Black Male Initiative (BMI)

After a year of planning by the Black Male Initiative (BMI) Task Force, along with a preliminary unveiling of the program structure via a Campus Presentation, this student success program formally began in Fall 2011. BMI seeks to increase the retention, graduation, engagement and overall success of those individuals historically underrepresented at the University, including Black males, by addressing various scholastic and social challenges, through academic engagement, mentoring, peer connection, and student involvement.

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BMI core areas:

• Academic Excellence
• Mentoring Support
• Social Engagement
• Leadership Development

Participants are encouraged to utilize academic support resources including REACH, TRiO, the Writing Center, formal study groups as well as attend BMI workshops and events. A mentoring family network allows upperclassmen, faculty, and staff to assist participants in navigating academic and personal challenges.

Fall 2024

Open House: Tap in with us and hear why we're here and what we're doing.

Kings Court: A safe space for us to discuss many healthy lifestyle topics and any concerns you have.

Wellness Week: September 18 - 20, 4pm, SRC - A variety of activities to help you grow in your holistic health journey and connect with other BMI brothers. Stay tuned for registration.

Melanin Music Monday: November 11 - We take over the Cultural Center Melanin Monday and add a concert to it with student artists. Stay tuned for registration.

BMI Film Fest: November 21, 4pm, CEC - We're hosting a space to screen films created by filmmakers who are UofL students and alumni. Stay tuned to register your film.

Warrior Series: Conversations on various manhood topics from the book, Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho.

Stay tuned for more!

BMI GRIOTS

In parts of West Africa, a griot serves as a historian and storyteller amongst many other functions. If you're into content creation and would like to tell great BMI stories about our events and network, click the picture or this link to register. This opportunity may serve as an intern status throughout the academic year.

Volunteer Opportunities

BMI provides a lot of opportunities for you to support our community with your time and skills. We encourage you to use this volunteer link to get involved at any moment during the year. As the saying goes, if everyone does a little, nobody has to do a lot.

Homecoming Week

• When: October 14 through October 20

• What can I do: Help set up/break down at various events; Provide media support by taking pictures and videos at events.
  

Men of Quality Summit

• When: March 2025

• What can I do: Provide media support by taking pictures and videos of the various workshops and presentations.

BMI Wise Council

The BMI Wise Council consists of faculty and staff members who provide one-to-one mentoring as time permits.

Additional BMI Activities and Services included:

• Brothers United (RSO)
• Early Arrival Program
• Parish Living Learning Community
• One-on-One Academic Coaching
• Networking Night
• Professional Development Workshops
• Student Leadership Conferences
• Community Service
• Brothers United Events: Barbershop Talks, 3-on-3 Tournament, Game Night 

BMI History

After a year of planning by the Black Male Initiative (BMI) Task Force, along with a preliminary unveiling of the program structure via a Campus Presentation, this student success program formally began in Fall 2011.

Initial funding was provided by committed BMI Partners including the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity and International Affairs, the Office of Undergraduate Affairs, the Office of Community Engagement, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the University of Louisville Cultural Center. Fundraising and development to support BMI goals and objectives is ongoing.

Assessment, participant feedback and evaluation of the Black Male Initiative continue to ensure participants are challenged and supported toward degree completion while ultimately improving institutional experiences and rates of graduation for rates of graduation for individuals historically underrepresented at the University, including Black males.

BMI Online

Follow us on instagram @uoflbmi

Wednesday Wisdom

Tune in to this YouTube series here where elder statesmen (and a few phenomenal women!), drop gems of knowledge for our young brothers.

 The Black Male Initiative Program is open to all eligible students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.

For more information contact: Brandyn Bailey.