Black Men’s Research Institute is Well Represented at the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education

Morehouse College was proud to have a strong presence at the International Colloquium on Black Males in Education recently in Pittsburgh, PA. Representing Morehouse’s commitment to academic excellence and advancing the experiences of Black men in education, students and faculty members alike shared innovative research that resonated with the colloquium's mission of understanding and uplifting Black male achievement.

Two standout student scholars, Jackson Buckner ’26 and Evan Spann ’26, both BMRI Student Research Fellows, had the opportunity to present at the event. Buckner, a sociology major with a minor in Chinese Studies, and Spann, a psychology major, captivated the audience with their study, “The Educational Impact of Study Abroad Experiences for Black Male Collegians.”

The students conducted a duoethnographic analysis, examining how study abroad programs in Dakar, Senegal, and Monrovia, Liberia, shaped their personal, cultural, and academic development. Through a photo-elicitation method, Buckner and Spann shared their reflections, offering a vivid, visual narrative of their experiences and insights into how international exposure enhances Black men’s educational journeys. They highlighted the multifaceted benefits of study abroad programs in fostering cultural connections and promoting personal growth, emphasizing how these experiences can uniquely enrich Black men’s collegiate paths.

Faculty members from Morehouse also made significant contributions to the colloquium. Dr. Derrick R. Brooms, Executive Director of the Black Men’s Research Institute and Professor of Africana Studies, joined forces with Dr. Horace Justin Ballenger, Assistant Professor of STEM Education, to present their collaborative work, “Exploring Black Men Teachers’ Pedagogies and Practices Teaching Black Boys.” Their research shed light on the unique approaches Black male educators use to reach and inspire Black male students, exploring culturally responsive pedagogies that foster engagement and success.

Additionally, Dr. Kinnis Gosha, the Hortenius I. Chenault Endowed Professor of Computer Science, and Dr. Claude Hutto, Assistant Vice Provost and Dean of Professional Studies and Continuing Education, presented “The Development of an Undergraduate Online Program for Black Male Degree Completion.” 

This achievement was made possible by the proactive engagement of both students and faculty, who prepared research proposals to share their scholarship with a global audience.

Their contributions reflect Morehouse College’s mission to lead in research and advocacy for Black male success, both within the institution and beyond.