After being held up by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Black Boys Movement, a community book club for Black boys, has officially relaunched. The re-launch event took place on Sunday, July 28, at the New Mt. Zion AME Church in Sellers, with Rev. Shernard R. Barnes as the pastor.
The Black Boys Movement was initially launched on July 13, 2020, in Marion, where a group of young men gathered to kick off the initiative. Atlanta educator and author of “I Declare,” Ms. Marie S. Boatwright, served as the keynote speaker, while Donovon Eaddy, retired from the military, and then Marion School District Board Member Elect Mrs. Nadine Harris Foxworth provided words of empowerment. Despite the pandemic, organizer Christopher Davis ensured that books and academic materials continued to reach Black youth in the community.
Four years later, the community is eager to come together once more for effective change. The Black Boys Movement aims to prevent Black youth, particularly boys, from becoming involved in crime and illiteracy by fostering a space for critical conversations and empowering educational experiences.
Community members attending the re-launch included Abdalla Straker, Non-Profit CEO, Real Estate Investor, and Entrepreneur; Judge Janette Dupree; Nurse Adrienne Phillips; retired educator Ann Jones; and retired educator and pastor Rev. Shernard R. Barnes. Each adult received a free copy of “Black Boy Joy,” donated by community members and companies.
The movement recognizes the challenges faced by Black boys in impoverished communities, where numerous factors can contribute to trauma. Davis highlights the importance of reading and comprehension in making positive life choices and avoiding crime. He emphasizes the potential of Black boys, often labeled as at-risk and facing low self-esteem due to stereotypes held by non-Black educators.
The Black Boys Movement provides Black boys with books featuring characters that reflect their own experiences and traits, fostering positive self-talk and academic success. The club also includes an exhibition of books written by Black male authors, illustrated by Black male illustrators, or depicting heroism by Black men, which are integrated into the curriculum.
Davis plans to extend the initiative to include Black girls as well. The first recommended book for parents and mentors is “Black Boy Joy” by Kwame Mbalia, aiming to inspire Black boys to embrace their joy uniquely and limitlessly.
Membership in The Black Boys Movement is open to Black males from third to ninth grade. The organization also hosts mentoring training sessions for Black men interested in volunteering across South Carolina counties, including Florence, Dillon, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, Clarendon, Orangeburg, Richland, Lexington, and Greenville.
For more information, interested individuals can contact Christopher Davis at (980) 210-9448 or via email at curatingbooksandart@gmail.com.
