By Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
Black men have the highest unemployment rate of any demographic in the United States, consistently hovering around 7%. Additionally, only 27% of black men over the age of 25 hold a bachelor’s degree, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Access to resources such as mentorship, career development and mental health support is often linked to a successful launch into a career and employment young adults. However, for young Black men, these types of resources are often limited, creating significant barriers to long term success.
It is in that note that The Blue Heart Foundation, a local non profit focused on African American youth, unveiled its latest initiative last week. As a part of their current Career and College Preparation Program, “Pathways to Success,” is a program designed to bridge the gap for young black men to flourish and have the tools needed to thrive in a variety of career fields.
“Our mission has always been about building our community by providing a secure and equitable path to higher education and emotional health, and today, we are taking another major step in fulfilling that mission,” said Matthew Gordon, President and CEO of the Blue Heart Foundation.
Founded by the late Tracy Morris in 2013, The Blue Heart foundation aims to support under-served African American male youths aged 13-18 throughout San Diego County.
During the press conference, 2023 Blue Heart Foundation Class President Mason Grimmesey and Vice President Luis Villegas shared personal stories of how the Foundation had transformed their lives.
“I probably wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for Blue Heart and the opportunities they’ve given me,” said Villegas. Grimmesey echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the sense of community and confidence the program had instilled in him, calling Blue Heart “family.”
The pathway to success initiative is designed to offer comprehensive support through 3 main components:
- Dress for Success: Every participant is guaranteed professional attire for interviews and formal occasions, including new or gently used ties, dress shirts, shoes, and suits.
- Job Training: The program provides resume-building workshops and mock interview sessions with partner professionals, ensuring participants are prepared to enter the workforce with confidence.
- Opportunity: Young men will have access to high-quality internships, job shadowing, and entry-level employment opportunities, helping them build valuable experience early in their careers.
Community-Driven Collaboration
The successful launch of the new program is largely due to the partnerships of local employers. Partners include the National Pharmaceutical Association, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Sister Cities Project, the Black Leadership Alliance Coalition, M.A.N.D.A.T.E Records, and the Mental Bar.
“You know myself, I’m a first generation college student. I didn’t have the best role models growing up, but through this partnership, I really believe that we can help develop a pipeline of future pharmacists, future healthcare providers,” said Dr. Ashley Crumite, with the National Pharmaceutical Association.
In addition to job training and mentorship, the initiative also focuses on developing emotional health, providing participants with the tools to navigate challenges both in and out of the workplace. Dr. Leonard Thompson, representing M.A.N.D.A.T.E Records expressed excitement about the long-term potential of the initiative. “This is going to be a great initiative…many of our young men will go through training and go straight into employment,” he said.
Several speakers at the event stressed the importance of community involvement.
Shawn McClondon, founder of Sister Cities Project, called on affluent communities in San Diego to get involved, stressing the need for neighbors to care about and invest in underserved areas.
“We need everyone to come on board,” McClondon said. “We need everyone to be a partner in this.”
A Brighter Future for Young Black Men
The “Pathways to Success” initiative aims to ensure that young Black men are not held back by systemic barriers but are instead empowered to thrive. TJ Harris, Executive Director of the Black Leadership Alliance Coalition, noted that poverty and economic disparity often serves as a pipeline for crime and violence, but with initiatives like this, the community can provide the necessary tools for success.
“Our young people need to be ensured that they are not hindered by the color of their skin or the limitations of their communities,” Harris said. “Economic deprivation will no longer be an issue as long as we have devout leaders like the ones standing here today.”
The Blue Heart Foundation is calling for more partners, sponsors, and volunteers to help expand the program’s reach. For more information, visit the Blue Heart Foundation’s website HERE
