FEB. 19 Renowned educator Baruti Kafele to deliver keynote addressClark Atlanta University (CAU) officials recently announced the kick-off of a black male initiative to support enrollment and retention, with a keynote address by renowned educator Baruti Kafele.
Launched on the heels of President Obama’s recent announcement of a nationwide initiative for African-American males, M.I.R.R.O.R. — Male Initiative of Recruitment, Reward, and Overall Retention – has been in development for months at CAU. The program is designed to enhance the number of African-American males who attend and graduate from college. M.I.R.R.O.R. is multi-faceted and will focus on leadership, mentoring, recruitment and retention through a holistic (mental, emotional and spiritual) approach in engaging black males.
CAU Vice President for Student Affairs Carl E. Jones said, “It is not a secret that black males are graduating from college at a much lower rate than white males or black females. This is true for all colleges and universities. At many historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and CAU is no exception, the female to male student population is roughly 3 to 1, which can present challenges to maintaining a healthy academic and social environment.”
Jones explained that factors such as a lack of college preparation, lack of focus, family problems and financial challenges all have a negative impact on male enrollment. “Black men need college degrees now more than ever,” said Jones. “Our society needs them to be successful to have the earning power to serve as head of households, strengthening black families, the black community and thus our nation.”
