The document outlines the 'Real Men Talking' initiative, which aims to deliver educational theater experiences to around 6,000 Chicago youth, focusing on issues such as accountability and self-esteem within the African American community. Using a unique blend of entertainment and education ('edutainment'), the program engages participants through discussions and performances that explore important societal themes. Feedback from participants has shown significant positive impact, leading to increased student achievement and aspirations for higher education.

1. 1

2. 2 RMT Confidential

3. Goal
Deliver RMT to approximately 6000 youth from Chicago and
area schools by becoming an approved field Trip for the school
year and inviting them to experience ”live” theatre with an
educational message in an academic environment
3 RMT Confidential

4. The Challenge
Address risky behavior
and dysfunctional
circumstances within the
African American
community
Specifically -but not
exclusively- among
African American males
4 RMT Confidential

5. The Movement
Founded in 2004, Real Men Talking is a synergistic joint
venture between Success By Choice, Inc. and Justice
Productions
Primary Objective:
To inspire individuals to become accountable for their lives by
sharing specific success strategies and implementing follow-up
reinforcement programs that empower
5 RMT Confidential

6. Five African American males together…
All different ages and life experiences…
A phone call that could lead to a multi-million dollar football contract…
Invite them over to celebrate and watch the game…
With a TV that is mysteriously taken over by the “Voice of Reason”
The experience takes the 5 men and audience
on an amazing journey
that forces them to explore
what it takes to be a “Real Man”
6 RMT Confidential

7. Utilizes “Edutainment”
Educational/motivational messages
and principles are delivered
through the innovative mix of
television, theater and music
The stage play captures the
attention of the audience and
stimulates their involvement
The follow-up reinforcement
programs empower individuals to
make new commitments and to
transform those commitments into
reality
7 RMT Confidential

8. Five African American men get
together to watch a basketball
game, when a storm knocks out
the signal and the television is
taken over by the Voice of Reason
With no TV for entertainment, the
men begin a powerful discussion
that forces them and the audience
to explore issues that include
accountability, sex, relationships,
insecurities, self-esteem,
incarceration, history, fatherhood,
health and wellness and the
falsehood of the streets
8 RMT Confidential

9. Setting
Fleetwood Brown – 40, divorced, Father of
two, restaurant owner
Leviticus Brown – 21, college football
superstar and the ultimate “player-player”
Marcellus Price – 32, real estate mogul,
quintessential Black Republican
Kalil Kincaid – 29, ex-con, loving Husband and
Father, successful Attorney
Amir Brown – 16, angry young hustler,
abandoned by his Father
9 RMT Confidential

10. Matinee performance serves as a
recreational/educational outing for
youth age 12 through 18
Youth are from local schools, park
districts, community organizations,
churches and court programs
Target audience is African
American - specifically African
American males age 12-18.
However, the core principles are
applicable across age, gender and
racial lines
Script is fluid to allow focus on a
specific topic/issue facing the host
community
10 RMT Confidential

11. 11 RMT Confidential

12. “Real Men Talking” has received standing ovations across the country
Washington, DC Chicago, IL San Jose, CA Virginia Beach, VA Palm Beach, FL Philadelphia, PA Mt Vernon, NY Fairfax, VA
Las Vegas, NV Charlotte, NC Savannah, GA Paterson, NJ Dallas, TX Norfolk, VA
Over 1,200 students from 40 schools and Juvenile detention
centers attended the Chicago inaugural production. During the
next two months, teachers reported that there was a significant
increase in student achievement in Language Arts. Chicago, IL. 2006
RMT facilitated 6 teacher trainings and 15 productions. The
Clark County School District felt RMT connected so well with
their student population that RMT has been invited back to
implement the RMT Curriculum for all tenth grade students at
target high schools. Las Vegas, NV. 2005 to 2006
November - Over 1,000 students saw the RMT production
and 140 students participated in the RMT Leadership – Life
Skills Training program. Prior to the program, these selected
students had no desire or did not think it was possible to attend
college. After participating in the RMT Training, 76% of these
students pursued higher education. Paterson, NJ. 2005
12 RMT Confidential

13. “I had our students do an evaluation of the program on the bus ride
home. Our students got a lot of the messages, and we are determined to
follow up and keep reinforcing them. The evaluations were overwhelmingly
positive - not one negative. Thanks so much! We do want to have you come
to Oak Park & River Forest High School this Fall.”Lynn A. Oak Park Elementary School
District 97
1). Get their Attention: A successful vehicle that provides alternate ways
to develop successful and fruitful relationships with youth. The “live”
theatre experience, the bus ride outside of community, and being
exposed to the university environment all meshed to deliver an effective
way to build on the learning experiences of youth.
2). Engage them: Before and after each performance, the youth are
engaged in a brief discussion of “what it takes to be a real man”, and
feedback is solicited about the performance and the messages and
principles delivered. The youth enthusiastically respond with clear and
concise expressions
3). Formulate ideas and concepts: Extract and apply learning concepts
presented in the performance to guide youth in a process of continual
improvement and transformation. As evidenced by the essays and
evaluations submitted, the youth demonstrate a comprehension of the
messages presented
13 RMT Confidential

14. The RMT Curriculum Training
14 RMT Confidential

15. 15 RMT Confidential

16. 16 RMT Confidential

17. 17 RMT Confidential