In an inspiring recognition of steadfast advocacy and impactful research, Dr. Derrick R. Brooms, Executive Director of the Black Men’s Research Institute and Professor of Africana Studies at Morehouse College, has been awarded the Warrior Award by the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education (ICBME). This prestigious international award is granted to those whose dedication, leadership, and resilience have left a profound mark on the educational journeys of Black males.
The ICBME held its 2024 gathering in Pittsburgh, PA, where Dr. Brooms received the award from co-conveners Dr. James L. Moore, III of Ohio State University and Dr. Jerlando F. L. Jackson of Michigan State University. In presenting the award, Dr. Jackson praised Dr. Brooms for his commitment to mentorship, creating invaluable support networks, and helping Black male students maintain strong connections to their cultural and social identities.
“Dr. Brooms’ passion for activism combined with his scholarly work directly addresses systemic inequities impacting Black males,” he said. “His leadership in building communities of support and his efforts to reshape the educational landscape to be more inclusive makes him a fitting Warrior Award recipient, as he embodies the fight for justice, perseverance, and social impact.”
Dr. Brooms has long dedicated his career to studying and supporting the educational experiences of Black boys and men. His work emphasizes understanding their unique challenges, including how institutional cultures and systemic inequities shape their pathways to and through higher education. Focusing on how Black male students cultivate their sense of identity, aspirations, and sense of belonging on campus, his research explores ways institutions can transform to better meet the needs of these students.
The Warrior Award is presented to those who have "tirelessly fought for what they viewed as right for Black males," demonstrating what ICBME calls the “warrior spirit.” Dr. Brooms exemplifies this spirit through his work as both an academic and an advocate. His holistic approach to education research is rooted in a desire to enact systemic change—ensuring that Black male students not only survive but thrive within the academic landscape.
Through the Black Men’s Research Institute at Morehouse, Dr. Brooms continues to deepen his commitment to advocating for Black males. The Institute serves as a space for critical thought, community engagement, and scholarship that centers the experiences of Black men in education, providing resources and insights for both students and educators.