Revolutionizing Community Transformation: Bruce C. Carter’s Groundbreaking Research

Arlington, TX, October 25, 2025 – On November 16, 2025, Bruce C. Carter will present his doctoral dissertation at the University of Texas at Arlington, unveiling years of meticulous research aimed at addressing violence, father engagement, and household dynamics in the most challenged communities across the United States. The dissertation, titled “Who Really Cares? Examining Violence, Illiteracy, Non-Active Fathers, and Low Self-Esteem as Agents of Constructive Genocide Among Black Males in America Ages 12-26,” promises to challenge established frameworks for violence prevention and community development, advocating for a household-first strategy.

The Significance of the Dissertation

Carter’s upcoming public defense is not just an academic formality; it is a call to action, addressing urgent issues that resonate deeply within communities afflicted by socio-economic challenges. His research sheds light on how traditional approaches often fail to tackle the root causes of violence and societal inequities. Instead of focusing on isolated interventions, Carter argues for a comprehensive framework that incorporates various elements affecting community well-being.

Introducing the Four-Pillar Strategy

Central to Carter’s findings is the innovative “household-first” approach, built on four co-equal interventions designed to create a holistic impact:

1. Solid Foundation Certification (SFC): This component emphasizes personal development before technical training, focusing on establishing self-worth and financial literacy among community members.

2. Standing on Business (SoB): This pillar champions economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and practical job placement pathways, enabling individuals to gain independence and contribute positively to their communities.

3. Eatz & Learn (E&L): Integrating household nutrition with education, this initiative promotes family meal routines, fostering stronger connections and better educational outcomes.

4. Becoming The Best Dad (BTBD): This structured program encourages father engagement through co-parenting skills and active participation in school activities, promoting the essential role of fathers in youth development.

Carter’s research indicates that households engaging in multiple pillars achieve significantly greater reductions in violence involvement than those participating in traditional single-intervention programs. This evidence underscores the need for an integrated approach to community transformation.

Bridging Research and Practical Implementation

Carter’s insights stem not only from rigorous academic research but also from two decades of hands-on experience influencing over 500,000 young people through community interventions. As he notes, “Community programs fold when funding ends.” This observation verifies what many practitioners contend: achieving sustainable change necessitates a comprehensive strategy addressing various root causes simultaneously.

Situating his research along the I-94 corridor in Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Carter draws from stark realities faced by communities burdened by violence, educational inequities, and family disintegration.

Addressing Critical Gaps in Violence Prevention Research

Carter’s dissertation ventures into crucial, often overlooked areas in violence prevention:

• Household-Level Analysis: Treating families as the fundamental unit for eliciting change.
• Multi-Component Synergy: Testing whether combined interventions yield compounded effects greater than isolated ones.
• Father Engagement Focus: Analyzing how a structured presence of fathers can diminish the risk of violence among youth.
• Economic Pathways: Connecting lawful earning potential with a decrease in violence incidents.
• Implementation Science: Offering replicable models for community adaptation to ensure lasting impact.

Carter’s key findings reflect measurable advancements in important areas such as school attendance, literacy outcomes, household food security, father engagement in educational settings, and a notable reduction in violence-related incidents among households involved in the program.

Policy Implications

The ramifications of Carter’s research extend well beyond academia; they capture critical angles for policymakers regarding:

• Enhancing accountability in federal and state budgeting.
• Advocating for household-first public safety strategies.
• Promoting father engagement as a pivotal educational intervention.
• Establishing entrepreneurial pathways to mitigate violence and enhance community cohesion.
• Creating evidence-based models to engage non-residential and justice-involved fathers.

Event Details

The public dissertation defense is set to be an insightful event for various stakeholders, including:

• What: Public Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• Title: “Who Really Cares? Examining Violence, Illiteracy, Non-Active Fathers, and Low Self-Esteem as Agents of Constructive Genocide Among Black Males in America Ages 12-26”
• Who: Bruce C. Carter, Doctoral Candidate
• When: Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM CST
• Where: University of Texas at Arlington – Lone Star Auditorium, 300 W. First St, Arlington, TX 76010
• Cost: Free admission, but RSVP is required (RSVP Information)

Community leaders, policymakers, violence prevention experts, educators, nonprofit executives, and engaged citizens are all encouraged to attend. Following the defense, an engaging question-and-answer session will provide further insights into Carter’s work and its implications for community action.

About Bruce C. Carter

Bruce C. Carter stands out as an entrepreneur, business coach, and advocate for sustainable community solutions. With over 20 years in the field, he has founded Carter Empowers and created the Empowerment Network, dedicated to establishing models that catalyze community-driven transformation.

Media Opportunities

For those interested in delving deeper into Carter’s research or exploring interview opportunities, he is available before and after the dissertation defense. His expertise spans research methodologies, the four-pillar strategy, violence prevention policies, father engagement strategies, and community implementation processes.

For media inquiries, please visit Carter Empowers Media Kit for further details.