Black Men United

J.O.Y Black Men United (BMU) is a fraternal mentoring program created to uplift and support young African-American males. Through meaningful pairings with older men, BMU fosters a community of mentorship, guidance, and accountability. This initiative addresses critical needs within Baltimore’s East and West sections, areas with a predominantly African-American population that have experienced challenges stemming from a breakdown in traditional family structures.

BMU’s focus on these neighborhoods highlights its commitment to empowering African-American youth through mentorship. By bridging generational gaps and fostering supportive relationships, BMU aims to strengthen the social fabric and create lasting change in Baltimore communities.

The JOY Black Men United (BMU) program is a transformative 12-week initiative dedicated to bridging the generational divide in Baltimore City. By addressing the root causes of negative learned behaviors, BMU creates a safe, supportive environment for inner-city youth to openly express their frustrations and challenges while equipping them with tools to overcome obstacles and thrive.

Program Focus Areas:

1. Loving Yourself: Building confidence through independent life skills.
2. The Importance of Family: Strengthening family values to nurture meaningful connections.
3. Brotherhood: Creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.
4. Education: Empowering participants to prioritize and succeed in education.
5. Employment: Enhancing job readiness and career opportunities.
6. Financial Literacy: Teaching practical money management for future stability.
7. Workforce Development: Preparing youth for sustainable careers.
8. Entrepreneurship: Encouraging innovation and self-sufficiency.
9. Documentation: Guiding youth in securing necessary personal records.
10. Mental Illness Awareness: Addressing stigma and promoting mental well-being.
11. Emotional Health: Fostering healthy emotional expression with “Black Boys Can Cry.”
12. Cultural Awareness: “Know Your Past, Create Your”Future”—inspiring generational change.

Through mentorship, accountability, and actionable life skills, BMU aims to address the immediate needs of Baltimore’s inner-city youth, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives while creating a lasting impact on their communities.

JOY Black Men United (BMU) mentors play a critical role in bridging the generational divide and providing meaningful support to African-American youth in Baltimore City. To ensure a successful and impactful program, mentors must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Age Requirement: Mentors must be at least 25 years old to ensure maturity and life experience.
2. Residency: Must reside in or have a strong connection to the Baltimore City area.
3. Background Check: Pass a comprehensive background check to ensure the safety and well-being of all program participants.

Personal and Professional Qualities:

1. Commitment to the Program: Availability to participate in the full 12-week program and dedicate time to regular mentoring sessions and program activities.
2. Strong Communication Skills: Ability to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and foster open dialogue.
3. Role Model Behavior: Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and positive decision-making.
4. Empathy and Patience: Understand and support the challenges faced by inner-city youth with compassion.

Skills and Experience:

1. Life Skills Proficiency: Capable of guiding mentees in areas such as financial literacy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
2. Knowledge of Family Values: Promote the importance of family and community connections.
3. Advocacy for Emotional Health: Encourage healthy emotional expression and mental well-being, including addressing stigma around mental illness.
4. Educational Support: Provide guidance on the value of education and employment opportunities.

Mentor Responsibilities:

• Attend initial mentor training and ongoing development sessions.
• Provide a safe and supportive space for youth to share frustrations and challenges.
• Help mentees build independent life skills and develop confidence.
• Actively engage in discussions on cultural awareness, encouraging mentees to “Know Your Past, Create Your Future.”
• Maintain consistent and respectful communication with program participants and staff.

By meeting these requirements, mentors will contribute to the program’s goal of transforming the lives of Baltimore’s youth, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and accountability throughout the community.