Reaching African American Male’s Potential is a consulting/mentoring program that understands the importance of making sure young males receive the education and support needed to take their place as future leaders.
The program takes place throughout the school year in Antioch, CA. Founded by educator, Mr. Lawrence A. Rasheed, the program strives to uphold it key principles and goals of:
- Engaging African American males academically
- Increasing self-esteem to improve behavior and academic performances
- Placing an emphasis of personal accountability
To learn more about R.A.A.M.P, see our interview with Mr. Rasheed below.
Who were your role models growing up?
When I was growing up we still had a "village" to raise me. So picking role models is rather difficult. The easy answer would be the 'village." As a young black male, I obviously tried to model my father and brother. Outside of the village and my family, the person I most tried to model was Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams was the pupil advocate at my alumni Gompers Secondary School in San Diego. Mr.Williams’ job as pupil advocate was to assist African American males academically as well as socially. Although he was only at Gompers my senior year, he left a lasting impression. He was real cool, calm, charismatic, dapper, and extremely professional and was well liked among students and rest of his colleagues. Out the many role models that I have been privileged to have, Mr. Williams is the one I most try emulate.
Describe the work that you are doing through R.A.A.M.P and its significance to the future of African American males?
The work that I do with R.A.A.M.P. is really holistic. R.A.A.M.P. is a movement that addresses the several needs and the current predicament of African American males. For example, R.A.A.M.P. promotes health and wellness- we offer breakfast with fresh fruit and juices to ensure participants receive the proper amount of daily vitamins and minerals. Participants are also given water, informed about other nutritional perils and benefits, as well as participate in various physical activities. R.A.A.M.P. also provides cultural enrichment session, pro-active, private and group counseling, academic support and resources. In addition, R.A.A.M.P. student members also participate in various educational field-trips and conferences. The program serves as a liaison between the school, parents, and community. Lastly, R.A.A.M.P. provides resources and assist teachers, administration and staff. In a nut shell, the work R.A.A.M.P. is creating is a new and stronger "village!" R.A.A.M.P.'s significance on the future of African American males is vital to the African American community, America and the whole world. Without programs such as R.A.A.M.P., the future of our young as well older African American males may be bleak!
What is one thing that you want all participants of R.A.A.M.P to remember and take away with them?
The one thing I want all R.A.A.M.P. participants to remember is think critically and be accountable. In our current society, we have adopted being a victim and blaming everyone else instead of being accountable young men. I know that the playing field is not leveled and life is not fair, but blaming others has never eradicated any social ills. However, accountability and critical thinking will always help ameliorate social as well educational ills.
