The Educated Mentor: Volume 4, Issue 1 (Summer 2023)

MENTOR MENTOR

MESSAGE FROM THE CO-FOUNDERS

Young King, There’s a crown on your head

That nobody can yank away

One that’s here to stay

Till the very end

They say heavy is the head that wears the crown

But if anyone can handle it

It’s you

In whatever you choose to do!

An excerpt from the Poem “Young King” by BFoundPen

The thoughtful words of “BFoundPen”(Brian the Man Behind the Pen), a talented Black transgender man (he/him) from Alabama who writes about equality topics, inspires us as cofounders of a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the persistence and graduation rates of collegiate African-American males through mentoring to remind Black males of their calling, Kings, despite the obstacles faced BFoundPen states, “There is an insane lack of black male teachers and male role models overall” Many black boys must try to figure out how to be men independently They eventually turn to their peers and older men for guidance They do not have anyone to tell them they do not want to give in to toxic masculinity There is no one to say, “Hold your head up You are destined for greatness.”

Media undeniably plays a significant role in shaping our perspectives and beliefs

Given the prevalence of media in our daily lives, it can be difficult to avoid its influence Mass media, including news, movies, and commercials, often serves as a primary source of information for individuals seeking to stay informed about events beyond their immediate surroundings Unfortunately, the media has perpetuated negative stereotypes about young black men as delinquent troublemakers for an extended period. Consequently, young black men are activists, scholars, and change-makers in and outside their communities that the media fails to honor and create a platform where they can enlighten others on their goals What obstacles do they encounter? Who do they look up to as their examples? What experiences have influenced their lives, and how do they handle and conquer them currently?

In this issue of The Educated Mentor, the latest Amplified section, young black men discuss their goals for positively impacting the world Black boys must have a strong sense of self and be embraced for who they are. They deserve transparency, responsibility, and unwavering affection, which can profoundly impact their development It is vital that they feel secure, listened to, and validated and that others acknowledge their potential and humanity They do not require rescuing; they need individuals who believe in their capabilities and potential

In Mentorship,

Dr

Dr Darryl Hylton, Jr, Co-Founder

Mr Jamie Enge, Co-Founder

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1

BOARDOFDIRECTORS

DR. TYMON GRAHAM Board Chair

MS CORTNEY EDWARDS General Board Member

DR. ANITA BLEDSOE-GARDNER General Board Member

DR. JONATHAN FREEMAN General Board Member

MR. DEMETRICK COLEMAN Vice Chair/Secretary

AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE

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Acquired in donations Acquired in donations Acquired in donations

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Total numbers of donors

Total numbers of donors

Total numbers of donors

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Gifts were made by Gifts were made by Gifts were made by organizations/businesses organizations/businesses organizations/businesses

Gregory Dendy, Jr.

Rhuna Holley

Pam Johnson-Davis

Marquise McGriff

Lindsey Nurczyk

Nadine Spruell

Joyce Walker

THANK YOU!

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National News

Congratulations to our recent graduates!

Curtis Shannon, Jr.

ONYX25, Cohort 1 (T H E Foundation)

B.S. Liberal Studies

with a concentration in Pre-Law Studies and a minor in Philosophy

North Carolina A&T State University

Future Plans

To attend law school at the University of Roehampton in London, England.

Yonzay Chambers

ONYX25, Cohort 1 (T.H.E. Foundation)

B.S. Psychology

The University of the District of Columbia

Future Plans

To attend graduate school to become a licensed therapist.

A New Mr. Coppin State University is selected.

Congratulations to Jawaad Williams from ONYX25, Cohort 2 who was recently named Mr Coppin State University for the 2023-2024 academic school year Mr Williams is not new to student leadership as he has served in a number of positions on the royal court in previous years

The Collegiate Black Male Network is proud of Jawaad and cannot see wait to see him inspire and lead his fellow students as the campus King.

Board Char, Dr. Tymon Graham, speaks at the annual HBCU Title III Conference in Columbia, SC

On June 20-23, 2023 the annual Title III Conference convened in Columbia, SC Throughout the conference, professionals from HBCUs across the country gathered to discuss trends, issues, and best practices to elevate their respective institutions

Board Chair, Dr Tymon Graham, gave a dynamic presentation where he shared how institutions can leverage Title III dollars to increase enrollment and retention among students

Collegiate Black Male Symposium

Attending a national conference can be costly with minimal impact. However, with The Collegiate Black Male Symposium, we work with colleges/universities to maximize dollars and increase impact, ultimately providing a transformational experience for staff and students.

