Black List: Organizing for a Cause

In 1980 I was a fourteen year old high school freshman. I was invited to participate in a program called the Center for Leadership Development (CLD). There mission was to empower African American youth so that they could first see the value and potential locked within them. CLD provided training, teaching and inspiring to inspire youth to the highest levels of achievement in academics, college, career and life.

This program was invaluable to me and the lessons that I learned as well as the networks I developed have lasted me a lifetime. Today I still receive gifts and encouragements from CLD. But, CLD is not the only program that touched my life. As an young African American I participated in a great deal of school and community programs; however it was programs sponsored by NAACP, BDPA, Delta Sigma Theta, and INROADS that most positively influenced my life. These organizations not only prepare youth for life and work but they specifically prepare youth to succeed as Black Americans in education, family, corporate, and civic life.

I encourage families to investigate the organizations on this list. You might find that they provide valuable resources to you and your children.

Towards Cultural Fluency
For those who want to increase their cultural fluency I offer a challenge. I've created a workbook exercise around these getting to know these organizations. I am creating ten challenges in what I call 90 Days to Cultural Fluency. If you are interested you can register and access the information.

Here is a list of Black/African American Organizations.