At The Officer and Gentleman Academy in Evanston, Illinois, middle school boys work on everything from social studies homework to financial literacy workshops to perfecting a half windsor tie knot.
Evanston police officer Adam Howard launched the after-school mentoring program in 2016 to try to heal the tension he often witnessed between police officers and young Black males. He wanted to provide a safe emotional space for young people, even as he surrounded them with people and resources who could teach them skills they need to thrive in all of their endeavors.
It requires empathy and compassion and really working together if we want to truly help our young people.”
“It’s so much bigger than just meeting with young men after school and hanging out,” Howard said. “You’re building trust. You’re working collectively with parents to support their child. You’re providing social-emotional support for young men who might not have it in school or outside of school.”
Howard said he was inspired, in part, by watching how determined his mom was to give him the best possible future, and how hard she worked — largely on her own — to support him.
“I know there were days she could have used some help to raise a Black boy in this society,” Howard said.
The Officer and Gentleman Academy partners with Evanston-Skokie School District 65 to provide tutors and develop curriculum that’s relevant to the young scholars enrolled in the program. Local business leaders, Evanston Police Department officers, entrepreneurs and other community members often volunteer their time to guide the boys toward careers and other pursuits they may enjoy. The program also focuses on conflict resolution, facing your fears and building community with your peers.
“It takes a village, and we all have resources to contribute,” Howard said. “It requires empathy and compassion and really working together if we want to truly help our young people.”
We’re grateful for the generous, guiding example.