A Letter from Our President

As the Executive Director of the Black Diamonds Academic Success Incorporated, I want to say thank you for taking the time to visit our site.  We are extremely excited about the work we are doing to impact Black and Latino young men in achieving optimum outcomes during their high school careers. The need is clear. The data is disheartening. The numbers are unacceptable. We are in a crisis.  We cannot sit back and talk about what needs to be done, we must do what it takes to get our boys of color to value academic success... and achieve in doing so. The Black Diamonds are committed to working with the students, the parents, and the school district to effectively engage the student so that they take ownership and internalize the belief that they can and will succeed academically.

Our program focuses on the fundamental beliefs that a student must be in school to be successful. Attendance matters. Part of that success is directly connected to homework and appropriate behavior. The Black Diamonds Academic Success, Inc. also builds the student's character, emotional intelligence, and personal independence to strengthen their overall personal development. Our firm belief is that if students don't see themselves in the picture of education, they will not be motivated to do their best.  We not only help students see themselves in what they are learning, but we help them use their voice to speak up and be leaders, and that helps to empower the student.

An empowered student is a confident student, and a confident student is more likely to succeed. That confidence is what makes a Black Diamond shine! I could not be more proud of the work we are doing to impact the achievement gap, we address racial inequities and change the paradigm for Black and Latino young men with regards to their hopes and future aspirations.

Martin McDonald
President