The Educated Mentor: Volume 2, Issue 5 (ONYX25 Special Edition)

MENTOR

The Onyx 25: 25 Under 25 Recognition & Leadership Program celebrates African American college students across the nation who have proven themselves as role models for their respective campuses and community while supporting them in taking their talent to the next level.

Upon acceptance into the program, participants engage in a 5 phase virtual experience as a cohort focused on the areas of personal, professional, and leadership development. The five phases include:

BUILDING COMMUNITY

INWARD SERVICE

OUTWARD JOURNEY

PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP

By the end of the program students will:

Be Recognized for their outstanding academic and community involvement; Receive coaching that develops transferable career readiness skills through leadership and professional development workshops; Engage in inclusive spaces to practice skills learned in the program; and Network with corporate talent management and professional mentors for various career opportunities.

GMESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Greetings Gentlemen!

Congratulations are indeed in order! On behalf of the Board of Directors, our Co Founders, and partners, it is indeed a sincere privilege for me to congratulate the inaugural class of the ONYX25 under 25 Recognition & Leadership program. You were selected through a very competitive process and should be very proud of this honor Your selection into ONYX25 is an outward testament of your dedication, work, and impact in our black male space.

It is widely seen that your consistent hard work, dedication, and determination have paid off and we are extremely proud of you You are to be highly commended for your high academic and community achievements as you represent the very best collegiate black males across this nation

Through your astuteness within the arts & humanities, business, education, STEM, and human & social science, you are indeed a force to be reckoned with. You are well positioned to carry the torch; YOU ARE OUR FUTURE!

In an effort to see every African American male in college earn a college degree and increase the culture of college enrollment, ONYX25 under 25 Recognition & Leadership program has ignited a fire in the realm of college completion. You stand as a true flame to light the way for future generations

It is my sincere hope that you have taken in the coaching and development, skill attainment, and networking that will propel you into the next phase of your educational and personal lives. We are ecstatic to watch you grow into your future, and make huge marks in your respective pursuits

We are forever thankful and grateful to our partner, Cbeyond Enterprises for joining us on this journey to support the next generation of leaders.

Again, we would like to congratulate you on this massive accomplishment and look forward to walking a succeed, excel, and flourish If we at The Collegiate Black Male Network can be of any help or service to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Remain connected and remain engaged!

Educationally Yours,

Tymon M. Graham

Tymon M. Graham, Ed.D. Chair, Board of Directors

SPECIAL EDITION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Darryl Hylton, Jr.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Jamie L. Enge

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Tymon M. Graham, Chair

Dr. Anita Bledsoe-Gardner

Ms. Cortney Edwards

Mr. Jamie Enge, Co-Founder

Dr. Darryl Hylton, Co-Founder

JOURNAL EDITOR

Dr Darryl Hylton, Jr

The Educated Mentor is the official publication of The Collegiate Black Male Network published four times a year. For any questions or feedback regarding the publication, please contact us at info@thecbmnetwork.org

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MENTOR MENTOR MENTOR

BEYOND INITIATIVE

LEGACY

History of ONYX25

Meet T.H.E. Foundation

more about

cohort of

Meet the Professional Mentors

Dear Brother

Receive a word of celebration from Melqaam

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL PROGRAMS

To T.H.E. Foundation:

It has been a joy to witness your growth and be in community with you over the past 16 weeks Being the first cohort, I was unsure what the journey would look like for all of us As the Director of National Programs, it was my responsibility to ensure that this journey would be uplifting and that I would be a wealth of knowledge and a resource to you. However, I did not realize I would gain much from each of you. You are all unique, and I do not doubt you will succeed in every facet of your life due to your dedication. This dedication extends beyond your respective institutions, and your impact will be worldly. That is the role of the ONYX, creating success layer by layer

Throughout the 16 weeks, we met with the intention to sharpen your skills We witnessed an excellent sharpening of your skills from the professional development sessions with Mr Alty, personal development sessions with me, and engaging with your professional mentors. Most importantly, you all have done this while keeping up with your responsibilities. From Keegan running from sessions to class, Yonzay scanning and bagging at the local grocery store, to Curtis campaigning to become the 16th Mr. North Carolina A&T State University, we have seen it all!

