Through connection, development, and engagement in the community, BLOC helps keep black men in education longer. Brothers Liberating Our Communities (BLOC) is an organization aimed at sustaining and retaining black men in education spaces. Nationally, black men only stay in education an average of 1-3 years-- the bloc's goal is to keep them 5-7 years and for a lifetime. BLOC accomplishes this goal
through three pillars-- Connection, Development, and Engagement. Connection breaks down the isolation black male educators experience in their school buildings and districts. Bloc facilitates networking and social events to bring the black men in education in our city together. BLOC knows its not enough to show up black, but to also be armed with responsive and relevant pedagogical skill to create high achievement in our schools. BLOC creates affinity based professional development that addresses specific issues black men face in education settings. Engagement brings the work outside of the school building. Community service and partnerships help provide the black male educator with a sense of belonging and purpose in his community. BLOC connects its black male educators with community service and mentoring opportunities that allow black men to change the narrative in Kansas City. We have a mailing list of nearly 200 black male educators in the Kansas City area. We have an active facebook group and membership base of over 100 black men in the kansas city area. A facebook reach of over 1,000 accomplices in this work
over 90% of block members state that due to BLOC programming, they have continued or even advanced their career in education.
