Our Crowdfunding Groups
Invest in Our Students; Invest in the Future
The Hooks African American Male Initiative (HAAMI) and A Seat at The Table (ASATT) are student success initiatives of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis (UofM). HAAMI enriches the collegiate experience and improves graduation outcomes for UofM undergraduate African American male students. While HAAMI programming is designed through the lens of African American males, membership is open to all students. ASATT empowers female students with mentoring, leadership development, financial literacy training, and career exploration and readiness skills.
About HAAMI
HAAMI was established in 2015, with the program pillars of academic achievement, personal development, and career readiness. HAAMI members are engaged in monthly enrichment sessions on topics that include academic success skills, personal financial literacy, business networking skills, and wholistic well-being. HAAMI members also receive coaching and mentoring, learn about UofM support resources, and receive job search and career readiness training. Active HAAMI members are awarded a stipend for tuition expenses and course materials.
About ASATT
ASATT was launched by the Hooks Institute in September 2021, in collaboration with the UofM Office of Multicultural Affairs. ASATT provides activities, support services, and interventions designed to ensure student participants have “a seat at the table” regarding careers, leadership, and civic engagement after graduation. In addition to events specially tailored for the ASATT women, such as women in leadership roles, women’s health issues and strategies to work towards closing the gender pay gap, members also participate in HAAMI enrichment sessions, bringing these two dynamic groups together for shared learning opportunities and pathways to success.
About the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute
The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change is named after civil rights icon Benjamin L. Hooks. The Hooks Institute's mission of teaching, studying, and promoting civil rights and social change is implemented through research, education, and direct intervention programs. For 27 years, the Institute has addressed disparities related to education, diversity, and inclusion. For more information about the Hooks Institute, HAAMI and ASATT, please visit www.memphis.edu/benhooks.
