History

On October 17, 1990, Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe founded SAAB (formerly known as  Student African American Brotherhood until 2021) on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University to address the dire academic and social challenges initially facing Black men on the campus. However, SAAB quickly learned that these problems and challenges were not exclusive to Georgia Southwestern or Black men, which led to SAAB opening up its doors for all men (and eventually women) in need of support.  Since 1990, the organization has grown to meet the needs of thousands of young men and women with resources, and support needed to thrive educationally, personally and professionally. SAAB chapters are now on college, university, high school and middle school campuses in more than 41 states. In July 2020, after spending 15 years in Toledo, Ohio, SAAB moved its headquarters to Springfield, Missouri.

The world is constantly evolving and at SAAB, we are evolving too. In the summer of 2020, we decided it was time to refresh our brand and website to reflect the evolution of our mission and the men (and now women) we serve. We are excited to launch into this new era with a new look and a new style that reflects our dedication to brotherhood, sisterhood and community.  

Goals: Our goal is for all participants in secondary and postsecondary campuses to take advantage of their academic careers and to gain the skills they need to be strong, empathetic, and altruistic members of their communities. We work to ensure young men and women in need of direction and guidance have strong role models and support as they begin to shape their future. Our goal is that all SAAB members (regardless of their racial/ethnic background) learn the critical responsibility of paying it forward and giving their time and support back to their communities.  SAAB seeks to ensure every participant in our program is well prepared to enter the competitive workforce and carve out a meaningful place in their community and our society.