Program
aims to aid black college men's success
rate
By
Safiya Elkhaldy
On-line Forty-Niner
Initial
plans for a new workshop targets Black male
college students with the intention of aiding
them for the next step in their life; corporate
America.
The
Brother2Brother, entrepreneur's workshop
plans to prepare Black college males for
the workplace by giving them the opportunity
to network with other successful Black males,
set self-employment goals, and exchange
information with their peers.
This
new entrepreneur's workshop comes at a time
when according to the National Association
of Blacks in Criminal Justice, 29 percent
of the males born in 2003, can expect to
spend some time in state or federal jail.
James
Roberson, the workshop creator and president
and CEO of the Economic Opportunity Center,
Inc. is calling out to Black university
organizations and fraternities to help this
workshop be a reality.
"We
have an agenda, but I want to get in touch
with Black organizations on college campuses
and continue working on an outline. We can
work together to plan and co-market this
together," said Roberson.
A
veteran to the workplace, Roberson said
he feels he knows how unfriendly the workplace
can be for black males. With the proper
connections and contacts, Roberson said
Black males in college or graduating will
be more successful with their transition
into the workplace.
"With this program, the mission is
to give Black college males the confidences
to use their own mind, be their own boss,
and the opportunity to make entrepreneurial
contacts," said Roberson.
Roberson
said he wants Brother2Borther to take off
so it can then be offered to the general
public. In the meantime with the "one
out of seven Black young men in prison or
jail right now, we need to address this
crisis," said Roberson.
First
year transfer student and international
business and finance major, Julius Rhaburn,
said this workshop could be the answer for
many Black men who don't have any guidance.
Growing
up in South Los Angeles, Rhaburn said he
has seen many factors working against Black
men.
"It's
not easy because there are so many bad influences,
but you have to want it. I know I want more
out of life than a minimum wage job,"
said Rhaburn.
Rhaburn
said he feels this workshop would give Black
college males the drive and guidance to
stay on track.
He
also said he sees this workshop as a positive
way to inform Black males about the crisis
and help them to not become a statistic.
If
you are interested in planning or participating
in Brother2Brother you can contact James
Roberson at (818) 906-0992. Or you can e-mail
him at rbjamesroberson@aol.com.
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