Tyler Perry to Direct, Write and Produce Netflix World War II Film ‘Six Triple Eight’

• Tyler Perry will direct his next feature film for Netflix with Six Triple Eight about the 6888th battalion, the only all-black, all-female battalion in the World War II effort.

  
  

• Writer: Tyler Perry, based on an article by Kevin M. Hymel published in WWII History Magazine by Sovereign Media.

  
  

• Producers: Tyler Perry; Nicole Avant for Her Excellency Productions; Keri Selig for Intuition Productions; Carlota Espinosa; Angi Bones and Tony Strickland for Tyler Perry Studios

  
  

• Executive Producers: Peter Guber for Mandalay Pictures

  
  

• Synopsis: Six Triple Eight tells the inspiring true story of the incredible and brave women of the only all-black, all-female World War 2 Battalion. These 855 women joined the war effort with little knowledge of what exactly they would be doing, but were quickly given the mission of a lifetime: sort through and fix the three-year backlog of undelivered mail. A herculean task, that most thought to be impossible, the women not only succeeded but did it in half the time they were given. Facing discrimination, unfamiliar land, and a war-torn country, they persevered and sorted over 17 million pieces of mail, reconnecting American soldiers with their families and loved ones back home. The motto that kept them going each day was one they created themselves: “No Mail, Low Morale.” The women of the 6888 weren’t just delivering mail, they were delivering hope.

  
  

• The story of the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion has been kept out of history books, ignored by the national spotlight, until now — nearly 75 years later. On March 14th, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the bill for the women to receive the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress’ highest honor.

  
  

• Six Triple Eight will mark Tyler Perry’s fourth film directed for Netflix following A Fall From Grace, A Madea Homecoming, which was in the Top 10 in 43 countries,and A Jazzman’s Blues, which was in the Top 10 in 55 countries. He was also part of the ensemble of Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up, which is in the Top 10 Most Popular Films on Netflix_

Rep. John Lewis to be honored with postage stamp in 2023

The U.S. Postal Service has announced that the late congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis will be honored with a postage stamp in 2023.

This stamp celebrates the life and legacy of civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis (1940-2020) of Georgia. Devoted to equality and justice for all Americans, Lewis spent more than 30 years in Congress steadfastly defending and building on key civil rights gains that he had helped achieve in the 1960s. Even in the face of hatred and violence, as well as some 45 arrests, Lewis remained resolute in his commitment to what he liked to call “good trouble.” The stamp features a photograph of Lewis taken by Marco Grob on assignment for the Aug. 26, 2013, issue of Time magazine. The selvage showcases a photograph of Lewis taken by Steve Schapiro in 1963 outside a workshop about nonviolent protest in Clarksdale, MS. Derry Noyes served as art director for this project.

Kevin Durant and the Durant Family Donating $500,000 to Bowie State University

Durant’s Donation Will Support Athletic Facility Upgrades and University Athletics Programs.

Prince George’s County native Kevin Durant and the Durant Family Foundation have committed to joining the Bowie State University Athletics Department in the transformation of the university’s main basketball gym and supporting BSU athletics programs.

“We are dedicated to providing resources and possibilities to students for higher education, especially in Prince George’s County,” said Wanda Durant, who leads the Durant Family Foundation. “Bowie State was the perfect place to make a meaningful impact.”

The foundation has committed $500,000 towards renovations of the basketball arena in the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex at BSU. Renovations will include installation of a new basketball court, expansion of seating capacity and upgrades to the press box area. The gift will also provide financial support for men’s and women’s basketball and university athletics programs. It also will establish a scholarship for Durant Center College Track students who attend BSU.

Bowie State President Aminta Breaux expressed her gratitude for Durant’s generosity.

“We’re grateful for the resources that Kevin Durant and his family foundation have generously donated to Bowie State University to advance student success in achieving their academic goals,” said Breaux. “His contributions will go a long way towards updating our facilities and ensure a top-tier athletic experience for all of our students. The foundation has already built a network of community-centric services within the Durant Center in Prince George’s County that is exemplary.”

