Black and Latino Male Achievement
Empowering Black and Latino young men in Memphis to achieve their full potential
through brotherhood, academic excellence, and
culturally rooted leadership
25+
Years in education leadership
10
Guiding principles
6
Blueprint strategies
K-12
Students served across Shelby County
Our Purpose
The Memphis / Shelby County area recognizes that Black and Latino boys and young men face unique challenges in school, career, and life. Black and Latino Male Achievement focuses on supports specifically tailored to increase success for Black and Latino males in education and beyond.
Vision
Black and Latino young men will possess an affirmed sense of identity, dignity, and the tools to triumphantly navigate K–12, college, career, and life…
Mission
Culturally specific, identity-affirming supports that increase success for Black and Latino males in education and beyond…
Our Blueprint for Success
Every program, partnership, and interaction within BLMA is grounded in these six foundational strategies.
1. Academic Support
2. Mentorship
3. Leadership Development
4. Advocacy Training
5. Family Engagement
6. Cultural Enrichment
THE FOUNDATION
10 Guiding Principles
These principles form the core of every BLMA interaction — affirming identity, building brotherhood, and preparing young men for life. Three of the most foundational are highlighted here.
PRINCIPLE 02
Brotherhood
Emphasizing the “village” concept, where Memphis’s Black and Latino men nobly, strategically, and collectively triumph over structural racism through mentorship and alliance.
PRINCIPLE 04
Cultural Dignity
Validating our humanity while promoting self-esteem and identity, including linguistic awareness and pride — and promoting physical health, emotional awareness, mindfulness, and restorative practices.
PRINCIPLE 09
Leadership Development
Cultivating values and decision-making that positively reflect our own images, interests, self-determination, and words — building leaders for community, career, and family.
“
Wilder Lee
Director BLA
Black and Latino Male
Achievement
I am Wilder Lee, Director of Black & Latino Male Achievement. I have served in education for 25 years, and this experience has shown me that we must do more to mentor and build character and discipline in our young men.
Growing up between Memphis, Tennessee, and Newark, New Jersey, I experienced childhood from two perspectives: In the South, my grandparents raised me with loving discipline and care. In Newark, I had more freedom and less structure. This gave me perspective on how environment shapes young men’s trajectories.
Many of my closest friends were Puerto Rican, and we shared much in common: music, dance, athletics, and traditional family values. Today, as I reflect on my journey, I recognize that whether Black or Latino, we all face common struggles against systemic barriers.
This understanding led me to define the 10 Guiding Principles that form the foundation of BLMA. Our young men deserve spaces where their identity is affirmed, their potential is recognized, and their path to success is clear.
Take Action
Get Involved
There are many ways to support Black and Latino boys and young men in the Memphis / Shelby County area.
Choose how you want to make a difference.
Become a Mentor
Share your experience, time, and wisdom with a young man who needs guidance. Mentors are our most critical need.
Volunteer
Join us at events, workshops, and school programs. Every hour you give creates opportunities for young men to grow and succeed.
Partner With Us
Schools, businesses, and community organizations can partner with BLMA to expand our reach and deepen our impact across Shelby County.
SUPPORT THE MISSION
Your Gift Changes Lives
Your gifts support mentorship, programming, and educational materials for Black and Latino young men in Memphis. Your generosity fuels their future..
$25
Materials
$50
Mentorship
$60
Enrollment
$100
Outreach
$250
Workshop
$25
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