Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, founder of SAAB

The above image and the following test are taken directly from the saab national Web site: http://2cusaab.org/index.htm

Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe resides in Toledo, Ohio. He was born and raised in Grenada, Mississippi. He received his Bachelor’s of Arts Degree and his Master’s of Education degree from Mississippi State University. Additionally, he graduated from the University of Georgia with a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Affairs Administration and was chosen as the Outstanding Doctoral Student in the State of Georgia and was most recently recognized as the Outstanding Doctoral Alumnus by the University of Georgia.

Recently, he served as Vice President for Student Life and Special Assistant to the President at The University of Toledo but has now transitioned temporarily to the role of Executive Director of the SAAB National Headquarters. He is the founder of the Student African American Brotherhood Organization (SAAB), which is a national organization established to enhance the experiences of and instill a “spirit of care” in African American males in high schools, colleges and universities around the country. He is a contributing author of recently released book “African American Men in College”, Jossey-Bass Publisher.

He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and is very active in the arena of higher education. He is highly recognized by several professional associations for his research, publications, presentations and scholarly work. In 1999, he was invited to Oxford, England to serve as a guest lecturer to discuss his work with African American males at the Oxford University Roundtable Institute, which is sponsored by the British Council. Recently, he was invited to join an international research team to address issues around men or color in Europe, Trinidad, Barbados and the Bahamas. Also, he has appeared on talk shows such as “Perfect Union” hosted by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. to discuss his work involving African American and Latino Males.

When/Where does Society of African American Brotherhood meet?

SAAB meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Multicultural Center (MCC), on the Second floor of Baker. Business Casual dress requested.

Race Forum with SAAB!

SAAB will be hosting a Race Forum February 18th 2009 at 7 p.m. There will be a panel of experts discussing the topic. The forum also wants to generate dialog amongst the studnets here at OU. Everyone is welcome!

SAAB's Valentine's day fundraiser

SAAB will be selling candy in Baker from February 9th through the 13th from 12p.m. to 5 p.m. So, come out and support us!

Student African American Brotherhood Celebrate Mothers!

We know its early, but mark your calendar for May 3rd 2009. SAAB will be having its annual tribute to mothers celebration. There will be brunch, flower give-a-ways, a student speaker and a mother speaking at the event.

What is Student African American Brotherhood!

Dr. Bledsoe, creator of SAAB speaks at Ohio University

The following text as well as the above photograph comes directly from the "about us" section of the national website:http://2cusaab.org/about.htm

For a number of years crime statistics have revealed that a disproportionate number of Black men were using illicit drugs, committing other crimes and contributing to teen-age pregnancy. Just as alarming, one out of every four Black men aged 20 to 29 is either in prison, on probation, or on parole. More Black men of this age group are in prison than there are in college and the armed services combined. Many young men choose crime and irresponsibility because they feel that no one cares about them and that they have nothing to lose. One can understand that with such feelings, stealing, using illicit drugs-- or even murder--could be an "easy" alternative.
How should we respond to this critical situation? One response would be to shake our heads and place the blame upon our institutions and systems. Another would be to take positive steps by giving of our time and talent o demonstrate that there are alternatives to the path too many Black men take. Indeed, it is up to us to carry the shield to overcome obstacles to a brighter side of life. We can offer our younger generation food to think, act, and prepare for a better future than those who choose a collision course with doom.

S.A.A.B. has accepted the demanding challenge by involving enrolled Black males at more than 20 colleges/universities to include North Carolina Wesleyan College, North Carolina Central University, Georgia Southwestern State University, University of Texas-Austin and Ohio University to name a few. The organization plans to have more than 40 chapters by the end of spring 2001.