MESSAGE FROM THE CO-FOUNDERS
TThere is an overwhelming sense of joy and appreciation as we celebrate The Collegiate Black Male Network's fifth anniversary This significant achievement is a reflection of the time, energy, and enthusiasm that each of you has put into our cause, and it is a milestone in and of itself. Thanks to your steadfast support, we have made significant progress in our mission to increase African-American males' persistence and graduation rates in college through mentoring
Seeing the difference we have made in college persistence and graduation rates over the past five years is motivating Numerous lives have been improved since the launch of ONYX25, a program that recognizes and develops African-American male undergraduate students as leaders and role models on their campuses and communities We have demonstrated the profound impact of community and compassion by increasing the persistence and graduation rates of African-American males in college through mentoring, and by combining our efforts, we have intrusively supported three cohorts of these students.
As we look to the future, we are filled with enthusiasm and hope We have ambitious plans to increase our impact, including hosting a Gala, the first National Leadership Institute, the fourth cohort of our National Direct Program, ONYX25, and more However, we cannot achieve these goals without the continued support of individuals like you. With your help, we can turn these plans into reality and continue our mission to increase African-American males' persistence and graduation rates in college.
To continue growing and succeeding, your participation is essential You are helping our cause tremendously whether you decide to donate, volunteer, or just spread the word With your continued support, we can continue to build the foundation for many more years of impact and service.
We are deeply grateful for your presence and support along this journey. We look forward to continuing our work together and are excited to see what the next five years and beyond will bring With your continued involvement, we can build a strong foundation for many more years of impact and service
With profound gratitude,
Dr Darryl Hylton, Jr
DrJamie L Enge
PS Stay connected with us through our website and social media channels for regular updates on our projects and events We love sharing how your support is making a difference!
BOARDOFDIRECTORS
DR. TYMON GRAHAM Board Chair
MS CORTNEY EDWARDS General Board Member
DR. ANITA BLEDSOE-GARDNER General Board Member
MR. DEMETRICK COLEMAN Vice Chair/Secretary
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Gabriela Torres
Gregory Dendy, Jr.
Joyce Walker
Lindsey Nurczyk
Marquise McGriff
THANK YOU!
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National News
Celebrating Vernon Simmons' Swearing-In as Student Representative to the Board of Trustees
We are thrilled to announce the swearingin of Mr. Vernon Simmons (ONYX25, Cohort 3) as the Student Representative to the Board of Trustees for the 2024-2025 academic year This prestigious role is a testament to Vernon's dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the student body
As the Student Representative, Vernon will serve as the voice and advocate for all students, working tirelessly to influence positive change and foster the growth and sustainability of our university His unique perspective and passion for student welfare will undoubtedly contribute to meaningful discussions and decisions within the Board
Congratulations, Vernon, on this welldeserved appointment. We look forward to the positive impact you will make on the Board of Trustees and the continued legacy of excellence you will leave at UDC
Celebrating Travales Woodard's Election as SGA President
His election as SGA President is a reflection of the trust and confidence his peers have in his ability to lead and represent them effectively.
We are confident that Traveles will continue to drive positive change and promote student engagement Congratulations, Traveles, on this well-deserved victory We look forward to witnessing the incredible impact you will have on our student body and the entire Edward Waters University community in the coming year
Celebrating Larry Clercira's Election as Mister Edward Waters University
Congratulations are in order for Mr Larry Clercira (ONYX25, Cohort 3) who recently won the title of Mister Edward Waters University for the 2024-2025 academic school year
As Mister EWU, Larry will serve as the official student representative and ambassador for Edward Waters University His role includes promoting the university's values and enhancing its visibility both on and offcampus Larry's leadership and commitment make him an ideal role model for the men on campus and in the surrounding community
Here's to a successful and impactful year ahead as Mister Edward Waters University! We are delighted to announce the recent election of Mr Traveles Woodard as the Student Government Association (SGA) President at Edward Waters University for the 2024-2025 academic year
ONYX25, Cohort 3 members meet at Student Leadership Conference
ONYX25 Cohort 3 members (Travales Woodard (left), Vernon Simmons (center), and Larry Clercira (right)) made a remarkable impact at the Student Leader Institute (SLI), hosted by the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals from May 28-June 3, 2024 Over six intensive days, the program equipped newly elected HBCU student leaders with essential leadership skills.
Participants, including Student Government Associations, Class Officers, Greek Councils, and others, engaged in workshops and networking sessions focused on strategic planning, communication, and community engagement.
The SLI experience left individuals with new strategies and a strengthened network, setting a high standard for future HBCU leaders
Amplified
"Can You Hear Me Now?!"
Black Men in Leadership
By: Dr. Darryl Hylton
In this special feature, we highlight the inspiring journeys of campus kings and student government presidents who have been elected to serve their universities with distinction
These young leaders are not only symbols of excellence but also catalysts for change. Through their powerful platforms, they share their visions and plans to make a meaningful impact on their campuses and beyond. From advocating for diversity and inclusion to implementing innovative programs that foster academic and personal growth, these student leaders are committed to creating a positive and lasting legacy
This is more than a showcase; it's a testament to the resilience, determination, and brilliance of Black men in higher education, and a celebration of their unwavering commitment to leadership and service
Avantavis Ty’Mon Carter
Elementary Education Student, Alcorn State University
As a student leader this year, my plans include increasing student engagement through diverse events, enhancing communication channels to ensure everyone's voice is heard, and advocating for inclusive policies that benefit all students. I also want to focus on programs and leadership development opportunities.
