ABSTRACT

Perhaps the recent racial tensions and unrest in this nation-from Ferguson to Baltimore to the presidential election-could have been alleviated if more children had attended schools that were using a multicultural curriculum and culturally responsive pedagogies. A set of common values, an unrelenting commitment to Black people, and personal qualities, like patience, far out-weighed any particular credential. Although all-Black schools are not a new idea, creating an identity and gender-specific program within a diverse large urban school district is groundbreaking. Learning is a collective process, but students also need to take personal responsibility for what they comprehend. Building on decades of Brother Jahi work with young people "around the world", he has developed a three-step process that continues to prove effective. Manhood development is not just for the youth. Being a part of a community that cares, shares, and whose members hold one another accountable is powerful for the adults as well.