In a nutshell, we bring the conference experience to you! That's right, our Network of Experts will bring high-quality service and facilitation. There are even faculty/staff development sessions led by one (or both) of our co-founders

ONYX25 COHORT 2 IS HERE!

The Collegiate Black Male Network recently announced the second ONYX25 Recognition and Leadership program cohort

Cohort 2, also known as Triple Threat, comprises three gentlemen from two universities. Jawaad Williams is a rising senior at Coppin State University, and Jaquel Mungo and Ju'Juan Clark who are rising seniors at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

To learn more about the cohort and the ONYX25 program, check out the special edition of The Educated Mentor (Volume 3, Issue 5).

Amplified

"Can You Hear Me Now?!"

During the Summer, we intern!

By: Dr. Darryl Hylton

You can always start early enough to prepare for the next phase of your life. For college students, one of the best ways to prepare is by participating in an internship. Both paid and unpaid internships are opportunities to increase knowledge while simultaneously applying the concepts and skills learned in the classroom. High performance during these experiences sometimes turns into full-time employment offers

Is this segment of Amplified, the gentlemen featured from colleges/universities around the country share more about their internship and how this experience is helping prepare for life after graduation

Devin Halliburton Bucknell

University

Senior, Major: Computer Science

For the summer of 2023, I am an Advance intern for Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLC in their Consulting Solutions division More specifically, in their practice Cloud, Innovation, and Engineering. I was thrown into my client work on day three of my internship, unlike others who do not experience client work until the third or fourth week At first, I was nervous because just like any young student going into an internship or job after college, you doubt the skillset you developed throughout your undergrad years Fortunately, I have a team that supports my thoughts and opinions when it comes to input on the project.

When it comes to preparing for life after, I feel like it is getting me ready for what I want after graduation and what I want to achieve when I think of my career in the long run I know that I want to work in consulting because I have always been an extroverted individual who loves to speak his mind and use my knowledge and experience to help others. Thus, working for a consulting firm can give me that experience firsthand But ultimately, I want to have my own consulting practice, where I can work for myself and hopefully expand and hire young graduates to get experience and of course, good money

Odell Maxwell Southern Univeristy and A&M College

Senior, Major: Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security

Currently, I am interning with Serco in Washington, DC conducting engineering studies and cyber security for future Naval Submarines While interning I will also conduct several research projects which will include analyzing various project risk, supply chain issues and cyber security I started this position on May 16,2023 and I have met several other innovative students. Internships are extremely important to learn more about your career path while getting first-hand experience to help you become more confident This internship is preparing me for my career due to the experience I’m gaining at meetings, site visits and through research is invaluable. While working every day in the office, I have also increased my professional network to help me become more useful in the future This internship will help in life because its putting me into position to learn how to effectively communicate and work in small teams to complete large projects Also, due to our work tempo we are expected to be in person working daily , this has helped with accountability and being responsible.

Donovan Perry North Carolina A&T State Univeristy

Senior, Major: Computer Engineering

During my internship, I had the invaluable opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the patent process and witness firsthand how patent attorneys interact with their clients One of the highlights was visiting the esteemed United States Patent Office, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of the patent system and its significance in protecting intellectual property. I had the privilege of exploring The Inventors Hall of Fame, where I discovered inspiring stories of inventors and their groundbreaking innovations

A major project during my internship involved meticulously planning and preparing a presentation to be delivered to a panel of experienced patent law attorneys. The objective was to analyze and explain the intricacies of a specific court case, showcasing my knowledge and ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts, as well as grasping engineering inventions. As a computer engineer, being able to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders is invaluable This experience has sharpened my ability to articulate ideas clearly, present persuasive arguments, and adapt my communication style to different audiences

Dylan Coulter Norfolk State University

Junior: Major: Nursing

Hello, my name is Dylan Coulter, and I’m currently a rising Junior attending Norfolk State University, a Pre-Nursing major that has made it into the Nursing School at my respective institution I have been blessed to receive the SHPEP ( Summer Health Professions Educational Program) Internship, a program that gets minorities exposure and experience in medical schools and academic enrichment I’m currently interning through the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, networking with medical professionals within the various medical centers here at UTHealth.