Just as the quote reminds us, [it is] "With great power, [from which] great responsibility comes" These day to day responsibilities may become mundane and seem like they do not impact us, but they grant us all great power This power is the power of influence This influence may come from increasing the number of associate degree graduates like Travis, raising the standards for the "beast" that is Residence Life like Myles, being an Orientation Leader for future students like Allen, or changing the social curriculum of your institution through language policies like Jasiri.

With your work and influence, you have established THE Foundation for the future inductees of our program Your impact will be both immediate and everlasting I wish you all the best and a hearty congratulations

GregoryA.Dendy,Jr.

Sincerely, Gregory A. Dendy, Jr., M.Div. Director of National Programs

Yonzay ChambersMeet

Meet Yonzay Chambers, a rising senior at the University of the District of Columbia. Hailing from Temple Hills, Maryland, Yonzay, like many ONYX25 men, is a leader, an athlete, a scholar, and a disciple. He is a recipient of the DC UP Scholarship, an award recognizing high personal integrity, professional promise, and the embodiment of leadership An excellent student and an avid runner, Yonzay is well aware that exercise is important to both physical well being and mental health And he would know He is a psychology major on his way to helping those with mental health issues as a licensed psychotherapist And not just any psychotherapist, mind you; one driven and called by his faith to improve the lives of those in need.

Yonzay’s passion for healing is deeply rooted in two critical elements of his upbringing. One is the story of a young boy witnessing a family dynamic he would fix if he could The other is a personal and unbending relationship with God As a child of a Jamaican immigrant father and an American mother, Yonzay watched the dynamic between the adults and children in his family He saw parents “rearing” their children in ways that, even at a tender age, he knew to be unhealthy and damaging to the psyche of young minds. He saw children wanting and needing to make their voices heard, but they could not because of cultural and familial traditions. As Yonzay grew older and his worldview expanded, he came to understand that growing up is tough, it can be both wonderful and traumatic at times, and that these traumas, no matter how slight, need an outlet

And after many discussions with his father about “what are you going to do with your life?” it became clear He would become qualified to help the many children and others who need to address suffering and mental health challenges, which are all too common in today’s young people. In Yonzay’s words, “I knew I wanted to be a part of a solution to change and not a product of pain. I wanted to be a healer to people who were affected by hurtful, harmful, and hopeless words.”

The other half of Yonzay’s story is one of love and redemption, anchored by the Holy Spirit As a young boy, Yonzay went to church regularly with his grandmother Years of attending services were a positive influence, but it was not until he was older that he had a special encounter that changed everything. Yonzay had a personal interaction with God and felt the Holy Spirit move him. And as it did, the negativity melted away. And it didn’t take him long to realize that his drive to excel as a leader amongst his peers, to achieve success in academics and the field of psychology, and to bring healing to those who suffer, was all the product of this special relationship with God “Not only does helping people mentally bring me joy, but it reminds me of how Jesus himself was healing the broken in ways people thought were impossible I desire to be a therapist that follows in the footsteps of the true healer to help people embark on their future,” Yonzay says. Truly, the world needs more people like Yonzay, whose care for the well being of others is his motivation.

Mentoredby:JudgeWay

Curtis Shannon, Jr.Meet

Say hello to Curtis Shannon, Jr., from Greensboro, North Carolina. Curtis is a senior at North Carolina A&T State University, earning a degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Pre Law. Added to that is a minor in philosophy. And what does he plan to do with his extensive knowledge of the legal system and understanding of how people think and process concepts? Of course, law school But he’s not stopping there He’s aiming to take his career “all the way to the Supreme Court” Not only as a lawyer but as a Justice!

Curtis recognizes that it takes much more than just expertise in law and critical thinking to become a member of the country’s highest court; it takes demonstrated leadership skills. On campus, he has distinguished himself across a wide array of organizations including the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, the National Black Law Student Association, and the Student Government Association, where he was voted “Mr North Carolina A&T” (Sidebar: If you’re wondering if that’s a big deal, this year’s Mr and Ms NCA&T presented at the 94th Annual Academy Awards!)