Durant’s donation to Bowie State is just the latest in the Seat Pleasant native’s philanthropic efforts in Prince George’s County. In 2019, Durant’s foundation partnered with College Track to establish College Track at the Durant Center in Suitland, MD, to help first-generation and low-income students pursue higher education.

BLM Sets Up Student Relief Fund as Loan Forgiveness Stalls

Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation launched their Student Solidarity Fund — an extension of the Black Lives Matter Survival Fund, where we gave $3 million in microgrants to Black individuals, families, small-business owners, and other folks experiencing financial hardship. Both then and now, the government has refused to act immediately on monetary relief critical to the wellbeing of Black people everywhere.

For decades, Black people have been told that a key to the middle class is an education. But education has become another way for white supremacy to hold Black people back — preventing countless Black families from building Black generational wealth.

Tuition has only gotten more expensive. And when Black students attend some of the most sought out colleges and universities, they end up with three times the amount of debt as their white peers1 — and that’s in addition to the very real and present racial pay gap. Restricted access to college planning, along with racial disparities in income, homeownership, and wealth accumulation all play a huge role in how Black people are particularly burdened as a result of this student debt crisis.

Today, the first wave of the Student Solidarity Fund is being launched, which is specifically for Black alumni or former Black students who completed some credit toward their Bachelor Degree. We understand that things happen, and sometimes, circumstances come up unexpectedly that may have led someone to not complete their degree — but this does not get rid of debt accrued. We wanted to be sure that these folks have just as much of a shot toward paying off their debt as others.

The application for the first wave of the Student Solidarity Fund is now live — apply now!

In early 2023, the next wave of the Student Solidarity Fund will be available and will focus solely on HBCU students — those currently enrolled will have an opportunity to apply for one of many microgrants that can be used for things like transportation and commuting costs, books, technology, food, housing, or various other things.

Research has long established that HBCU students experience higher rates of housing and food insecurity. HBCUs make up only 3 percent of America’s colleges and universities, but nearly 20% of all Black graduates and 25% of Black graduates in the STEM fields.

Additionally, our HBCU Ambassador Program will be launched — another leg of the Student Solidarity Fund programming. Our ambassadors would serve as leaders on and off HBCU campuses representing BLMGNF, sharing resources with the HBCU community and directly advancing BLMGNF and HBCU student community building.

Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation will continue to push for the cancellation of ALL student debt and the permanent pause of student loan repayments. Be sure to share the application with former Black students and alumni in your network.

Angela Bassett nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in Wakanda Forever

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star Angela Bassett has been nominated for a 2023 Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Supporting Role.

With her Golden Globes nomination, Angela Bassett becomes the first Marvel Cinematic Universe actor to be nominated at the Golden Globes.

Congratulations to Angela Bassett on her Golden Globe Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for #WakandaForever #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/EDAk2M4Buo

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) December 12, 2022

Missy Elliott offers encouragement and advice at Norfolk State University graduation

Missy Elliot gave the keynote speech at Norfolk State University's graduation ceremony Saturday. Elliot also offered offers encouragement and advice to the graduates.

Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad

Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans Fighting World War II at Home and Abroad, the definitive history of World War II from the African American perspective, written by civil rights expert and Dartmouth history professor Matthew Delmont.

Over one million Black men and women served in World War II. Black troops were at Normandy, Iwo Jima, and the Battle of the Bulge, serving in segregated units and performing unheralded but vital support jobs, only to be denied housing and educational opportunities on their return home. Without their crucial contributions to the war effort, the United States could not have won the war. And yet the stories of these Black veterans have long been ignored, cast aside in favor of the myth of the “Good War” fought by the “Greatest Generation.”

