Mentoring at the Center for Black Studies – Black Male Initiative (BMI)

The Black Male Initiative (BMI) was established under the leadership of Don Bramlett, the former graduation specialist at the Center for Black Studies (CBS). BMI was established as a signature element of the mentoring model for the Center for Black Studies, with a particular focus on supporting the academic, personal, social and career goals of Black and African American males. The BMI framework is based on five foundational pillars that continue to serve as the mentoring framework for the CBS. As the CBS staff have continued to mentor various student organizations, the five foundational pillars remain as a framework for their efforts. The five pillars are: academics, community service, social interaction, mentoring and image busting.  

That same year, BMI simultaneously became a fully recognized student organization. Although it was and still is an NIU registered student organization, BMI like many other student organizations continues to be advised by CBS staff. This student lead organization provides leadership and development opportunities for its members as they engage and build a community of support for men from diverse backgrounds and experiences. To learn more about BMI and other student organizations that are historically Black/African American or that center the Black/African American student experience, feel free to visit this curated list of student organizations. To learn more about all of NIU’s student organizations, please visit student organizations at NIU.  

Mentoring at the CBS is centered on the experiences and needs of this whose identities include identifying as Black and African American. We are excited to continue addressing and meeting the needs of our NIU students as we build our work around the theoretically sound and data driven decision making. Together with units across the division and the university, we serve our students through a host of efforts all aimed at meeting the goals and outcomes of our NIU Model for Student Success.  

Check back for updates as we continue to expand and develop our mentoring model and initiatives at the CBS. For more information about mentoring programs at the CBS, contact Dr. Christopher Mitchell cmitchell11@niu.edu.