Mission & Purpose
The African-American Male Applied Research (AAMAR) is an interdisciplinary research initiative with the mission to advance understanding of how best to improve the lives of African-American males, with special attention to the population of Southeastern North Carolina.
By conducting research and assessment to authentically and accurately articulate African-American male experiences and identify best practices in education and human services. The research produced will be discussed and disseminated, and the the basis for advocacy for the use off findings/implications towards policy, service, and program formation centered on the strengths and resiliency of African-American males.
Vision
The vision of AAMAR starts with the strengths perspective on the delivery of human services. This perspective places emphasis on the strengths of individuals rather than their deficits, and encourages us to develop authentic and accurate strategies by assessing strengths of African-American men and learning from them what supports or hinders their success.
The second part of the vision is a commitment to prevention more than remediation. This perspective would give priority, but not exclusivity, to work with younger rather than older African-American males. This part of the vision is predicated on the assumption that more gain in the long-term can be achieved with early intervention.
The third consideration in the vision is a focus on the interface of the family, community, and the school system. This idea is founded on the assumptions that education is essential to human development, that the family plays a critical role in development of self, that the community must provide vital resources and safety, and that school systems must provide adequately prepared and equipped educators to engage student in effective experiences. Consistent with this vision is the overarching goal to prepare African-American males for active participation in and maintenance of society.
The fourth part of the vision encourages critical thinking and the advancement of knowledge that withstands scholarly standards. AAMAR will engage in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Furthermore, AAMAR will adhere to the highest ethical standards regarding human subject research. Thus, in the advancement of knowledge, varying levels of method sophistication are to be considered, provided that transparency is maintained.
In sum, the research on success strategies for African-American males produced by AAMAR and the subsequent advocacy will challenge the “all to often” notion that African-American males are themselves “the problem.” Though its research, AAMAR will provide insight for curricular, program, and policy development; and will foster an environment that enhances the exchange of diverse ideas on engaging community partners, particularly the P-16 institutions, in increasing opportunities for African-American males, which would include higher education.