FRIENDS of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy

Thanks to you, Brother Jeremiah Lewis, a 6th grader, attended the Lone Star Leadership Academy this summer. Brother Malcolm Moore, a 10th grader, traveled to Berlin, Germany, where he learned German and explored the land's history. These experiences are vital for personal growth, leadership skills, and cultural awareness. With your continued support, our brothers participate in transformative summer leadership development camps and cultural immersions each year.

FRIENDS of BOMLA would like to thank the teachers and support staff for another outstanding LXG (transitional camp). Additionally, we successfully completed our first one-week Math Boost Camp for our 7th and 8th-grade students. With BOMLA's ongoing commitment to a rigorous curriculum, FRIENDS remains dedicated to supporting these camps to enhance student outcomes for the upcoming school year.

As BOMLA continues to expand annually, we're thrilled to invite our new 6th graders to join us for the LXG (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) Transitional Summer Camp. The camp kicked off with motivational talks from Jerry Dugan (Beyond The Rut/BtR Impact), Judge Maya Evans, Sharae Thomas (No Place For Hate), Coach Ben Williams (Dallas United Crew), and Antoine Howard (I Am Lifted). They inspired our students to forge their unique paths, foster a tight-knit brotherhood, prioritize their education, explore alternative sports with potential for significant scholarships, and recognize how physical fitness enhances academic performance and instills discipline. Welcome brothers!

Congratulations to our "2024 BOMLA Supermen." Our 39 graduates are ready to impact the world. Just like Superman draws strength from the sun, these young men drew their strength from the boundless support and love of their community. As the last graduating class from B.F. Darrell (first BOMLA campus), our brothers have received their superpowers of leadership, empathy, and civic duty. During this year's Senior Signing Day, our brothers earned $12.8 million in scholarships.

We are proud that our graduates are a testament to the incredible power of an ecosystem that believes in their potential and invests in their future. Thank you for being a part of their metropolis. Check out a few photos from this year's celebration.

Sending our best wishes to sophomore Malcolm Moore as he heads to the 2024 UIL 4A Tennis State Championship this weekend! He's representing Dallas ISD. Malcolm, a BOMLA student, represents L.G. Pinkston in tennis. He recently won 3 out of 4 matches at the UIL 4A Regional Championships in Longview, Texas. Ranked among the top 8 players in the state competing in the 4A classification, Malcolm's qualifications mark a historic milestone as the first male tennis player from his school to advance to the state championship in its history, dating back to 1964. Brother Malcolm is also a stellar student.

Meet Jose Preciado, a graduating senior of the class of 2024. Brother Jose has attended BOMLA since the 6th grade. He is a first-generation college student who aspires to become an actor and psychologist. He says, "BOMLA has afforded me the best opportunities from traveling abroad, paid internships, and true brotherhood. I am grateful for my teachers and support staff who have become my family." Jose has been accepted to Texas Christian University and St. Olaf College. You can join us on May 17th for Senior Signing Day to learn which college Brother Jose chooses to attend next fall.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Individual tickets are $250. Get your tickets today - www.bomlafriends.org/seniordayluncheon/

Support our 39 graduating seniors on May 17 at the BOMLA Supermen Ready To Impact The World Senior Signing Day Celebration. The festivities kick off at 10 am with the seniors announcing their chosen colleges, and wrap up with a fundraising luncheon at noon, giving you the chance to engage in table conversations with the Class of 2024.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Individual tickets are $250. Get your tickets today - https://bomlafriends.org/seniordayluncheon/

The most anticipated time of the year is near. The class of 2024 now known as BOMLA Supermen are preparing for the great reveal. This year's Senior Signing Day Celebration will feature esteemed speakers: David C. Williams, Assistant VP of Automation at AT&T, and Arun Agarwal, CEO of Nextt. We look forward to them unveiling their unique superpowers to our brothers. If you would like to be a sponsor for this special event please click here: https://bomlafriends.org/seniordayluncheon/

In a recent feature by D Magazine, Senior Brother Miles Johnson was highlighted for his role in South Oak Cliff's achievement as the first school in Dallas ISD history to secure consecutive state titles. However, Johnson's initial state championship success occurred in 2021 with the varsity team of Bridge Lacrosse. Numerous BOMLA brothers engage in sports at their home schools starting from 7th grade. Our campus core is Engagement, Encouragement, Exposure, Environment, and Excellence. Brother Miles Johnson is among BOMLA students who not only navigate BOMLA's rigorous academic program but also seize opportunities in nontraditional sports through partnerships such as Bridge Lacrosse and Dallas United Crew. To access the complete D Magazine feature, please click the link here - https://www.dmagazine.com/sports/2024/03/the-almost-unbelievable-hollywood-story-of-bridge-lacrosses-2021-season/

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) and her team visited to learn more about BOMLA's impact on young men. As a leadership academy, we enjoy inviting community change agents to serve as mentors and provide extra support. Our brothers left the tour with direct connections, recommendation letters, and internship opportunities.

