Keith J. Ware II
Director of the African-American Male Initiative
St. Louis Community College
Born: St. Louis
High School:
Whitfield School
College & Degree(s):
Lincoln University, BS, American History
Lincoln University, MA, American/European History
Maryville University, Doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership (Completion date 12-4-17)
Your nominator explained that you were “committed to the growth and transition of the African-American male.” Please explain.
A large percentage of the men in our program never even thought of college as an option. I want to make sure that anyone who takes that leap of faith and signs up for a music course or economics course is equipped with the same skills as those whom have been taught since grade school that college was a necessity. As much as we like to talk about Education being for all, we do not live in a utopian society and many who attend the community college are there without guidance or direction and I want to make sure that my team and I are dedicated and provide the necessary skills for these men to become successful.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in motivating young men?
I would say the biggest challenge I face motivating men is intrinsic value. Education is a slow tedious process and non-traditional students may struggle with what at times does not seem to be tangible. When a man is laid off from a job where he made over twenty dollars an hour and has to go back out into the workforce with a lack of exposure in job related skills, emotional distress, financial woes and an array of other detrimental factors…it can be very difficult motivating that student with something they cannot touch or see and won’t benefit from till after graduation and even then, that may not fill the void that they have.
What led you to a life of service to the community?
My family taught my brothers and me early on the importance of not only taking care of one’s self but the community as well. Many in my family are educators and I learned often the theory of reach one teach one. Every day was an important lesson relative to building up those around me whom may not have had the same opportunities that I was blessed with. It was my job to ensure that those whom I came in contact with, regardless of their walk of life, could put themselves in a position where they too could achieve their dreams.
You serve as a motivational speaker, a little league coach and a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters. What are some of the pieces of advice you give to youth in these capacities?
I always tell those I work with that you are not a product of your environment, if you chose not to be. Rather than fitting the status quo of what society sees you as, utilize that to overcome any obstacle in your way. As a historian I push those around me to research those whom have come before us. Seeing our ancestors and not just those in America but those whom were before the slave ships, seeing what we have accomplished, and what we are still accomplishing. This is a great motivating factor when one does not want to do that homework assignment or go in for that evening shift, or for that person who doesn’t think they’re good enough or is afraid to push for that sense of independence. “Wanting something is not enough. You must hunger for it. Your motivation must be absolutely compelling in order to overcome the obstacles that will invariably come your way,” Les Brown.
