A school campus with a brick building and a sign that reads 'Grambling State University'. Overlaid text highlights the history of United African American men born at Grambling State University in Louisiana, with the phrase 'Where Brotherhood Became Legacy'.

The Vision Begins

Early 1993

On February 18, 1993, while attending Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, Brothers Dr. LaMarr D. Shields, Henry A. Gardner, Dr. Derek Hicks, Kevin Higgins, Fred Payne, And Rodney Thomas envisioned an organization that would confront negative stereotypes surrounding Black men while fostering scholarship, leadership, and unity.

This vision was grounded in the belief that educated Black men have a responsibility to uplift their communities and guide younger generations. UAAM was designed to be Afrikan centered, purpose-driven, and focused on tangible impact both on campus and beyond.

Founders

A portrait of a man with short curly hair, a mustache, and a goatee, wearing a white shirt and a dark blue plaid blazer in an outdoor setting with a wooden background.
Professional headshot of a smiling African American man in a navy pinstripe suit, white shirt, and red tie against a dark grey background.
Portrait of a smiling Black man in a suit and tie against a brown background.

Dr. LaMarr D. Shields

Henry A. Gardner

Dr. Derek Hicks

Man in a blue suit, glasses, and tie smiling in an indoor setting.
A smiling man with a beard and shaved head, wearing a blue checkered blazer, a light blue shirt, and a red pocket square, standing outdoors in front of a neutral background.
Smiling man in glasses and a navy suit, with a beard and gray hair, standing in front of a brick wall.

Kevin Higgins

Fred Payne

Rodney Thomas

The BaM Program & Early Growth

Late 1993

Towards the end of 1993, UAAM introduced one of its most impactful initiatives: BaM (Becoming a Man). This program was developed to address the challenges facing young Black males through mentorship, education, and self-development.

  • Self-esteem and cultural pride

  • Public speaking and leadership skills

  • Accountability and discipline

  • Positive representations of Black manhood

BaM became a defining element of UAAM’s mission and played a major role in the organization’s growth and recognition.

Expansion Beyond Grambling

As UAAM’s impact became more visible, interest grew beyond Grambling State University. Chapters began forming at other colleges and universities, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Each chapter carried the same foundational principles while addressing the specific needs of its campus and surrounding community. This expansion marked UAAM’s evolution into a national fellowship organization.

National Structure & Headquarters

With continued growth came the need for structure. UAAM established a formal national leadership framework to preserve organizational standards, guide expansion, and ensure continuity across generations.

The establishment of the National Headquarters in Tyler, Texas provided a centralized foundation for supporting chapters and safeguarding the organization’s history and mission.

UAAM Today — A Living Legacy

Today, United AfriKan American Men, Inc. continues to build upon the foundation laid in 1993. Chapters across the nation remain committed to academic excellence, leadership development, community service, mentorship, and cultural awareness.

UAAM’s history is not confined to dates or milestones—it lives through the daily actions of its members. From Genesis to present day, UAAM stands as a testament to what is possible when Black men unite with purpose and vision.

“THE REVOLUTION IS US.”