorAs America changes it is crucial that all of her citizens are given the opportunity to prosper. For this reason, PolicyLink, in partnership with The California Endowment and other leaders throughout the state have formed a network to address the systemic problems which contribute to the inequities and crisis facing boys and men of color. The network’s singular task is to promote policies and system changes that demonstrate the greatest promise for improving the health and success of boys and men of color. The Network’s policy priorities are focused on the areas of education, health, economic opportunity, and youth opportunity. The team, which includes partners from Oakland, Fresno and Los Angeles, is working to coordinate and advance a policy agenda to improve the quality of life for boys and men of color throughout the state and eventually the nation. This work includes conducting research to inform programs and policies; planning and participating in convenings; and supporting community organizations, government, civic leaders and advocates. Statewide, this collaboration is working toward:
Some of the work the network has undertaken includes partnering with the California Assembly’s Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color. The committee is chaired by Assembly member Sandré Swanson (D-16th) and composed of members from throughout the state. The committee’s goal is to examine key issues affecting the health and success of boys and men of color in California and develop comprehensive state policy and programmatic recommendations to improve their health, educational, and economic outcomes. Currently, the Committee is hosting a series of hearings throughout the state that began in 2011 and which will continue through 2012. Each regional hearing will describe the state of boys and men of color in the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California regions; identify models and best practices that successfully address the disparities facing men of color; and identify the role state, regional, and local public agencies play in making these tenable solutions. On January 20, 2012 the Select Committee held its second hearing in Oakland. The event, Charting a New Vision for a New California by Investing in Boys and Young Men of Color included commentary and from local leaders about the current state of boys and men of color within their community. Youth leaders also provided testimony about their personal experiences and the importance of the work the committee is undertaking. All of the commentary revolved around the current problems plaguing their communities, leadership, effective models and programs to resolve these issues and how they can be strengthened and scaled with the assistance of government policies. The work of the committee, as well as a summary of policy recommendations, can be found in the brief, Claiming the Promise of Health and Success for Boys and Men of Color: A Brief of the Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color (BMOC) in California , among the speakers who provided public testimony were: Prior to the hearing a youth-led teach-in, Mic Check: Mixtape in Motion, at the Oakland Museum of California galvanized over 100 local advocates around the critical issues and challenges facing young boys and men of color in their city. Video of the teach-in was presented during the Oakland hearing to demonstrate not only the need for this work but the impact the event had on the attendees. Upcoming Select Committee hearings are scheduled for:
The final hearing in spring of will be held at the California State Capitol in Sacramento will:
Boys and Young Men of Color is a program of The California Endowment with leadership and technical assistance provided by PolicyLink, The Chief Justice Earl Warren Institute on Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity, Movement Strategy Center, The Urban Strategies Council and The Liberty Hill Foundation.
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