DSU’s new initiative aims to increase the number of Black male execs

There is a longtime crisis facing young Black men in the United States, much of it rooted in deeply ingrained racial fear. The historically Black Delaware State University (DSU) is on a long-term mission to change the narrative.

The university now has additional resources to help with that goal, thanks to a $900,000 grant from the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), a nonprofit that aims to foster the development of Black executives.

The four-year grant will go to DSU’s College of Business to develop and execute a Black Male Initiative to increase the number of Black male executives in C-Suites, corporate boards and global enterprises. The ELC is comprised of more than 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives, top-tier entrepreneurs and board directors at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies.

“The ELC is the preeminent council of black professionals at the top of their fields in the world’s most iconic companies,” said DSU President Dr. Tony Allen in a statement. “Their commitment to inclusive talent pipeline development is unmatched for C-Suite executives.”

These are the objectives of the Black Male Initiative, per the org:

• To foster a successful transition to college for participants
• To educate Black males through a structured program designed to support their student experience through academic and social support, access to campus resources, and professional development
• To implement strategies to enhance the retention, progression, and graduation of Black males in the College of Business; and
• To promote involvement in leadership, both on and off campus.

“This is a wonderful endorsement of the impactful work undertaken by the College’s faculty and staff under the leadership of Dean [Dr. Michael] Casson,” said Dr. Saundra DeLauder, university provost and VP of academic affairs. “The funding received will support the College’s mission focused on providing a student-centered learning environment to develop successful business professionals with a global perspective and thus will expand opportunities for all students.”