June 17, 2008
Multimedia:   AUDIO

Shawn Dove, manager of the Open Society Institute's new Campaign for Black Male Achievement, spoke with National Public Radio's Farai Chideya about the campaign and the importance of addressing the plight of African American men and boys in the United States.

Dove discusses how OSI's efforts in this field fit within the foundation's broader commitment to promoting democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform around the world:

I think it is clear that as an organization . . . we could not stand by and not do anything with this issue. When you look at black men and boys we are at the bottom of every social, educational, and economic indicator, and so what we are doing with the Campaign for Black Male Achievement is really in line with [the Open Society Institute's] principles and mission.

Dove speaks to the need for other philanthropic organizations to focus their attention to this issue, the impact of fatherhood on the African American community, and why an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to help ensure that black men and boys are able to tap into the American dream.

To listen to the interview in its entirety visit NPR's Helping Black Men Excel Academically.