User:Omarfreilla/Black men for the eradication of sexism

Black Men for the Eradication of Sexism Black Men for the Eradication of Sexism (1994-199?) was an organization of Black men dedicated to raising awareness of sexism in the Black community and of supporting and challenging Black men to take responsibility for their own contribution to the oppression of Black women. The organization was based in Atlanta, GA and its members were Black male college students from Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University.

Mission Statement

History BMES was formed as a response to a public forum held at Sister's Chapel after Freaknik in 1994. That year, Freaknik attracted more than 200,000 participants to the metro Atlanta area. Some participants engaged in tailgating, partygoing, public alcohol consumption and other Spring Break-type activities. The Spelman forum sought to provide a platform for the women of the AUC and Atlanta community to discuss the actual sexual harassment, groping and assault that occurred. The emotion-filled stories of victimization were heard by the packed, mixed gender audience. The outcry inspired a small group of male students to agree to address the problem among themselves. After the forum, the close knit group invited others through word of mouth and held its 1st meeting off-campus in Southwest Atlanta to discuss sexism.

The 1st BMES meetings set the tone for the future of the organization. The small attendance allowed a very informal group therapy to occur surrounding sexism. Members spoke personally about the various effects of sexism in their lives relating to parental influence, puberty, sexuality, consumerism, marriage, etc. The meetings were cross-generational which broadened the group's perspective.

The idea of creating a mission statement and a publication came out of those 1st meetings. The publication included BMEs mission statement, references to critical gender studies theory,

Mission Statement 1. We believe that although we are oppressed because of our color, we are privileged because of our sex and must therefore take responsibility for ending that privilege.

2. We believe our relationships with women must be based on the principle of equality.

3. We recognize that eurocentric notions of manhood and masculinity are damaging to the psyche of black men and must be replaced by a wholistic interpretation of manhood that acknowledges the oneness of man and woman.

4. We believe that sexism is a global form of oppression of no less importance than any other form of oppression.

5. We believe that sexist oppression against women pervades every aspect of our communities and must be eradicated.

6.

Impact It is evident that the problem of sexism Male feminist