Regarding my influence on Black men on campus, I believe my position allows me to serve as a role model and advocate I aim to create a supportive environment where Black men feel empowered and encouraged to pursue their goals By promoting inclusivity and offering mentorship, I hope to inspire confidence and a sense of community among them To let them know we are all in this together. Once A Brave Always A Brave ����
Kameron Sanders
Business Administration Marketing, Johnson C. Smith University
My plans this year involve highlighting key areas such as academic planning and strategic communication to graduate on time. Additionally, understanding the importance personal development along with career services and the role internships play in career building. Are you “locked-in with LinkedIn?” Lastly, referring to my platform (BLACK): Believing we can; Leading in spaces where we are needed and celebrated; Achieving all that we can; Cultivating for those coming after us; and Knowing we are made for these opportunities Emphasizing mental health awareness amongst college students with the community and globally will be a key initiative through “Mental Hugs” Mental Hugs is a virtual series I started in order to create a space for myself and others to assess and virtually journal issues. Viewers see how I either persevere and cope through challenges and how I continue to attack and navigate college/the real world day after day.
Joshua Williams
Major: Marketing with a minor in Business Management, Claflin University
As the 66th Student Government Association Executive President at Claflin University for the 2024-2025 academic year, I plan to work and serve as the voice of students This entails being an action-based leader focused on providing true support to students by listening to their concerns, opinions, and ideas while making the best decisions for the student body. Additionally, I will further instill communication, transparency, and results within our campus, community, and between our student body and administration As SGA President, I aim to inspire black men on campus by promoting inclusivity, leadership, and academic excellence My role will highlight the importance of representation, foster a supportive community, and encourage active participation in campus initiatives, demonstrating that they too can lead and effect meaningful change. These initiatives will include professional development and community service-based opportunities. As a black male, I will work to uplift my black male counterparts to higher heights as a collective.
Matthew Morse
Psychology Student, Norfolk State University
Through the integration of my platform, “The Sound”, I will create an atmosphere where even the smallest voice can be heard By definition, sound is energy traveling through space and time so I propose the question, “how does your energy travel through campus” During my reign, I will focus on mental health, specifically but not limited to men’s mental health where we will have workshops, panels, and even smaller intimate sessions to identity healthy versus unhealthy coping mechanisms and practices. Understanding that black males are the most underrepresented in the mental health field due to the stigmas associated with expression, I will exemplify healthy practices and make myself always readily available for these conversations My position allows me to speak out and overall, combat the stigma The goal is to create a space where if we see our brothers share and speak out and eventually become comfortable and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and essentially create new energy
Derrion Campbell
Elementary Education Student, Claflin University
As Mister Claflin University, I have vowed to leave a lasting legacy and make a significant impact on my illustrious university and the local community. My platform focuses on Education and Scholarship, and I have promised my peers and the campus community that I will uphold this platform by highlighting the significance of quality education, especially at a historically black college or university. I will also aim to serve as a source of encouragement and empowerment and to be a trusted voice and leader At Claflin University, we pride ourselves on being an institution of inclusivity and diversity As a young Black man and king, my goal is not only to influence Black men on campus but to be a role model for all men, regardless of their racial or ethnic backgrounds I aim to empower my fellow brothers to exude confidence and own any room they walk into, knowing they are intelligent, powerful, deserving, and capable.
A WORD OF EMPOWERMENT A WORD OF EMPOWERMENT
Dear Brother
A Word of Encouragement
Dear Brother,
W"From
one black man to another…YOU ARE NEEDED!” -Naphtali Bryant.
We are living in a time where the value of men, especially black men, is being eroded. We face everything from popular music defining us as nothing more than walking wallets to being the biggest threat to political and social change. Yes, we are in a full-fledged attack on the necessity of our brothers in almost every sphere of society.
This attack has been brewing for decades and has almost taken us out! However, a remnant of Black men are paving new paths and taking their rightful places in their families and society Those men who are bucking against this attack, who refuse to be martyred or redefined are you! You are the generation of black men the world has been waiting on Your drive to better the plight of the African American experience has gone for too long without being celebrated. You are building schools in neighborhoods long decimated by redlining and systematic racism. You are running for public office, becoming senators and mayors. You are starting nonprofits tackling issues such as financial literacy and black male development You are hosting podcasts allowing the black man's voice to be heard beyond just rap beats and R&B lyrics You are changing the face of the willfully ignorant and the woefully inept who are determined to see us in a negative light
As a black man, let me say…. I am proud of you! You are becoming the full manifestation of the essence of what God created you to be. You are powerful! You have a voice! You are needed! You are wanted! You are important! You are valuable. Most of all, the nation and the world would never reach their full potential without your incredible contributions. This is a clarion call to all those that read this We see you for the incredible gift that you are, and I only ask that you continue to make the fingerprint on history that you are in the process of making!
From one black man to another YOU ARE NEEDED!
Your Brother, Naphtali Bryant Palo Alto College, ‘14 St Phillips College, ‘15
NaphtaliBryant
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 5 deadlines.
Deadline for Articles
Issue
Fall 2024
Winter 2024
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
Deadline
August 31, 2024
November 30, 2024
February 28, 2025
May 31, 2025
Published
October 1, 2024
January 1, 2025
April 1, 2025
July 1, 2025
For more information on submission criteria, visit www.thecbmnetwork.org/theeducatedmentor
