THE CIVIC EXPERIENCE

The MoMENtum Civic eXPerience is a groundbreaking initiative that brings together Black men of faith to advocate for the future of Black male learners in PK-12 public schools. This is an invitation to be a part of a transformative journey where your voice, experiences, and dedication will shape the future of education policy and impact the lives of the next generation.

I am moMENtum.

He is momentum.

What is the Civics eXPerience?

We are glad you asked. CIVICS XP is a transformative movement designed to unite and empower Black men to advocate for education reforms that benefit Black male learners. By participating, you’ll be part of an affinity group that is critical in influencing local education policies and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. We use our stories to advance their opportunities. 

What do we do?

We are committed to empowering Black men to be catalysts for educational change. Through our advocacy-driven work, we strive to create a lasting impact in the lives of Black male learners by focusing on education policy, community engagement, and disrupting harmful systems. Here’s what we do:

  • we believe in the power of restorative justice to heal and rebuild. We incorporate restorative practices to create a safe and brave environment for Black men who may have had negative or harmful experiences within the education system. By fostering open dialogue, accountability, and mutual respect, we encourage healing and understanding. This approach ensures that everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to share their stories. It ultimately creates a supportive space where the past is acknowledged, and the path forward is rooted in justice and transformation.

  • We prioritize building meaningful connections and fostering a strong sense of community. Black men come together to create brave spaces to engage in open, honest conversations about the challenges and triumphs of navigating the education system. These spaces allow for vulnerability, trust, and mutual support, where difficult topics can be discussed without fear of judgment. Sharing experiences, perspectives, and ideas strengthens our bonds and creates a unified force for positive change.

  • we empower Black men to engage civically by discussing policies that directly impact Black male learners. Through structured dialogue, we prepare participants to engage with policymakers, ensuring that their voices are heard and that the policies affecting their communities are shaped with accountability. Our discussions are designed to build a deep understanding of the issues at hand and how we can influence change, holding decision-makers accountable to pass policies that uplift and support Black boys in education. Together, we are creating a collective force for policy reform and lasting change.

Our histories, herstories, and theirstories are indispensable to helping Black youth see themselves more robustly and, as a consequence, lean, into the fullness of who they are as dreamers and doers.

Dr. Chezare A Warren, about Centering Possibility in Black Education

Our Course of Action.

  • Session 1

    Perspectives of Black Male Education in DFW

    Brothers share personal stories, reflect on challenges and successes, and provide insights into how their perspectives can inform strategies for fostering stronger connections between Black men and local schools. The goal is to understand Black men's unique role in advocating for education equity and enhancing school-community partnerships.

  • Session 2

    Black Church Forum: Civics & Church

    Brothers discuss the Black Church's historical and current role in the K-12 educational process, focusing on how it has leveraged its institutional power as a school-community partner. Participants will discuss the church’s mission, ministry, and message in advocating for Black students, educators, and communities. The conversation aims to uncover strategies, successes, and opportunities for the Black Church to continue its legacy of supporting education equity and fostering stronger school-community partnerships.

  • Session 3

    Black Male Education: Considering Joy & Love in School

    Brothers explore how joy, love, and justice principles can address the mental and systemic barriers that marginalize Black men in education. The session will provide a collaborative space for sharing personal experiences, identifying challenges, and developing strategies to empower Black men as active leaders in transforming education systems.

  • Session 4

    Anti-Racism Policy & Possibilities

    Brothers explore the Black Church's role in advancing anti-racism policies and advocating for education equity. Through guided discussions and collaborative exercises, the session will identify actionable strategies to address systemic inequities, build coalitions, and foster transformative partnerships between the faith community and schools to drive meaningful change and ensure equitable opportunities for Black students and educators.

  • Session 5

    Building Teams for Advocacy

    Brothers have interactive discussions to identify community engagement strategies that strengthen partnerships, amplify their collective impact, and promote the success of Black students, educators, and communities. Participants will explore opportunities for advocacy and policy innovation that address systemic barriers.

  • Session 6

    Advocacy & Me

    Brothers engage directly with policymakers. This experience is designed to bridge the gap between training and real-world application, empowering individuals to present their insights and advocate for meaningful change. Attendees will have the opportunity to develop and refine their messaging, participate in structured discussions, and gain valuable feedback from decision-makers.

Why Black Men Need to Lead the Change!

Black men have the power to reshape the future of education for Black male learners. As mentors, advocates, and leaders in their communities, you are uniquely positioned to guide the conversations that influence policy and push for meaningful change. When Black men commit to participating in this program, it creates a ripple effect across our communities. Your involvement will help spark transformative shifts in how schools approach Black male students and ensure that more young Black boys are empowered to succeed.