Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) showcases talent before school board

In an article written by The Toledo Journal several members of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) chapters gave a presentation on the history and goals of the group during a Toledo Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Dec. 20. The student group, better known as SAAB, has more than 200 members in Toledo schools and the University of Toledo, which is the site of the group’s national headquarters.

The Toledo chapters are planning to attend the National Leadership Conference on March 30-31 in Indianapolis, Ind. The students are raising money — through dances, basketball tournaments, canned food drives and selling candy — and seeking scholarships for the students who want to go, said Dr. Romules L. Durant, assistant superintendent of K-12 Learning Communities for Toledo Public Schools.

“We are trying to take as many members as possible,” Dr. Durant said.

He’s also asking men’s clothing stores to donate formal black suit jackets for the students so they can have someone sew on the orange and black SAAB patch.

Dr. Durant sported a black jacket with the patch during the board meeting. The students wore the black and orange SAAB neck ties.

In 1990, Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe formed SAAB at Georgia Southwestern State University as his response to the educational statistics that showed academic challenges and low graduation rates for African American males.

The group’s motto is “I Am My Brother’s Keeper, and Together We Will Rise” and “Saving Lives, Salvaging Dreams.” More than 250 college, high school and middle and elementary school chapters culturally- sensitive environment designed to bring minority males together and create a positive peer environment in schools.

It is not a fraternity, but a brotherhood for all, its leaders say.

During the presentation, Willie Ward, assistant principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy for Boys and SAAB advisor, said each chapter is working to improve the lives of young people.

“We are building leaders,” he said. “We want to save lives. We believe in each other and want to improve each other’s lives in the classroom.” The student group has four core values: accountability, proactive leadership, self-discipline and intellectual development.

In addition, SAAB focuses on reversing the negative trends despite the many setbacks and gaps. high dropout rates, retention and graduation from high school and college, developing talent, partnership opportunities, creating a spirit of caring and inspiring the uninspired.

Toledo has 13 SAAB chapters. They are at: Toledo Technical Academy, Scott, Bowsher, Rogers and Woodward high schools, and Byrnedale, Martin Luther King Jr. Academy for Boys, Glenwood, Pickett, Rosa Parks, Robinson, Jones and Leverette elementary schools.

For more information on SAAB or to donate for students to attend the National Leadership Conference, call Dr. Durant at 419-671-8224, or at www.saabnational.org. 

Article published on 12/30/2011:
http://www.thetoledojournal.com/News/article/article.asp?NewsID=111986&sID=4&ItemSource=L