Progressive Black Men

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Progressive Black Men, Inc

Abbreviation	PBM
Motto	"Collective Knowledge, Collective Effort, Collective Strength"
Formation	November 27, 1989
Type	Non-for-profit
Legal status	501(c)3
Purpose/focus	Service
Membership	Private
Official languages	(English)
(National President)	(Antonio L. Rainey)
Main organ	(National Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc)
Affiliations	S.I.S.T.U.H.S., inc
Website	http://pbm1989.org [1]
Remarks	The mission statement of Progressive Black Men, Inc is to eradicate negative stereotypes placed on those of African descent, especially men, through Academic Excellence, Communal Support, and the Fellowship of our Brothers.

Progressive Black Men, Inc is a National Service Organization whose purpose is to eradicate negative stereotypes placed on those of African descent, especially African American Men, through the fundamental principles of Academic Excellence, Communal Support, and Fellowship of Brothers. Progressive Black Men's purpose is to Promote Positive Images of the Black Male through community service, volunteer work, humanitarian aid and high moral standards.

1 National History
2 National Programs
3 Current Chapters
4 Membership
5 National Presidents

[edit] National History

Progressive Black Men was established on the campus of Florida State University by twelve minority students who formed a friendship while enrolled in the Summer Enrichment Program at the university. Their similar interest in academic achievement, self improvement and a commitment to help others reach their potential evolved in them forming an organization that reflected their values.

On November 27, 1989 Progressive Black Men was officially established.

The initial leadership, President Cesar Rodriguez and Vice President Oswald Walker, along with the other original members, devoted countless hours to the new organization. Promoting Positive Images of Black Men was a central theme that guided the development of Progressive Black Men, and remains a pillar of the organization today. The founding members of Progressive Black Men established and exemplified the fundamental principles of the organization:

Academic Excellence
Communal Support
Fellowship of Brothers

Within the first two years, Progressive Black Men organized and nurtured a Cub Scout Troop in Frenchtown, a small African American community in the Tallahassee area, and is considered one of the proudest projects during PBM's early years. Members of the organization helped tutor and mentor the young scouts to prepare them for success in school and life. Progressive Black Men also held different social events for the entire institution, including a Physical Plant Appreciation Day, the first of its kind, and a Black Faculty Appreciation Day. These projects demonstrated the organization's commitment to the development of the African American community on and off campus.

In the early 90's, an environment of anti- Affirmative Action and anti- minority students organizing was rather prevalent during the initial days of Progressive Black Men. Although Florida State University was very supportive of PBM's ideology, the response of the student body was varied. PBM experienced support, indifference, and, at times, hostility. This varied response extended to the greater Tallahassee community. Many people questioned the purpose of Progressive Black Men and the need for Black Men to organize in this integrated society. The first vice president, Oswald Walker, received a threatening phone call from a self-declared member of the Ku Klux Klan; also a White Student Union was formed at the University of Florida in response to minority specific organizations, such as Progressive Black Men. The Union collapsed soon afterwards and through all the adversity the members stayed focused on their principles and goals and Progressive Black Men withstood the test of time. In 1993, Progressive Black Men became a member of the FSU Seminole Torchbearers Council of 100 Student Leaders and was furnished with an office space and received school allocations to assist with service programs and campus event.

Progressive Black Men has grown considerably since its inception. In the summer of 2000 the organization signed the official Letters of Incorporation. Post Incorporation, Progressive Black Men, Inc has begun to expand and spread its ideology nationally.

2000 The Florida A&M University Chapter was established
2002 The First National Board was established
2003 The University of Florida and University of South Florida Chapters were established
2003 The First National Conference was held in Tallahassee, FL

Through the organization's slow yet remarkable growth, Progressive Black Men, Inc. has stayed focused on our mission: To Eradicate The Negative Stereotypes Placed Upon Those of African Descent, especially African American Men. With this in mind, we will always work to reconstruct and redefine the image of the Black Male through volunteer work, humanitarian aid, and community service. This goal is accomplished through our motto: "Collective Knowledge, Collective Effort, Collective Strength."

[edit] National Programs

The Five Points of Progression

Family and Community Development-Programs in this area focus on the support of existing family and community structures and aim to foster positive relationships between groups composing the same. Neighborhood cleanups, community and home repair, neighborhood socials, social and job skills training, and neighborhood watch programs are projects that are developed to uplift our community to a higher social, intellectual and moral level.

Educational Development -Programs in this area focus on enabling youth to become proficient in basic educational disciplines including: reading, writing, mathematics, science, social science, technology, history, language arts and standardized test preparation. After-school tutoring, in-class assistance, group reading, weekend and holiday courses, competitive and need-based scholarship programs are activities developed to prepare students for ongoing education. We also promote education development as striving for education throughout life.

Health Awareness-Programs in this area encourage youth and adults to engage in behaviors that promote positive well-being and healthy lifestyles. Emphasis will be placed on education and prevention. Targeted groups include youth and adults of at least 13 years-of-age. Suggested activities are: summer and holiday exercise camps, drug prevention programs, health awareness seminars, free blood pressure and other medical screening.

Economic Empowerment-Programs in this area enhance and stimulate profitable behavior among minorities and support individuals and families on becoming debt free, financial independent, and job secure. Projects such as support minority business locations, coupon sponsorship, flyer distribution and grant application assistance are good ways to aid minority entrepreneurs and local minority owned businesses.

Political Awareness-Programs in this area seek to increase voter participation through voter registration, education and Get-Out-The-Vote efforts. Suggested activities include voter registration drives, publication and distribution of voter information pamphlets, candidate rallies and debates, tours of government buildings, seminars explaining government processes and organization of political action committees.

[edit] Current Chapters

Progressive Black Men at Florida State University

Progressive Black Men at Florida A&M University

Progressive Black Men at University of Florida

Progressive Black Men at University of South Florida

Progressive Black Men at St. Leo University

[edit] Membership

Progressive Black Men Inc. has a selective membership of gentlemen who possess high leadership capabilities and a concern for the minority community. Membership is at the discretion of each chapter.

Membership into Progressive Black Men, Inc. is a sincere commitment. When a man is inducted into this organization, he accepts the responsibility for a devoted effort that will forward the organization, the community, and also himself. He is bonded to a lifelong dedication of Excellence, Communal Support, Fellowship of Brothers and the mission of Progressive Black Men. Members are expected to maintain a high level of maturity and discipline. They must also have a desire to strive for, and achieve goals for himself, the community and the organization through Collective Knowledge, Collective Effort, Collective Strength. On becoming a member of Progressive Black Men, a man will learn leadership, brotherhood , and what it means to be a African American man, and most importantly what it means to be a Progressive Black Man."

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