Mentor Program Spotlight: Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA) at MPS

Milwaukee Public Schools’ Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA), established in 2017, is a beacon of hope and progress in the educational landscape. Under the guidance of Nate Deans BLMA has been a transformative force in the lives of Black and Latino boys and young men in Milwaukee.

Purpose and Mission

BLMA was created to address the unique challenges faced by Black and Latino male students in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). The department aims to challenge and change systems, structures, and spaces of oppression, working tirelessly to create conditions that foster success for these students. With a mission rooted in improving outcomes for Black and Latino males, BLMA addresses areas such as culture, climate, communication, and positive narrative-building within MPS schools.

Vision and Principles

The vision of BLMA is to empower Black and Latino boys and young men with a strong sense of identity, dignity, and self-confidence, equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate K–12 education, college, career, and life triumphantly. This vision is underpinned by 12 Guiding Principles focusing on aspects like academic success, brotherhood, community, cultural dignity, fatherhood, financial literacy, historical understanding, leadership development, love, self-care, socio-political awareness, and a nuanced understanding of manhood.

Impact and Activities

Since its inception, BLMA has initiated several impactful activities. Monthly mentor meetings are held in 13 Milwaukee Public High Schools, where mentors and mentees engage in meaningful conversations about life and goal setting, guided by BLMA’s Twelve Guiding Principles. These sessions often include self-care activities, catered lunches, and discussions that foster personal and communal growth.
BLMA’s partnership with Mentor Greater Milwaukee (MGM) plays a crucial role in bringing community mentors into high schools, facilitating these transformative sessions. BLMA also aids school staff in session planning, ensuring each meeting is impactful and resonates with the students.

Upcoming Initiatives

In its commitment to supporting the educational aspirations of its members, BLMA is launching the Brotherhood Legacy Scholarship, a testament to its dedication to supporting post-secondary education for Black and Latino young men.

BLMA’s work exemplifies the power of targeted mentorship and community support in shaping the futures of young men of color. As we look forward to the MGM Symposium, BLMA stands as a model of success and inspiration, showcasing the profound impact of mentorship intertwined with cultural and educational advocacy.

For more information on BLMA, visit their website or consider becoming a BLMA mentor to make a difference in the lives of Milwaukee’s youth and contact Nate Deans: (deansjnd@milwaukee.k12.wi.us, 414-777-7863),