Half American is American history as you’ve likely never read it before. In these pages are stories of Black heroes such as Thurgood Marshall, the chief lawyer for the NAACP, who investigated and publicized violence against Black troops and veterans; Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., leader of the Tuskegee Airmen, who was at the forefront of the years-long fight to open the Air Force to Black pilots; Ella Baker, the civil rights leader who advocated on the home front for Black soldiers, veterans, and their families; James Thompson, the 26-year-old whose letter to a newspaper laying bare the hypocrisy of fighting against fascism abroad when racism still reigned at home set in motion the Double Victory campaign; and poet Langston Hughes, who worked as a war correspondent for the Black press. Their bravery and patriotism in the face of unfathomable racism is both inspiring and galvanizing. In a time when the questions World War II raised regarding race and democracy in America remain troublingly relevant and still unanswered, this meticulously researched retelling makes for urgently necessary reading.

Barack Obama Statement On The Release Of Brittney Griner

Former U.S. President, Barack Obama released the folowing statement on the release of Brittney Griner via Twitter:

Grateful for the long-overdue release of Brittney Griner today from Russian custody. Kudos to President Biden and his administration for the difficult diplomatic work involved to make it happen. We’re looking forward to having Brittney back home.

NAACP Statement On The Release of Brittney Griner

The NAACP released the folowing statement on the release of Brittney Griner:

"The NAACP is elated to hear the news that after 10-months, Brittney Griner is finally on her way home. We applaud President Biden for ensuring Brittney's release. Let's be clear, Brittney's imprisonment was not only inherently political, but a clear violation of human rights. Although nothing can replace the time that she has lost, we hope that her family can find comfort in the fact that Brittney will be free to celebrate the holidays with them. Brittney, welcome home."

NJ Museum Welcomes Leading African American Women to Board of Trustees

The Stoutsburg Sourland African American Museum (SSAAM), central New Jersey's first and only Black history museum, is thrilled to welcome three leading African American women to its Board of Trustees this year.

“As I am now in the beginning of my second year as SSAAM’s Executive Director,” Donnetta Johnson said. “I must say that working alongside the stellar and passionate SSAAM Board, staff, and founders has been nothing short of exhilarating. SSAAM’s mission of providing a broader and truer American history narrative with the intention of encouraging greater understanding between our diverse communities is so unifying. With the addition of three amazingly accomplished women, Jackie Fay, Stephanie Adkins, and Marion Gill, all of whom are inspired and motivated by our mission, SSAAM is poised for the successful launch of our capital campaign to build Central New Jersey’s only African American museum complex and environmental center.”

Stephanie Adkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at the Bank of Princeton, brings her in-depth financial knowledge, fundraising expertise, and connections to donors as SSAAM grows and expands. In addition to her role at the Bank of Princeton, Stephanie works closely with the service organization Jack and Jill of America, and is passionate about its mission “to invest in the future of our children,” providing opportunities for young people to learn leadership skills and build character.

“I joined this board because I believe in SSAAM’s mission. I have lived and worked in this area for decades and simply did not know that there was an African American history and legacy here. I want to make sure that people far and wide will understand who Friday Truehart and his fellow travelers were and what they accomplished. SSAAM is a treasure.”

Jackie Fay, Chief of Staff for NJ Assemblyman Anthony S. Verelli, has 25 years of experience in Human Resources for large organizations, with a special interest in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) best practices. During her corporate career, Jackie successfully supervised vendors, systems, mergers, technology upgrades, and benefits for major corporations serving over 150,000 employees. She is also a seasoned event planner and volunteer fundraiser who co-planned and co-hosted SSAAM’s “Oxtail Fest” dinner in November 2021, a celebration of the African American culinary tradition that raised more than $85,000 for the organization. As an American of African, Cuban, and Latin American descent, Jackie has an abiding interest in sharing the untold stories of the African American community.  

"I believe SSAAM has a unique opportunity to educate future generations of New Jerseyans about the true history of African Americans in our state, something I was denied in New Jersey's public schools,” Jackie said. “All our children should learn about the enormous contributions made by people of color, as well as the hardships they faced."