As if his leadership resume weren’t enough, Curtis still finds time to give back on and off campus. He served as an Aggies Success New Students Programs Leader and Community Relations Chair at The Village Mentoring, Inc; a non profit focused on developing and empowering young men in the Guildford County, NC, community Curtis’ additional passions for serving the community focus on providing essentials to those in the greatest need: he volunteers at Habitat for Humanity and Our Daily Soup Kitchen

Curtis’ philanthropy doesn’t stop with organizations he has joined; to further impact those in his immediate community, he founded two more charities on his own. The Curtis Shannon Jr. Foundation is a non profit organization focusing on increasing the number of male minorities seeking higher education by providing and assisting with scholarships, grants, apprenticeships, and trades through acts of community service The Greensboro Youth Community Leaders is a social enterprise focusing on advocacy of human and civil rights, combating food insecurity, food desert elimination, and providing mentorship to the younger generation. The result: Curtis has already solidified his legacy as a champion of difference maker black and minority communities.

You may be wondering what makes Curtis tick He credits his success to his opportunity to acquire a top notch education, a deep connection to his family and community, and the resulting perspectives he has gained from them Curtis knows these things cannot be taken for granted and are gifts to be appreciated and shared

This summer, you’ll find Curtis overseas, adding another facet to his resume: international experience. He will be studying abroad in London, England, to further expand his perspectives on the world Would you expect anything less of a US Supreme Court Justice?

Keegan JonesMeet

This is Keegan Jones, who hails from Indianapolis, Indiana. Keegan graduated in May 2022 from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). You will be interested to know that Keegan spent time studying abroad in Ghana, Africa during school. There he learned about Ghana’s history as a nation and as the cradle of the trans Atlantic slave trade Keegan studied the grueling details of how Africans were taken against their will, the routes they took, and the impact of the international slave trade on the people and communities of the region You may wonder how this relates to his career aspirations The answer: Keegan wants to tell stories Now armed with a degree in marketing and international studies, Keegan is ambitiously positioning himself to become a prominent movie or television director and producer. Keegan knows that this path requires exceptional drive, raw talent, credibility, and creativity that are expected of many leaders. He began his leadership resume early by distinguishing himself at IUPUI He was President of Alpha Epsilon Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, President of the Student African American Brotherhood, and MLK Co Chair of the Black Student Union

Keegan’s leadership extended into his academics as well, where he was both a Diversity Enrichment and Achievement Program (D.E.A.P) scholar and a Norman Brown Scholar, a program that supports the university’s strong commitment to diversity through the recruitment and retention of students from populations historically underrepresented in institutions of higher education His peers also recognized Keegan for his influence and leadership He was named 2021 Sigma Man of the Year by his fraternity and was honored as his graduating class' Black Grad Commencement Speaker

Like many high achievers, Keegan has taken the bull by the horns in jump starting his film career. Aside from his three internships and winning the D.E.A.P. Geico Business Pitch competition, Keegan did something many adults only dream about: He started not one, but two companies focused on his filmmaking goals The first is Indiana Marketing, LLC, which provides social media and brand management services and works with licensee branches of marketing businesses The other is Mazuma, LLC, a multimedia production company specializing in video production, editing, and photography. The endgame? “I created these LLCs to focus on my marketing, video production, and editing skills. One day I want to own a movie studio called Mazuma, Inc.” Don’t be surprised if the shelf in his office at Mazuma, Inc. includes an Oscar or an Emmy (or both)!

Ask Keegan how he got so far so fast, and he’ll tell you simply: loyalty, staying true to himself, and tenacity He knows who he is, what he’s capable of, and what he needs to do to succeed Red carpet aside, Keegan embodies the leadership and drive that is Onyx25!

d

Myles BaldwinMeet

Meet Myles Baldwin from Hampton, Virginia. Myles graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in May 2022 with a major in Music Performance and a minor in Political Science. Perhaps the best way to summarize Myles is that he is and has long been focused on education. On a personal level, his 40 GPA is evidence of both his personal commitment to success and his intelligence And it turns out that VCU was the perfect environment for an academic like Myles

The Honors College at VCU provides high performance and high promise students like him a platform for achieving individual success as well as a community of support And as a typical ONYX25 leader, Myles knows the importance of “paying it forward.” He served as an Honors Ambassador and Honors Mentor to guide and advise younger students. And if you’re detecting a theme, you’re exactly right. Myles is looking to continue his academic focus into one of the noblest careers: as a student affairs administrator at an institution of higher learning

