our business

Fishers of Men, also known as "Fishermen", is a ground level, man to man exchange that harnesses the interpersonal skills of African American Males, whose life experiences prove their skill and reputation as expert navigators of unique environments. These leaders are also master advocators for African American Males often seen as “hard to reach”, or unapproachable.

The fishing process serves Mission 186’s vision of counting every male and making every male count. It also aids the city’s efforts to reduce violence though improving community engagement and keeping Baltimore healthy. The target population is African American Males ages 16 - 49. This "boots on the ground" strategy consists of two core components: The Fishers and The Fished.

Repeating any action, again and again, creates a habit. AAME’s goal is to work with African American Males who desire to build positive and constructive habits to beat any obstacles life may place in the way of his excellence.

Connect Centers are the places within the community where African American Males are able to find support and guidance as they work toward their own excellence. They serve as the physical embodiment of Mission 186. It is in our Connect Centers, where the males we engage can receive the tangible access to the resources to address their immediate needs.

AAME is committed to engaging and working in collaboration with agencies, organizations, programs, and individuals that provide a “High Standard of Engagement" for African American males. We are establishing and maintaining a city-wide network that will continually advance policies and practices directly benefiting African American Male, children, youth and adults in all pathways forward through quality connected relationships.

AAME’s High Standards of Engagement must be a direct service provided by our partners and collaborators at a high level. The standards create direct points of accountability between AAME, its partners, and those whom we serve.

Quality Connected Relationships (QCR) – are established when our character, competency, and consistency proves us credible in hearts and minds of our engaged population.