As Women's History Month draws to a close, we thank Caazena Hunter, and our board members Crystal Chism Wright and Maria Coello for generously sharing pearls of wisdom and encouragement with our BOMLA brothers during this month's lyceum. We salute you!

Did you know that almost 90% of an iceberg is underwater? This analogy illustrates how just a fraction of an iceberg is visible above the waterline, mirroring our limited perception of someone's identity based on surface appearances. During today's No Place For Hate Initiative, led by student volunteers and guided by Ms. Kerri Marshall, our BOMLA students explored misconceptions about themselves and gained deeper insight into their peers' true identities. In this journey, we embrace the ethos of being our Brother's Keepers.

It is always exciting when a family member returns home. Today, our brothers Sebastian and Miles welcomed Byron Sanders, the President & CEO of Big Thought. Sanders played a pivotal role in the development of BOMLA in 2011.

In the later part of the day, six seniors successfully auditioned for the Human Jukebox and Band Program. Southern University's band is celebrated for its dynamic performances across the nation, frequently imitated but never replicated.

The graduating class of 2025 at BOMLA organized a Valentine's Movie Night featuring the live adaptation of Beauty and the Beast in partnership with Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School. It is always exciting to witness our fellow brothers working diligently together. A big shoutout to Mr. Tello and his dedicated team of volunteers!

The day began with a visit from Ron Kirk, the first black mayor of Dallas, who stopped by to connect with our young men as a part of the “Reconnect With BOMLA” campaign. Mr. Kirk has been a steadfast supporter of BOMLA since its inception. The day concluded at Globe Life Stadium with the HBCU Swingham Classic Kick-off Luncheon. During the event, panelists urged attendees to become ambassadors in their communities, spreading awareness about the upcoming HBCU Swingham Classic. This event highlights the need to provide exposure to baseball in urban populations.

FRIENDS, how many of us have them? We kicked off the new year with a large group of community leaders who are enthusiastic about positively impacting the lives of our BOMLA students. They are now officially members of the BOMLA family. What a fantastic way to kickstart 2024!

Mark your calendar for February 28th at 6:30 p.m. for the High School UIL (University Interscholastic League) Preview Performance presented by BOMLA's Theatre Department.

Happy Holidays from the FRIENDS of BOMLA staff! May 2024 bring you love, joy, and peace. Thank you for being a FRIEND of BOMLA. www.bomlafriends.org

Living our core…service in action.

The BOMLA Alumni Day this year stands out as one of the most exceptional! We take pride in the achievements of our accomplished young men, spanning from the inaugural graduating class of 2015 to the recent graduates of 2023. Whether pursuing higher education from the top 100 colleges/universities or securing positions with major companies such as Goldman Sachs, Dropbox, General Motors, Amazon, and more, our former students are manifesting their greatest aspirations.

The support from BOMLA and generous donors like you has played a pivotal role in shaping our brothers into future fathers, husbands, and change agents within their communities. Contribute to this ongoing impact by donating today at www.bomlafriends.org/donate and witness the exponential growth of your investment.

Kudos to our seventh and eighth-grade choir participants for their outstanding public showcase at Northpark Mall, demonstrating a high level of proficiency, consistent with the state standards for their enrolled course. Keep up the great work Mr. Barksdale!

The Dwell with Dignity team and young ladies from the Ursuline Academy visited BOMLA today for a tour guided by Brothers Leroy Tamfu and Isaac Molina. We are enthusiastic about the new partnership. Stay tuned for details on the collaborative project.

Prepare for an exciting day on Monday, December 18th, as BOMLA's Alumni Homecoming kicks off at noon. Join us for a delightful fellowship with food, fun, music, and more. Please RSVP by visiting https://forms.gle/pUhLzoXzBuyrg5BW8. If you want more information, please get in touch with Misty Williams, our College Bound Advisor at [email protected].

Hats off to Brother Jacob Isaiah Thomas for securing the Gold medal, Brother Aiden Rodriguez for earning the Silver medal, and Brother Isaac Aguilar for achieving the Bronze medal in the spelling Bee, where they competed with 21 middle school students. FRIENDS of the BOMLA team were excited to participate. Congratulations to all of the participants! We would be remiss if we did not commend Ms. Duggan, a first-year teacher at BOMLA, for her dedication to enhancing English instruction.