Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Similarity Attraction And Old School Values: African American Led Nonprofits And African American Youth, Susan T. Gooden, Michael L. Perkins, Lindsey L. Evans, Yali Pang

Journal of Public Management & Social Policy

This article examines the role of similarity-attraction between African American-led nonprofits and the predominately African American youth they serve. Informed by interview data with executive directors, board members, volunteers, and students, this research captures how similarity-attraction operates in the context of three, well-established African American-led nonprofit organizations by utilizing an old-school values approach. The findings suggest that each of these programs provides a direct focus on African American history and positive role models. Further, these programs teach African American youth how to excel while being black, from people who know first-hand what that experience entails. Nonprofit program leaders become trusted …