In 2002, the Black Males with Initiative project was created at the State University of West Georgia to respond to the special challenges and unique needs of African American men on campus. The project was the conceptualized and developed by Dr. Said Sewell, Assistant Professor of Political Science, in regards to a two-year task force on African American males and higher education in Georgia. In short, the task force, commissioned by the
University System of Georgia Board of Regents, examined numerous issues that contributed to the dismal academic and social performance of African American males in institutions of higher learning and suggested fifteen
recommendations that might prove successful in reversing the trend. One of the recommendations was to develop programs for African American males that sought to provide a direct blue prints for success.

    The pilot phase, which is in its third year, has been met with great success by both the participants and the University population. Of the entire universe of participants (35 African American males), on average their G.P.A.s have been higher, their retention rate has dropped (note: only one young man chose not return this fall), they are taking a more active role in other campus organizations, and have been experienced fewer disciplinary actions
than their peers, specifically African American males. Although the findings are very exciting, we hope to expand this project, to include more African American males.

 

Statement of Condition

    As has been reported recently on television and seen in the newspapers recently, African-American males, throughout all public college/universities in Georgia, have the worst educational profiles of any of their classmates. They have the highest attrition (returning after their first year) rate; the lowest graduation rate; the lowest G.P.A. over a four or five year period; the highest overall drop out rate; the highest percentage to lose the HOPE Scholarship after their first year; and the highest percentage to be dismissed from colleges/universities due to academic performance and social misconduct.

    Higher education is not an option for every graduating high school student in Georgia. However, higher education is an important step for students in removing themselves from negative conditions and assisting them to meet their own life goals. The University of West Georgia, in this regard, has a long and distinguished history of producing graduates who have successful academic careers and go on to assume positions of leadership in all walks of life. The University’s ability to sustain this tradition has depended both on the rigorous academic program, the outstanding faculty in the classroom and the high quality student-focused academic enhancement initiatives outside the classroom.

    In years past, most of the students who attended West Georgia were primarily from one ethnic background a situation that facilitated a very general type of student-focused academic enhanced programs. Today, however, because the West Georgia student body (like many around the nation) is becoming more diverse, different strategies are called for to ensure the successful matriculation of all students in institutions of higher learning.

 

Said L. Sewell, PHD

Associate Professor of Political Science                                                                                   

    Dr. Sewell teaches in the MPA program. His interests include: American Government, Black Religion and Politics, Urban Politics, Public Administration, Public Policy, and Research Methods. Professor Sewell specializes in American politics, urban politics, urban studies, Black politics, public policy, the religion and politics, and the black church as a vehicle for community development. He has written and presented several articles on his dissertation topic which concerned black Baptist pastors and their efforts toward community development, especially in Atlanta. He is presently beginning two research projects, one of which seeks to examine the type, and success, of community development initiatives in black churches around the nation; and a critical study of southern rural black churches and community development programs. Professor Sewell is a member of several political science organizations.