African American Males Overcoming Structural Impediments in Leadership (A Manuscript to Young Black Men)

December 3, 2025

African American Males Overcoming Structural Impediments in Leadership (A Manuscript to Young Black Men)

Gerrod J. Jenkins | 2025

Abstract

It is no secret that young men of color often find it extremely difficult to obtain leadership positions within organizations. Equally unsurprising is the fact that even after securing such positions, advancing further can be a significant challenge. Many fail to recognize—whether consciously or unconsciously—the structural or systemic barriers that hinder individuals from achieving and progressing in these roles. While these barriers are widely acknowledged, young men must first learn to identify them. At the same time, they may not fully understand how to overcome these challenges or navigate their respective journeys.

Manuscript to Young Black Men was penned to restore hope and trust within young Black males aspiring to become leaders. This manuscript provides vivid examples of African American male leaders across various industries, illustrating the challenges they faced in their leadership journeys and the strategies they used to break barriers and succeed. While it addresses the barriers themselves, the primary focus is on the solutions and actions that led to success. This work emphasizes that the obstacles faced by Black men in the 1950s and 1960s remain relevant in today’s leadership landscape. Central to the manuscript is the theme of overcoming barriers through God-centered solutions. It is intended to serve as a guiding light for those who follow in these footsteps.

Keywords: Systemic barriers, Leadership, Young Black Males, Leadership Journeys

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