A modern Renaissance man, Myles brings more than just smarts to the table At VCU, he focused on athletics through Club Tennis and as an active member of the Sport Club Council And when he wasn’t on the courts or studying in the library, Myles was focused on his other passion: music. An avid lover of R&B, Myles set the standard as a performer. He would tell you that music brings people together, and the harmony of music is something we should aspire to in the world. As an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Myles also knows the importance of having a friend group and a positive social outlet in college and beyond

All of these elements of college life came together for Myles as he pursued his degree and thought about what was next. Although he would tell you grades are important, he became interested in higher education because of the joy he got from all the things he did in college outside his classes. Specifically, how is this student athlete singer mentor leader planning to bring it all together? Myles says: “I'm interested in housing, recreational sports, and college athletics A long term career goal is to be a director of athletics or dean of students”

A true multi tasker, Myles will be a university leader that students and faculty will love He has what it takes to be successful in his career and connect personally with the younger generation. His passion for helping others and the joy he feels in watching that passion manifest in another’s success are perfectly matched for a career in higher education. But that’s not necessarily enough. Colleges and universities are some of the world's most diverse places to work Myles is ready for that, too “My ability to see multiple perspectives” is what he will bring to ensure that every student, no matter their background, has a positive, fulfilling experience and the highest chance for success

Allen FordMeet

This is Allen Ford, a rising junior at Loyola University Chicago, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in African Studies Allen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to two working class parents who instilled in him an appreciation for who he is, a curiosity about who he is not, and a desire to determine what he wants to be as a Black man in America

As a boy, Allen grew up in a neighborhood where most everyone was black and looked like him. Many people would find this comforting, but it made Allen restless. He wanted to experience what was different about people who did not look like him and understand the world better So, not even yet a teenager, Allen decided to attend a nearly all white high school He quickly went from a place of familiarity to being a minority and navigating the challenges of being different As Allen would tell it, “God led me to that school for reasons beyond me” And it would be God that would later guide him and factor into his development in ways he could not have predicted.

As it turns out, the high school and later the college that Allen attended were both Jesuit institutions In that Jesuit high school, he truly began his relationship with God and let God guide him in his life “Faith strengthened my willingness and attitude toward God as I fell in love with the Jesuit education,” one focused on love and kindness, not just to others, but to oneself It was vastly different from the traditional Catholicism or Baptist denominations he was used to “It was more of an understanding and effort to become a good person, a man for others, than simply following the Bible and its teachings.”

Allen's love of the Jesuit faith is sure what brought him to Loyola to continue his education And like a true prodigal’s son, Allen returned to the black community through the campus’ Black Cultural Center, where he found a welcoming reception full of love and support that was even greater than in his neighborhood growing up And to bring us full circle, that same Black student organization introduced Allen to ONYX25.

Allen has a lot to say about the significance of ONYX25, The Collegiate Black Male Network, and their impact on him personally He was immediately drawn to the organization and what it represents for Black college men and beyond “This program gave me a better understanding of the workforce, how it operates, and how to look like an attractive applicant Additionally, it allowed me to meet multiple mentors whom I can lean on and ask for guidance”

This national network Allen describes as an “eternal brotherhood,” one to which he is fully prepared to give back. His career goal is to become a State Attorney and champion the ideals of justice and equality A man with a true heart, a sharp and open mind, and led by God, Allen will be a true asset to the government and the community in which he lives

Mentoredby:Charles

Jasiri MtambalaMeet

This is Jasiri Mtambala, a rising senior at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) The recipient of three academic scholarships, he is majoring in Business Administration and has ambitions to become a successful entrepreneur. To that end, Jasiri is heavily involved in school programs and groups that support his goals. He has served as Vice President of the Entrepreneur Club and Secretary of the American Marketing Association But to suggest that Jasiri is “all business” only tells part of his story

Jasiri was born in the Republic of Congo and grew up in East Africa There, he discovered how entrepreneurism could change lives many of the communities where he lived as a boy suffered from a lack of access to clean water. At the tender age of seven, Jasiri began his first business focused on bettering the lives of those around him. He would walk six miles to get containers of water and bring them back to his village, where he would sell the water to more than 200 households A young entrepreneur was born

In 2016, Jasiri moved with his family to the United States and his “second” hometown in Durham, North Carolina And was far from finished connecting business and people together While in high school, he and his friends had to identify a world problem to solve. The group considers how it is often easy for people of white European or Hispanic descent to connect with others like them, but not for people of African heritage the common denominator: language Black students can learn Chinese, French, Arabic, or Spanish, but not the African continent's universal language! Jasiri, with his team, started a movement known as The Unknown Gold Mine and developed a proposal to add Kiswahili, the native tongue of East and Central Africa, into North Carolina public schools Ultimately, NCCU adopted Kiswahili into its language program, and Jasiri continues today in his effort to spread this opportunity to other HBCUs.

