Tonight, live at 9 p.m. eastern time, we will be speaking and sharing with Lilia Esi of The Manhood Initiative.

The Manhood Mentorship Initiative mission statement is “Helping black boys transition into manhood”.

The Manhood Mentorship Initiative is a Toronto based organization that provides young Black males with access and interaction with adult role models who assist to provide the tools to help them develop positive thinking, responsible personal conduct, respect for self and others, educational achievement, cultural enrichment, social networks and positive male identity.

Through deliberate and structured group sessions with committed and conscientious adult mentors & role models, young men will develop the strength and confidence to face life’s challenges head on.

THE CHALLENGE:

Black boys are growing up without father figures and positive Black role models or mentors.
Black youth have a have higher rates of suspension, expulsion, placement in special education, and dropout than other groups. Unfortunately, Black youth confront high unemployment and low labor force participation rates, and high probation and incarceration rates. A combination of social, historical and socio-economic factors can impede and cripple the Black male’s ability to truly transition into manhood. He is left to constantly struggle and fight for an identity, for power, for respect, and for understanding of who he is verses what he is projected as.

“My mom does what she can, but she can’t do everything. It’s not her fault, She can’t teach me how to be a man.”
Black male youth @ African Rites of Passage Youth Retreat – November 2011

THE INITIATIVE “Part of the solution”:

BLACK MALE MANHOOD MENTORSHIP GROUP SESSIONS:
• Frank and interactive facilitated group manhood sessions
• 3 hours per month
• Group Setting
• A selection of Black adult men from a variety of professions and life experiences
• Meeting with Black Youth from a pre-existing community based programs
• Black male adults are provided with context, support and training
• Interaction to mentees are limited to monthly group sessions
• Social Media is used as a tool for: recruit adult males; keep mentors and mentees connected; pass on relevant reading materials, videos; document progress

This initiative gives Black men the opportunity to step up to be mentors and role models to younger Black men who lack positive male influences in their lives.

As a result young men will:
• Cultivate stronger links with positive male role models and mentors.
• Increase confidence and self-esteem.
• Improve strength in mind to increase confidence and success.
• Develop strong male identity.

If you would like more information about The Manhood Mentorship Initiative, you can contact Lilia via:

esi_aya@yahoo.ca (email)
Facebook
(416) 702-7726 (phone)

During the live interview, you have the opportunity to call in and share with us and ask questions via Skype. If you would like to do this, please call us at: doctorvibe42. If you get through, please be patient and we will get to your call as soon as possible.

All you need to do listen to the show live is to go The Dr.Vibe Show Homepage at http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/
tonight at 9 p.m. EST. You can also provide your comments and
questions during the event via Twitter (@vibeandvegas #DrVibe) and at our Facebook Fan Page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923

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God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith,
Dr. Vibe
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