Mentor sessions and programs support MPS Black and Latino youth

The Black & Latino Male Achievement (BLMA) Department in Milwaukee Public Schools kicked off its monthly mentoring program this week at the Fiserv Forum. Nearly 250 young men from seven MPS high schools were present along with dozens of volunteer mentors from around the community. Mayor Tom Barrett was in attendance to offer his thanks for this program that supports our youth.

Black and Latino male students in MPS will have opportunities to enjoy lunch with Black and Latino male mentors throughout the school year to allow them to converse about topics to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Now in its third year, the First Thursday Mentor Luncheon program started with two schools and 60 students; this year, it has grown to seven sites and nearly 250 students.

Conversations in the past two years have been rich and diverse, and boys have expressed appreciation for hearing how men have overcome obstacles and achieved success. Topics have included:

• Perspectives on authority and power, and appropriate and inappropriate use of both
• Discussions on the importance of self-esteem and self-care for manhood
• Employment and careers, and understanding how public school education is a starting point to an ongoing road to success.

BLMA seeks mentors for this life-changing program. Interested mentors can contact BLMA at blma@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or 414- 475-8631.

BLMA Mission

The Department of Black & Latino Male Achievement will collaboratively create the systems, structures and spaces that guarantee success for all Black and Latino boys and young men in Milwaukee Public Schools.