RESTORATIVE PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH

FAITH-BASED MOMENTUM FOR ADVANCING BLACK MALE OPPORTUNITY: PERSPECTIVES, POLICY & POSSIBILITY

Black men in the Dallas-Fort Worth area will participate in restorative participatory action research to examine how Black men of faith, as an advocating affinity group, create spaces for school-community engagement that informs and influences education policy for Black male learners in PK-12 public school programs. When men of faith commit to participating in this research study policy-makers and practitioners are one step closer to evidence-based practices that school districts across the country can use to disrupt school-to-prison pipelines.

  • Session 1

    Black men in Dallas-Fort Worth explore how their educational journeys have shaped their involvement in school and community engagement. Participants will 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 the unique role Black men play in advocating for education equity and enhancing school-community partnerships.

    Date: January 7, 2025

    Location: TBD

  • Session 2

    Participants 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

    Participants explore the vital role of teamwork and coalition building in fostering school-community partnerships. Participants will examine the unique experiences of the Black Church in advocating for education equity and supporting schools. Through interactive discussions and collaborative activities, participants will identify strategies to strengthen partnerships, amplify their collective impact, and promote the success of Black students, educators, and communities.

  • Session 4

    Participants explore how principles of joy, love, and justice can address the mental and systemic barriers that marginalize Black men in education. The session will provide a collaborative space to share personal experiences, identify challenges, and develop strategies to empower Black men as active leaders in transforming education systems.

  • Session 5

    Participants 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 6

    Participants meet with Black male school board members and community leaders to discuss their vision for reimagining education systems that efficiently close the opportunity gap for Black males. Participants will explore strategies for engagement, advocacy, and policy innovation that address systemic barriers. Participants and trustees will share insights, challenges, and actionable solutions for creating transformative change and building school systems that support Black male students.

Sign Up

Spread the word!

We appreciate your interest in participating in our research study. Your input will provide valuable insights that can help close opportunity gaps for Black male learners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Participation in this study is voluntary and unpaid. Your privacy will be protected, and all information you provide will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes. The study will involve completing a survey, attending an interview, or participating in focus groups that equates to approximately 20 hours of invested time. We believe our young men will benefit from your perspectove and insight. 

By joining this study, you will have the opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to innovative solutions for disrupting school-to-prison pipelines, increasing Black male engagement in educational, and amplifying the voice of Black men in education.