This internship has been truly invaluable to me, being a black male in not only a medical specialty but a female-dominated field With this experience, I hope to become a role model for those young black men who want to pursue nursing as well as further my education. After graduation, I plan on pursuing graduate degrees, culminating with a DNP (Doctor of Nurse Practitioner), with my career goal being Nurse Anesthesia

John Underdue Morehouse College

Senior, Major: Political Science

During my internship at Serco Inc, I have been ex environment that has significantly shaped my perspective on law and prepared me for my future career. It has allowed me to practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and analysis skills, which will be valuable during law school and practicing law The internship has provided me with invaluable insights into the legal complexities surrounding national security and defense and the ability to maintain standing.

Working with government officials and military contractors, I have comprehensively understood the intricate interplay between law, policy, and military operations This internship has allowed me to understand the importance of the lessons learned in college classrooms and the application toward real-world situations. Such as being a minority and connecting people of color to our country's needs with inclusion and equity Also, being able to apply philosophers and academic scholars into affairs to provide a context of the past and advance our future.

THE COLLEGIATE THE COLLEGIATE BLACK MALE SYMPOSIUM

A professional conference experience for the Black men on your campus!

The Collegiate Black Male Network is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help increase the persistence and graduation rates of collegiate Black men.

THINK ABOUT IT

Attending a national conference can be costly with minimal impact. However, with The Collegiate Black Male Symposium, we work with colleges/universities to maximize dollars and increase impact, ultimately providing a transformational experience for staff and students

WHAT WE OFFER:

Student Experience

We offer a variety of leadership sessions centered in increasing awareness of issues affecting Black men in society.

Faculty/Staff Development

We offer strategy sessions for staff interested in starting or enhancing a Black male initiative or program on campus

All-Inclusive Package

We provide everything you need for an all-inclusive price. That's right! One price covers the entire conference experience.

Our Network of Experts are guaranteed to provide a high-quality service to enhance the overall experience of collegiate Black men on your campus.

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Dear Brother

A Word of Encouragement

Dear Brother,

WWith Summer break now underway, take a moment to breathe; you have completed another academic year. Whether the year went exactly as planned or not, you finished, so give yourself some grace Before you drown yourself in summer school, work, or an internship, take a moment to give yourself a mental break You are going to need the refresher before the next fall semester starts. Man, being Black and college-educated puts you in a rare category, unfortunately, so enjoy the fruits of your labor, sit back, and breathe. Admire what you have been able to accomplish so far.

During the Summer, find some time to work on you Even if you are in school, working, or have an internship, start working on yourself. Find something you are interested in that may not align with your major or career goals Find a hobby that clears your mind or will make you some side money before or upon graduation Do not worry about what others may think about what YOU enjoy doing but think about how it makes You feel. This activity is how you escape the pressures of the world, school, and work This activity gives you freedom of expression and thought. For me, mine is writing. Writing articles, movies, and tv shows. I creatively lose myself and time doing so by writing my words, which is the exact opposite of my job

Before I close, my mom recently told me to enjoy the “now.” I was one to move on to the next best goal to conquer the moment I finished another It is great to have a drive to succeed and enjoy and live in the present. Looking forward all the time stresses me out, but I feel I have to keep moving I lose or gain nothing in working immediately after completing an accomplishment or goal So, the advice I am giving you all in breathing and grace is me giving it myself as well. Do not over-pressure yourselves; you will never get a break from the pressure Again, the world will pressure you enough Innate pressure will further stress you, the opposite of what you want.

I never really had an older brother or even a Black man to share college anything with me, so take these words and run with them. After you read them, remember to BREATHE. You will have to work twice as hard to get half as much if not less of what the others have as a Black man, so please give yourself some grace and take a break

D'ShaunT.Vance

Your Brother, D'Shaun Vance, EdD

Norfolk State University, Class of '14

Pennsylvania State University, Class of '19

Clark Atlanta University, Class of '22

"Do not worry about what others may think about what YOU enjoy doing but think about how it makes You feel."

-D'Shaun Vance, Ed.D.

Article Submission

Are you looking for opportunities to publish? For our upcoming quarterly journals, we seek individuals to share their knowledge, expertise, and experience with The Collegiate Black Male Network community. Please see below for Volume 4 deadlines.

Deadline for Articles

Issue Deadline

Fall 2023

Winter 2023

Spring 2024

Summer 2024

August 31, 2023

November 30, 2023

February 28, 2024

May 31, 2021

Published

October 1, 2023

January 1, 2024

April 1, 2024

July 1, 2024

For more information on submission criteria, visit www.thecbmnetwork.org/theeducatedmentor