Movement recognizes Black Men men graduating from college

Philadelphia, PA – During the same day that President Obama delivered the commencement address at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA (an all-male Historically Black College and University), civic and community leaders, graduates and their supporters braved inclement weather to gather on the grounds of City Hall Courtyard for the inaugural Black CAPs Philly 2013: A Celebration of Black Men’s Academic Achievements. The event celebrated Black men who graduated from various campuses in and around the city and acknowledged the academic, intellectual and activist legacy of Philadelphian, Paul Robeson. More than 30 Black men representing Peirce College, University of Pennsylvania, Community College of Philadelphia, Arcadia University and Strayer, among others, were honored.

Elements of the program included Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell presenting a Citation on behalf of City Council honoring Black CAPs Philly, Mr. Steven Bradley from the African American Chamber of Commerce giving a keynote address, Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison giving The Charge to the graduates and Steven Tyson of Arcadia University, accepting The Charge on behalf of the honorees.

When asked why he felt the need to participate in Black CAPs, Mr. Angelo Saxon, a recent graduate from Temple University shared, “Coming from Baltimore, MD and understanding the struggle other black males go through to make it to this point in their lives…means that this event is something that can be and should be held everywhere."   Mr. Darrell Carson, a new CCP Alum, stated, “It feels like there are more negative portrayals of Black Men in urban areas.  It felt good to be recognized with my peers from different colleges and universities.”

The idea for a citywide Black male graduation came from students in a graduate-level independent study class at the University of Pennsylvania.  Several of them were on hand to see their idea come to fruition.

“We presented this idea at a meeting of the Mayor’s Commission for African American Males (MCAAM) because we thought it was important that Philadelphia send a message to graduates that indicates the city is proud of you and your accomplishments and we intend to support you as you move forward,” said Aaron Davis, a 2013 graduate of the School of Social Policy and Practice at UPENN and one of the participants in the independent study class.

The Commission happily picked up the idea and in a short period of time, Black CAPs Philly 2013 evolved.  The MCAAM was joined in this effort by AAKT Concepts LLC, Black Male Development Symposium, Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.

“The presence of co-sponsors and supporters beyond the Commission was our way of harnessing a citywide commitment to make sure that Black men have access to the opportunities their work and accomplishments should afford them,” said Eric K. Grimes, MCAAM Education Committee Chair, instructor of the independent study course and one of the event’s coordinators.  “Black CAPs Philly 2013 was a great success and we look forward to making this an annual national event, with origins in the City of Philadelphia.  We see it as a way of motivating young Black males, and others, to pursue education and college since the men present today show that it can be done.”

Lynne Hammond, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, brought her son.  “I wanted him to witness Black CAPs and it be an inspiration for what I hope and expect him to achieve.  I wanted him to see men who have achieved their goals.”

To see pictures of the day or to learn more about future events, activities and initiatives of Black CAPs Philly, visit the MCAAM Facebook page at “Black CAPs Philly” or follow them on Twitter (@blackcapsphilly).