Programs
Brothers Building Brilliance
Black Men Read’s Brother’s Building Brilliance is a literacy-focused initiative dedicated to raising reading proficiency among Black children in St. Louis. Through mentorship, tutoring, and community engagement, Black men guide students toward academic success and instill a love for reading. The program is driven by the critical need to address low literacy rates, which disproportionately affect Black students and impact their long-term educational outcomes.
Statistics reveal the urgency: only 27% of Black third graders in Missouri are reading at grade level, compared to 57% of their white counterparts. In St. Louis, these disparities contribute to a growing achievement gap that perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits future opportunities. Research shows that students who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, a key risk factor in entering the school-to-prison pipeline.
Brother’s Building Brilliance aims to break this cycle by ensuring that students surpass third and fourth-grade reading levels, a crucial milestone for academic development. By elevating reading scores, the program helps build brighter futures for St. Louis’ Black youth, reducing the likelihood of future incarceration and increasing their chances for success in school and life.
Black Men T.A.L.K.
Black Men T.A.L.K. (Trust Building, Affirmation & Accountability, Learning from Each Other, and Keeping Confidentiality) is a safe space designed to address the unique mental health challenges faced by Black men in St. Louis. This program, led by Black Men Read, fosters open and honest conversations about mental health, emotional well-being, and personal growth. By meeting in different neighborhoods each month, the program engages directly with communities, providing resources like therapy sessions, yoga, and mental health support.
Addressing Black men’s mental health is crucial, as they often face systemic barriers, stigmas, and cultural pressures that discourage seeking help. National statistics show that Black men are less likely to receive mental health care, yet are disproportionately affected by stress, trauma, and violence. Without addressing these challenges, untreated mental health issues can lead to negative outcomes such as substance abuse, violence, and even incarceration. Black Men T.A.L.K.breaks down these barriers, providing a supportive environment for healing and growth, while promoting positive mental health and emotional resilience.
Page Turners
A monthly literacy initiative where Black men from the community visit elementary schools to read to students in 1st through 3rd grade classrooms. The goal is to inspire a love of reading, provide positive role models, and strengthen the bond between community members and students.