Marion Gill, Associate Director of Special Projects at Princeton University, has been a leading figure in the museum world for over 30 years; her first project at Princeton is the expansion and rebuilding of the university’s art museum due for 2024. Marion has unique experience in all aspects of museum operations, from “shovel in the ground” to program development and execution. She previously served as the Director of Museum Planning and Operations for the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina, and spent more than 25 years at the Smithsonian Institution, where she played a key role in the planning and opening of the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in 2004 and the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in 2016. Marion has a deeply rooted family tradition of service that has fostered her strong commitment to “give back” to her community. She brings her connections to leading national museums and an elite donor and sponsor base across the country to support SSAAM’s mission.

“SSAAM's work – preserving, celebrating, and disseminating African American history and culture – is central to understanding the American experience,” Marion said. “I am thrilled and humbled to support this incredible organization.”

The Woman King named best film of the year by the African-American Film Critics Association

The Woman King beat out Wakanda Forever and has been crowned best film of the year by the African-American Film Critics Association ahead of the 14th Annual AAFCA Awards.

It's not too surprising considering the historical epic received a 'certified fresh' 94% critic approval rating (out of 241 reviews) and a 99% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes since opening September 16.

Independent Spirit Award winner Gina Prince-Bythewood's $50M-budget, $94.2M-grossing film centered on the Agojie, the all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 17th to 19th centuries.

The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega and is currently still in theaters and on VOD.

The Woman King is already garnering Academy Award buzz for Oscar winner Viola Davis.

The top 5 films picked by the AAFCA were:

1. The Woman King

2. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

3. Till

4. "Sidney" documentary

5. Emanicipation

[SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL]

NBA Player's Association statement on Brittney Griner's release

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)ed the following statement on the release of WNBA star, Brittney Griner:

We are overwhelmed with relief and gratitude that our sister Brittney Griner is finally coming home. Her strength and courage throughout this last year have been truly remarkable, as have the efforts of her wife Cherelle, our WNBPA sisters, Terri Jackson and the WNBPA staff, who have been relentless in their call to bring Brittney home. We know this homecoming would not have been possible without their unwavering support and continued work to keep BG always top of mind, and our players are honored to have contributed to those efforts. While this is a celebratory moment for our sisters and us, we must not forget the other political prisoners who remain in dire circumstances all over the world. These individuals must be remembered and fought for every single day as BG was so that they too can have this moment.

Welcome home Brittney, we are so happy to have you back! #WeAreBG"

WNBA Statement On The Release Of Brittney Griner

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued the following statement on the release of Brittney Griner:

“There has not been a day over the past ten months where we all haven’t had Brittney Griner on our minds and in our hearts and that has now turned into a collective wave of joy and relief knowing that she will soon be reunited with her family, the WNBA player community, and her friends. BG has shown extraordinary courage and dignity in the face of enormous adversity. The WNBA is grateful beyond measure to the Biden Administration, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, and all those who played a role in bringing BG home today. Our hope is that Paul Whelan and every wrongfully detained American will be returned home safely and as soon as possible.”

President Biden, Cherelle Griner Remarks on Release of WNBA Star Brittney Griner

Watch as President Biden announces that the U.S. had secured the release of WNBA player Britney Griner. Also hear Brittney Griner's wife, Cherelle discuss Brittney's release.

Booker, Murphy Urge US Sentencing Commission for Fair Sentencing During Implementation of BSCA

U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) urged the United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) to pursue fair sentencing policies while also meeting the purposes of the USSC’s directive under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), legislation that was signed into law by President Biden earlier this year.

“As the first meaningful federal gun safety legislation in decades, we believe that it can and will save lives. But to achieve that outcome, it is essential that the implementation of the law avoids the mistakes of the past,” wrote Senators Booker and Murphy in a letter to USSC Chair Judge Carlton W. Reeves. “The Commission has an important role in ensuring fair sentencing and preventing unjust outcomes in criminal sentences. The process that the Commission undertakes will impact individuals and communities for years to come. We respectfully urge the Commission to remain steadfast in its goals to establish fair sentencing policies and practices that meet the purposes of 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a)(2) through careful research, collection and analysis of data, and input from the criminal justice community. We are mindful that this approach takes a great deal of time and effort, but it is imperative that the process be thorough to avoid any unintended consequences that result in unfair or unjust sentencing policies.”

