African American men have been devalued and relatively ignored throughout the history of the United States, as well as generally receiving little respect or credit for the tremendous contributions they have made to American society. Their self-image and self-esteem have suffered, and their individual stories have not been heard. Unlike recognition of African Americans with Black History Month, or women with Women's History Month, no similar holiday of recognition exists for African American men. This dissertation, a social action project, investigated the feasibility and created the blueprint for institution of a national "Men's His-Story Month" program.

To accomplish this purpose, the study explored the responses of African American men and women to the concept and implementation of a Men's His-Story Month to encourage men's regaining self-esteem and self-worth. The study methodology was comprised of a demographic survey and an extensive interview questionnaire of 20 questions, requesting historical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of African American men's experiences. Data were collected over 3 years in various geographical areas with a random sample of 300 African American males in the military, churches, clinical pastoral education centers, hospital settings, and community organizations. The questionnaire packet was also administered to a sample of 75 African American women to elicit their responses and reactions to a "Men's His-Story Month." As a result of these responses, the researcher created pilot materials for use in the program, including a book of poems contributed by the interviews, a 30-day meditation CD, and a PowerPoint presentation CD on Men's His-Story Month.

Findings indicated that African American men and women were overwhelmingly in favor of a Men's His-Story Month Program. Recommendations included replication of the study within various multicultural contexts; delivery of Men's His-Story Month programs at local churches, prisons, and schools for African American males of all ages; incorporation in the programs of journaling and mentoring; and program evaluations with quantitative and qualitative procedures. The researcher is committed to implementation of Men's His-Story Month on local, state, and national levels toward contributing to venues for African American men to tell their stories, regain self-esteem, and rediscover their sense of self-worth.