Jasiri has found other ways to support black men and lead by example The African American Male Initiative, in which Jasiri serves as a resident assistant, is a living learning community Members participate in academic, leadership, identity, financial, and spiritual development and opportunities to experience a sense of brotherhood

But back to business one of Jasiri’s proudest accomplishments is the successful registration of Akili, LLC. His company focuses on providing essential goods to students in the Durham, North Carolina community at reasonable prices The services include delivery of items directly to dormitories Akili, LLC has partnered with some of the biggest names in consumer goods, including Sam’s Club, Walmart and Food Lion Using his entrepreneurial skills to ensure that those in need have reasonable access to basic goods and services is clearly what Jasiri is all about

Jasiri is highly accomplished already in his life but thinks it is important to remember that no one is perfect. He credits his success not only to a strong work ethic but also to his mistakes along the way And despite these mistakes, he perseveres in the face of challenge and adversity If he had a motto, it might be, “Never give up!” Next time you feel defeated or are hard on yourself, remember Jasiri’s story and keep trying!

The

Travis HendersonMeet

Say hello to Travis Henderson from Atlanta, Georgia. Travis is a rising senior at the University of the District of Columbia. He brings a technology focus to the ONYX25 crew while he majors in Business Administration and works towards a career as an IT professional. Travis’ leadership potential has been recognized already As a District of Columbia University Partnership (DC UP) Scholarship recipient, he has personally and academically distinguished himself as a rising star The DC UP scholarship is an initiative implemented by the Mayor of Washington, DC to reward high school students with high grades academic scholarships to attend the University of the District of Columbia.

Travis knows he has many options for the IT industry, which continues to be one of the fastest growing industries in the world He is currently interested in exploring cyber security, software engineering, hardware infrastructure, and even technology sales And there is no question that he will succeed in any of these areas because Travis is a born collaborator He knows the value of teamwork and that he thrives most when working alongside people he respects and admires Those people can come in all forms, including Travis’ mentor, who is helping guide him toward the best career path. The lesson he would tell you is this: work hard, go beyond what is expected, and team with those around you to ensure your success and stay on track.

Professional success brings responsibility, including the obligation to give back Travis has long incorporated community service into his regimen through various programs and projects Through DC UP, Travis has combined his penchant for teamwork with his passion for charity On a recent project, working with six other scholarship recipients, he delivered school supplies to two DC area middle schools, including pencils, notebooks, and art supplies. Why is this so important to him? Not only is it what leaders are supposed to do, but there is simply no better feeling than what you get from helping those in need

Travis’ “best version of himself” has always been his priority In addition, to focus on his professional development and helping others, Travis is on a never ending quest to expand his horizons and understand more about himself and the world around him. He does this through various activities, including reading, personal research, and online courses. He recognizes that the way to success and fulfillment is through constant improvement and learning.

ONYX25 was created around the concept that success breeds success, and interacting with those focused on a common goal is a great way to find community and support on life’s journey Travis is the epitome of these ideals, ready to help whenever and however he can So, whether your system is crashing or you need a mentor of your own, he is your man!

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COHORT

Are you a collegiate Black male looking to be a part of a group of individuals who look like you and have a desire to enhance their personal, professional, and leadership skills? If so, apply to be the next cohort of ONYX 25!

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Meet the Mentors

Dr. David Julius Ford, Jr.Assistant Professor, Department of Professional Counseling, Monmouth University

David Julius Ford, Jr holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Wake Forest University. In May 2014, he earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Old Dominion University Dr Ford is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and New Jersey He is a Board Certified Counselor (NCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) Dr Ford taught for four years at James Madison University and is now an Assistant Professor in the Department of Professional Counseling at Monmouth University Dr Ford is the Immediate Past President of the New Jersey Counseling Association. He is the Co Chair of the Branch Development Committee of the American Counseling Association, a member of the Black Male Experience Task Force of the American Counseling Association, and a newly elected Trustee for Counselor Education and Research for the National Career Development Association, a division of the American Counseling Association.