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act includes provisions that direct the USSC to impose increased penalties for convicted straw purchasers and firearms traffickers, especially if they are affiliated with a gang or cartel. The Senators emphasized the intent of the provisions is to deter these criminal activities and urged USSC to avoid taking a broader interpretation that could lead to unfair or harsh sentencing practices.

“It should be made clear that the legislative intent of the BSCA is to end the flow of illegal guns into communities and reduce gun violence. The directive’s attention to both sentencing enhancements and mitigating factors reflects this focus, as it seeks to punish suppliers of the large numbers of firearms diverted from lawful commerce, while avoiding unnecessarily long sentences for people with less culpability or without significant criminal histories. The directive’s instruction to the Commission to consider sentences for straw purchasers ‘that are sufficient to deter participation in such activities and reflect the defendant’s role and culpability’ should not be interpreted more broadly than intended. It was our intent that the instruction that sentences be ‘sufficient to deter participation’ reflects an intent that the recommended sentences for straw purchasing be enough to achieve this goal but not excessive or unnecessary,” continued the Senators. 

The full text of the letter can be found here.

The full text of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act can be found here.

Ken Griffey Jr., MLB, MLBPA announce inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic

Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. jointly announced Tuesday the launch of the "HBCU Swingman Classic,” an annual All-Star experience for baseball student-athletes from Division-I programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). The philanthropic & educational event, which will center around an “All-Star” Game, will be held during 2023 MLB All-Star Week in July at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, the franchise for which Griffey Jr. played for 13 seasons during his legendary career.

The HBCU Swingman Classic, which will be powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, will highlight the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs while also providing 50 HBCU baseball players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The student-athletes will be selected by a committee that will include Griffey Jr., representatives from MLB and MLBPA, and scouts. Additional details about the HBCU Swingman Classic will be announced in the months ahead.

Griffey Jr., who is an Ambassador for the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, said: “I am excited to help these kids get the national attention that they don’t receive compared to other college baseball programs. Over the years, we have seen the decline of African American players, not because they don’t want to play, but rather because they haven’t been seen. College scholarships for baseball are not comparative to other sports, and a lot of families cannot afford to pay the difference. So, this effort is the industry coming together to give these kids an opportunity to play the game they love on the national stage. Financial restrictions prevent them from going to schools that give more exposure. The HBCU Swingman Classic will try and close that gap.”

“Major League Baseball is thrilled to continue to work alongside Ken Griffey Jr. and the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation to bring this groundbreaking event to MLB All-Star Week,” said Tony Reagins, Chief Baseball Development Officer, MLB. “Highlighting the talent at HBCU Baseball programs is an important part of how we connect with college baseball while also improving African American representation at all levels of our game. We are excited to offer this opportunity to these players and for our fans to witness this new All-Star experience.”

The HBCU Swingman Classic joins the annual Hank Aaron Invitational as youth-oriented and diversity-focused programs powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, a joint initiative by MLB and MLBPA to support efforts that focus on improving the caliber, effectiveness and availability of amateur baseball and softball programs across the United States and internationally.

Historically, many HBCU alumni have reached Major League Baseball, including Hall of Famers Andre Dawson and Lou Brock as well as Marquis Grissom, Rickie Weeks, Jr., Vince Coleman, Tommie Agee, Tom Alston, Earl Battey, Joe Black and others. Hall of Famer Larry Doby is also an HBCU alumnus, but did not play baseball at the collegiate level.

