Have you heard of Progressive Black Men, Inc

[InquisitiveOne]

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

In the summer of 1989 on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee , Florida , a group of friends were formed through a summer enrichment program for minorities at the institution. During the fall semester the gentlemen established academics as their foundation; however, their participation in community service and campus activities created a bond much stronger than friendship. The twelve gentlemen made a proposition to create an organization that fostered service, student enrichment, and genuine brotherhood. Thus on November 27, 1989 , the birth of Progressive Black Men was established!

From their website: www.progressiveblackmen.com/index_home.htm

What do you guys think of this organization?

[IPTTranquilizer]

I actually have heard of PBM three of my frat brothers at zeta delta are actually apart of this organization and one was a founding member of it on our campus. overall my opinion of the organization is good they have a positive take on the position of african americans in education.

[BuffaloIOTA]

I have never heard of the Progressive Black Men, Inc. I have checked out the website and they seem to be a very interesting group.

[Ace_of_Diam0nds]

I have never heard of this organization and I reside in both Washington, DC and Connecticut. However, I must ask why did they choose to make it Progressive Black Men, Incorporated? Why not Progressive Black People or Persons? There seem to be a lot of organizations that are already devoted to the same goals that cater to men only. Did they feel as if women could not help them in their pursuit 'to eradicate negative stereotypes placed on those of African descent'? This job seems important enough for the organization to have expanded their sights and include women seeing as there are plenty of negative stereotypes for Black women and, throughout history, the voice/ accomplishments of the Black man has echoed over the voice/ accomplishments of Black women. My Black history classes have always been overshadowed with the pursuits of Black men. Are they actually attempting to rid of stereotypes or are they just furthering the stereotype that BEHIND (not to the side of) every Black man is a Black woman. That Black women will simply go along with whatever justification they come up with for the stereotypes of their female counterparts. Did they feel as if having women included in their brotherhood would somehow make the organization less effective? Are they progressive Black men or regressive black men? If they were as progressive as they believe they are, they would realize it takes a whole village to accomplish great change.

[starang21]

it's down in florida, from what i've seen. didn't have it at my school.

[BuffaloIOTA]

Originally Posted by Ace_of_Diam0nds

If they were as progressive as they believe they are, they would realize it takes a whole village to accomplish great change.

I truly believe this, but I believe that these men felt that it was time for men to take a stand for themselves. I also agree with your statement of joining other organizations that are for the uplift of the African-American male, but maybe they felt that the vision of these organizations did not conform to some of their ideals.

[starang21]

Originally Posted by Ace_of_Diam0nds

I have never heard of this organization and I reside in both Washington, DC and Connecticut. However, I must ask why did they choose to make it Progressive Black Men, Incorporated? Why not Progressive Black People or Persons? There seem to be a lot of organizations that are already devoted to the same goals that cater to men only. Did they feel as if women could not help them in their pursuit 'to eradicate negative stereotypes placed on those of African descent'? This job seems important enough for the organization to have expanded their sights and include women seeing as there are plenty of negative stereotypes for Black women and, throughout history, the voice/ accomplishments of the Black man has echoed over the voice/ accomplishments of Black women. My Black history classes have always been overshadowed with the pursuits of Black men. Are they actually attempting to rid of stereotypes or are they just furthering the stereotype that BEHIND (not to the side of) every Black man is a Black woman. That Black women will simply go along with whatever justification they come up with for the stereotypes of their female counterparts. Did they feel as if having women included in their brotherhood would somehow make the organization less effective? Are they progressive Black men or regressive black men? If they were as progressive as they believe they are, they would realize it takes a whole village to accomplish great change.

their sister organization is S.I.S.T.U.H.S. or something like that.

http://www.sistuhs.org/

[Ace_of_Diam0nds]

Originally Posted by starang21

their sister organization is S.I.S.T.U.H.S. or something like that.

http://www.sistuhs.org/

My point was not to solely say that there needed to be a female group like this. My point was to establish the fact that the Black community should be bonding together to make social change occur. Create it as a co- ed group instead of just breaking into a brotherhood and sisterhood. Strengthen both at once instead of making it appear that our community is making us choose which to strenghten. Also, if one group succeeds more than the other, it uplifts that sex without the other instead of uplifting everyone. I guess it is easier that way, but whoever said great achievements were easy?

[mhoodjulien]

I understand your reasoning behind that, but Progressive Black Men, Inc was developed to further the reaches of the african-american male. As a member myself, I've seen this organization operate to serve the community at its best. It's true that several of fraternities and sororities resemble this same-sex alienation, but there are a couple reasons for that.

Progressive Black Men, Inc had the intention of fostering educated, goal-oriented black men, who shared the same alturistic view of bettering the community. Everyone knows that there are more black men in jail than there are in higher education, so Progressive Black Men, Inc wanted to distinguish themselves as being a product of men that were going places (which is why PBM is a professional, service organization as it doesn't follow many of the distractions of greek life).

The other thing is despite its name, PBM actually doesn't discriminate on race or gender. So in reality, a woman COULD be in Progressive Black Men, Inc. Will it ever happen...I doubt it.

http://www.hbcunetwork.com/modules/L...veblackmen.cfm