Feature
Feature Robert Collins & Lee Smith
At Tennessee State University, there’s a collective group of young men that call themselves GEM. GEM is an acronym for Generation of Educated Men. Robert Collins (President) and Lee Andrew Smith III, are members of GEM, which aims to individually and collectively impact their respective community and reimage the presentation of the Black male. Generation of Educated Men is a service group comprised of positive young male role models who serve as prominent pillars of Tennessee State University and its’ surrounding communities. Robert Collins and Lee Smith discuss some of their experiences and how they have contributed to their current understanding. Within the conversation Lee Smith introduces and expounds on his political initiative #StayWokeHBCU, which is designed to raise the consciousness of political events that are shaping the culture of HBCUs across the country.
Both gentleman have an understanding that progress in a result of awareness + action. With 21.5 million Black males in the United States, they are actively working to increase the presents of Black males in higher education. While 48% of Black males attend college, only 17% receive a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Through GEM and #StayWokeHBCU these gentlemen are looking to impact these numbers in a positive way. They are working to combat myths regarding African-American males and academic achievement, Black males and college completion, and Black males overall being underachievers. Rebrand The Black Man (RBTM) salutes these young brothers and their efforts. We celebrate their collective efforts in the community REBRANDING what it means to be a Black Male in society and making a positive impact.

RC = Robert Collins

LS = Lee Smith
Interview Continued with Lee Andrew Smith III:
RBTM salutes these young brothers who are out in the community REBRANDING what it means to be a Black Male in society and making a positive impact.
#KINGMELIFE
Statistical References were retrieved from Black Demographics
- BlackDemographics.com | The African American Population. (n.d.). Retrieved October 12, 2016, from http://blackdemographics.com/
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