Watch Sen. Raphael Warnock full victory speech after defeating Herschel Walker

Watch Senator Raphael Warnock's full victory speech after defeating Herschel Walker in the Georgia runoff election:

NAACP Congratulates Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on Historic New Role

This week, Democrats in the House of Representatives voted to elect Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as their new party leader. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement congratulating him on this historic achievement:

"Rep. Hakeem Jeffries has made history. The NAACP is proud to celebrate the election of the first Black lawmaker to lead a major political party in either chamber of Congress. This is a major milestone for Black representation within our government. This historic moment is only further proof that it is possible to build a Congress that is just as diverse and dynamic as the American people. As he steps into this new role, Rep. Jeffries will lead his Caucus into a new era, bringing with him new ideas, passion, and energy that will inspire the next generation of Black leaders. "

HBCU gets 90K grant to help recruit, train black male teachers

South Carolina State University wants to get more black male teachers in the classroom, and thanks to a $90 thousand dollar grant donated to the university for their Call Me MiSTER program, they are one step closer to making it a reality. School officials say the grant will help them increase efforts to recruit and train black male teachers.

The University received the funds Monday from the Leveraging Innovation for Educator Excellence (Life2).  With black men making up less than 2% of instructors currently teaching in South Carolina classrooms, Program Director Dr. Thelma Sojouner says it’s important for students to see these types of role models.

“There is a tremendous need for children to see young men coming in and working in the schools,” said Dr. Thelma Sojourner, program director for Life2, a program dedicated to improving teacher efficacy. “Thank you for what you’re doing here. I’m excited for what we are going to be able to do for you at South Carolina State.”

The program that was created back in 2000 in an effort to increase the number of black male teachers, it also provides area high schoolers with mentors that through the program will help them  focus on personal growth, academic excellence, finance, self awareness, self esteem, black history, leadership and advocacy. Since its inception the program has expanded to 10 states.

Dr. Rashad Anderson, an associate professor of teacher education and campus director for SC State’s Call Me MiSTER program calls the program a revolutionary, life changing experience.

“We are one of the top HBCUs in the country that educates African American male teachers,”…“and I am truly honored to work with some of the most brilliant, creative future Black male educators who are so powerful that one MiSTER can transform an entire school’s culture.”

Dr. Anderson has been part of the Call Me MiSTER program since 2017 and says this program is in part, an extension of what S.C. State was founded on back in 1869.  A place where people of color could attend school, but also a location where black educators can learn how to hone in on their craft.

[SOURCE: ABC COLUMBIA]

Dr. Michael A. Coe, M.Ed, D.Div.'s new book "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys"

"He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys": a helpful study of the positive effects of partnering young men of color with positive role models with similar backgrounds. "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys" is the creation of published author Dr. Michael A. Coe, M.Ed, D.Div., a dedicated father of two and a special education teacher for twenty-one years. Dr. Coe dedicated his life to bringing change to African American males in the inner-city community. He holds an Associate of Applied Science in general business from Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, New Jersey; a Bachelor of Science in biblical studies from Cairn University in Langhorne, Pennsylvania; a Master of Education from Gratz College Melrose Park, Pennsylvania; a post master's degree in school administration from The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey; and a Doctor of Divinity from Isaiah University, Daytona Beach, Florida. He also holds a New Jersey Teacher of the Handicapped Certificate K–12, a Supervisor's Certificate, and a Principal's Certificate.

Dr. Coe shares, "This book is to encourage public school leaders to think more deeply about the hiring of black male teachers and the effects black male teacher mentors have on students in hopes to encourage and motivate African American males and men of color to enter the field of education. This book uncovers in-depth research of the effects of black male teacher mentoring and its impact on society. After reading He Looks Like Me, readers will understand the following:

• The vitality of having men of color in the classroom
• The importance of mentoring young black boys and boys of color
• How boys of color do meet classroom expectations when there is an African American male teacher
• An in-depth scope into the placement of African American males and males of color who are placed in special education classrooms"

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Dr. Michael A. Coe, M.Ed, D.Div.'s new book is an impactful message of hope for the future of the black community.

Dr. Coe shares in hopes of spreading awareness and encouraging educational systems to employ men of color in roles that afford young men access to positive role models.

Consumers can purchase "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys" at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about "He Looks Like Me: An evidence based guide for teachers mentoring African American Boys," contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

CHECK OUT THE BOOK