The Black Doctoral Network's mission is to support and promote the academic and professional success of Black scholars and educators through networking, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

The Black Doctoral Network envisions a world where Black scholars are fully represented, supported, and celebrated in higher education and academia. We envision a community of scholars who are empowered to achieve their full potential, to make meaningful contributions to their fields, and to create positive social change through their research and professional endeavors. We see a future where Black scholars are valued for their unique perspectives and experiences, and where they are provided with the resources and support, they need to succeed at every stage of their academic and professional careers. Through our collective efforts, we will work to create a more just and equitable society for all Black people.

The Black Doctoral Network values the promotion and support of excellence and diversity in graduate education, research, and scholarship among Black scholars. We believe in the importance of fostering a community of scholars who are committed to advancing knowledge and creating positive social change through their research and professional endeavors. Additionally, the organization values the cultivation of mentorship and networking opportunities for Black scholars at all levels of their academic and professional careers. 

1) Address problems specific to people of color gaining access to and matriculating through the academy;
2) Create mentoring relationships and pipelines among academics, professionals, graduate students, undergraduates, high school students, and middle school students;
3) Share resources, scholarships, and grant opportunities;
4) Provide interested companies and individuals with diverse, highly-qualified professionals, scholars, and experts;
5) Assist universities seeking candidates to apply to their universities and graduate programs that have diverse and culturally rich backgrounds;
6) Provide organizations and nonprofits with potential board members; 
7) Create and maintain a network of professionals and academic excellence; 
8) Create and develop events and conferences to highlight and award scholarship that extends beyond the academic institutions and help the body politics; 
9) Help with the fulfillment of positions in corporate America and develop relationships with entities attempting to ensure diversity and inclusion within their companies;
10) Collaborate with organizations, associations, foundations, and individuals with similar interests, visions, and goals.

By providing a common space for multiple disciplines and fields, BDN accomplishes a unification of both scholars and practitioners with distinct perspectives that enables people with varying expertise to network, collaborate, and discover.

We continue to challenge the persistent negative stereotypes of black achievement, to answer the call for diversity in university and professional organizations, while bridging the gap between academic theory and the real world.