About Us
The Black Resource and Advocacy Group is the brainchild of Dr. Ebony L. Cole and Melissa Messam, M.Ed. Dr. Cole recently earned a Doctor of Education and was inspired to put her research into practice. She has always been passionate about education and knew that it was her ticket out of generational poverty. She is proud to be a first-generation college graduate and a trailblazer but it was also important to her to give back to those who were coming behind her and the B.R.A.G. Network is the vehicle that will allow her to do so. As a first-generation American-born citizen, Melissa has had the value of education instilled in her by her mother since childhood. She has always felt an immense need for Black folks to be represented in spaces where we are not typically represented and B.R.A.G. will allow us to be inclusive while unapologetically focusing on the Black experience.
The B.R.A.G. Network seeks to remove barriers to higher education access and completion for Black students through education and collaboration. We envision a network of Black college graduates and professionals that serves to be what we needed when we were in college, particularly those of us who attended predominantly white institutions (PWIs). While Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are a wonderful option for Black students, the stark reality is that there are not enough of these institutions to educate all of the Black students who attend college. According to the U.S. Department of Education, in 2021 53% of all Black college students attended PWIs, while only 7% attended HBCUs.
The B.R.A.G. Network exists to illuminate and validate the lived experiences of Black college students through personal narratives and counter-storytelling and to share these experiences with Black students who will inevitably attend many of these institutions. Our aim is to adequately prepare Black students for the realities of PWI attendance by developing a strong Black network that stands ready to mentor, support, educate, and advocate on behalf of Black college students.
"We must reject not only the stereotypes others hold of us, but also the stereotypes we hold of ourselves."
- Shirley Chisholm
Our Mission
The B.R.A.G. Network ignites the potential within the Black community by fostering education, empowerment, and connection. We aim to cultivate a vibrant network that celebrates our diverse gifts and collaboratively builds a brighter future for Black lives.
The B.R.A.G. Network ignites the potential within the Black community by fostering education, empowerment, and connection. We aim to cultivate a vibrant network that celebrates our diverse gifts and collaboratively builds a brighter future for Black lives.
Our Vision
The B.R.A.G. Network envisions a unified and self-sufficient Black community. We strive to create a comprehensive network of Black professionals and leaders across all sectors of American society, including education, politics, social services, and beyond. Through collaboration and shared resources, we will empower Black excellence and create lasting positive change.