Dr. Ford’s professional interests are Black Greek life; multicultural issues; college students; Black men in higher education; career counseling; addictions counseling; supervision; group work; qualitative research; queer and trans BIPOC; Intersectionality; and persons living with HIV/AIDS He is one of 24 inaugural doctoral fellows of the NBCC Minority Fellowship Program. He is the 2020 recipient of the AMCD Samuel H. Johnson Distinguished Service Award and the 2020 ACES Outstanding Counselor Education and Supervision Article Award Dr Ford is a classically trained pianist and is a proud, active, and financial member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As an undergraduate, he had the privilege of taking a class taught by the late Dr. Maya Angelou Dr Ford currently lives in Ocean, New Jersey

When asked why he wanted to serve as a professional mentor, he responded, "I love mentoring young Black men and career advisement is my area of expertise I saw this mentoring experience as an opportunity to mentor someone who is interested in my profession."

Attorney Randle Wilson Assistant United States Attorney

Randle received his BA in Political Science from Norfolk State University in 2011 and his JD from the University of District of Columbia David A Clarke School of Law in 2015. Following law school graduation, he worked as a trial attorney at The Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, and the State's Attorney's office for Prince George's County. Since 2019 he has worked in the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia

When asked why he wanted to serve as a professional mentor, he responded, "I decided to become a mentor because I think it is important to help support young men who look like me to navigate joining the legal field"

Dr. DeAndre Howard Dean of Students, Higher Education

Originally from the historic city of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Dr DeAndre Howard is a first generation college student who attended Saint Augustine's College (now known as Saint Augustine's University) in Raleigh, North Carolina He graduated in the Spring of 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Spanish. After earning his degree, he went on to pursue his Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia His concentration instilled within him the desire to work with young people

However, he was passionate about reaching young people outside the juvenile justice system and in a higher education setting

In 2018, Dr. Howard earned a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina Currently, he serves as the Dean of Community Wellness at Spartanburg Methodist College in Spartanburg, South Carolina In his role, he oversees the following areas: Student Housing, Student Conduct, Campus Health Services, Campus Wellness, Counseling, Psychiatry Services, Disability Services, Title IX, SMC Campus Police, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. His goals and aspirations are to continue his work with developing college students into becoming leaders of tomorrow

When asked why he wanted to mentor with The Collegiate Black Male Network, he responded, "Being able to help the next generation of individuals who look like me see fulfill their fullest potential is important to me"

EJ Fleming

Information Technology Management Specialist, U.S. Department of State

EJ Fleming was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. In 2013, he received a BS in Engineering Mathematics from Saint Augustine’s University in Raliegh, North Carolina. During his time at Saint Augustine's University he served as class president and was a member of the Gamma Psi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Additionally, he had the opportunity to study abroad twice in China and the United Arab Emirates After graduating, Mr Fleming pursued a MS in Computer Science from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina Since graduating in 2015, he has supported the US embassy’s IT projects involving global IT

infrastructure (eg, Enterprise Integration & Remediation, telecommunications circuit upgrades, IT Modernization, etc.) to meet the IT demands of the embassy. He has been posted in Washington DC, Kuwait City, Kuwait, and is currently in Vienna, Austria

When asked why he wanted to mentor with The Collegiate Black Male Network, he responded, "I chose to be a professional mentor because I want to help and guide our younger generation one by one I want to show them that it's possible to do anything they put their mind to"

The

Honorable, Wayne A. Brooks Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland

HONORABLE WAYNE A.BROOKS, Associate Judge, District Court of Maryland, District 10, Howard County, since June 13, 2014 Member, Specialty Courts and Dockets Committee, 2015 16, Civil Law Legislative Sub committee, 2018 2021, and Chair ADR Sub committee, 2016

Served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (Captain). Special Assistant U.S. Prosecutor, U.S. Magistrate Court. Associate, Fossett & Brugger Hearing Officer, Department of Environmental Resources, Prince George’s County Assistant

Public Defender, Mental Health Division. Administrative Law Judge, and Deputy Director of Operations, Office of Administrative Hearings

West Philadelphia University City High School, 1975; Howard University, B.S. (Psychology), 1979; University of Maryland School of Law, JD, 1984 (President, Student Bar Association, 1983 84)

Admitted to Maryland Bar, January 1985. Maryland State Bar Association, (Administrative Law Section; Board of Governors, 2008 10; Chair, Minorities in the Legal Profession Committee, 2010 2011); Howard County Bar Association, (President, 2007); Waring Mitchell Law Society, 1995 (President, 2000 02) (Treasurer, 2015 2021).

