Featuring Shawn Dove - Founding CEO of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement
Shawn Dove is the founding Chief Executive Officer of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement (CBMA), the nation's largest membership organization dedicated to improving the life outcomes of Black men and boys. Under his leadership, CBMA has grown into a powerful national movement, uniting over 5,200 leaders and 2,700 organizations committed to advancing Black male achievement through advocacy, policy change, and community empowerment.
Raised in New Jersey, Shawn Dove's early life was shaped by the challenges and triumphs of his community. A pivotal moment in his youth was overcoming personal struggles with substance abuse, a journey that led him to recovery and ignited his passion for service and leadership. This transformation fueled his commitment to creating opportunities for others facing similar challenges.
Dove earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wesleyan University and later graduated from Columbia University's Business School Institute for Not-for-Profit Management. His academic background laid the foundation for his future endeavors in nonprofit leadership and community development
In 2008, Shawn Dove joined the Open Society Foundations to launch CBMA, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the systemic issues affecting Black men and boys. Under his visionary leadership, CBMA has become a catalyst for change, establishing the field of Black Male Achievement and influencing national policies and initiatives. Dove played a key role in the formation of the White House's My Brother's Keeper initiative and brokered partnerships that led to the launch of New York City's Young Men's Initiative.
His leadership philosophy centers on the belief that those most affected by injustice must be at the forefront of creating solutions. This approach has empowered countless individuals and organizations to take action and drive systemic change.
Shawn Dove's advocacy focuses on dismantling the barriers that hinder the success of Black men and boys. Through CBMA, he has facilitated the creation of the nation's first Black Male Achievement fellowship for social entrepreneurs in partnership with Echoing Green. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the formation of Cities United, a national strategy aimed at eliminating violent deaths of Black men and boys in over 50 cities..
His work has led to the investment of over $320 million in national and local funds to advance Black male achievement, impacting millions through storytelling, research, and community engagement.
Shawn Dove's work is one of commitment to justice, equity, and empowerment. Through his leadership of CBMA and his broader advocacy efforts, he has reshaped the landscape of Black male achievement in America. His work continues to inspire a new generation of leaders dedicated to creating lasting change and building a more inclusive society.