When asked why he wanted to serve as a professional mentor, he stated, "I have been blessed with a position of power that not many have ascended as an African American, and I credit others for helping me, and thus I feel obligated to help mentor those who have similar interest"

Charles King

Owner and operator of Young Black Genius, e commerce and fashion

Charles King was born and raised in StLouis, Missouri, and is an alumnus of Missouri State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration Now located in Arlington, TX, he owns and operates Young Black Genius, E Commerce, and Fashion. Founded in 2013 with no money and a laptop, he created and dedicated this brand to Black Love, Black Culture, and Black History

With his business, he uses his creative designs and messaging to shift the narrative of Black people. Most notably, he has completed multiple 5 figure sales years, shipping orders to over 40 states and

international countries such as Norway, Kingdom, and South America Additionally, his brand has been worn by Grammy Award winning Gospel music artist Jonathan McReynolds, financial influencers Chris "Wealth Squad" Johnson, Donnell Jones of Jumping Jack Taxes, and Omen of Dreamville

When asked why he wanted to serve as a professional mentor, he stated, "I chose to be a mentor in The Collegiate Black Male Network because it's needed Young Black men need to see other Black men doing what they want to do so they know it's possible. Growing up in my hometown, seeing a Black man doing something other than entertainment or athletics was uncommon "

Saleena Lockett Director of Current Programming, The CW Network

Originally from the great state of Ohio, Saleena Lockett is an accomplished Producer who currently serves as the Director of Current Programming at The CW Network in Los Angels, California She brands herself as an individual with a proven capability to manage large scale projects and implement business improvements effectively to exceed needs.

Of the many various projects Saleena has worked with and produced, most notably, she served as the Head of Proudction for Kanye West's Sunday Service

Saleena earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies from Bowling Green State University located in Bowling Green, Ohio

When asked why she wanted to serve as a professional mentor she replied, "Mentorship has had a personal impact on my life and I want to be able to have the same impact on others"

TO SERVE AS A PROFESSIONAL MENTOR?

areyou ready

looking for an opportunity to share your knowledge, skills, and expertise with an enthusiastic scholar ready to learn?

a part of

The Educated Mentor

DEAR DBROTHER EAR BROTHER

BY: MELQAAM BSHAW Y: MELQAAM SHAW

Dear Brother

A Word of Celebration

HTo my younger brother, Jubilee. Have you ever looked up the word jubilee? I have A great poet, Nipsey Hussle, once said this in a lyrical performance “ And when I visualize success it looks light right now.” Now that’s jubilee!

Pause and consider, what does your right now look like?

When I think about the accomplishments of The Collegiate Black Male Network, all I can do is smile. Why? Because the highest form of perfection is excellence. Today, my brother, you serve as the example that you have always desired to be Most people want what it looks like; only a few what it feels like!

Many people will only see you stand upon your platform, upon your gift, or upon your manhood. Only a few will see the hardship endured.

Your name shall bring joy to those in sorrow Your name shall bring tears of peace to those in pain. Your name shall bring festivities for eternal life. All you have to do is pay the price. Stop playing small simply because you feel as though you do not deserve to celebrate yourself. Stop playing small because of your painful past. Stop playing small because of your naysayers. Today, we celebrate excellence on all levels. Today we celebrate you.

In this moment, how thankful are you that you are not the person you once were? How thankful are you that you are now the person you were destined to be? When you look in the mirror what do you see? Jubilee!

Bruh, no matter the hardship every second is a moment’s worth of jubilee

Excellence in its highest form is your name.

Forever Your Brother, Melqaam Shaw Howard University, BA University of Phoenix, MA

Melqaam Shaw

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