T H E A F R IC A N-A M E R IC A N M A L E I N I T I AT I V E
NEWSLETTER
EDITION
MALE Connection | SPRING 2021 Mentoring African-Americans for Leadership, Education, and Connection
Contents FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
3
THE AAMI INTEGRATED PROGRAM MODEL
4
AAMI STAFF
6
OUR COLLABORATORS
8
FACTS AND FIGURES
10
ALUMNI CORNER
14
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
20
EDUCATION READING IS FUNDAMENTAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MENTORSHIP SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
CONTACT US
31
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER University Printing | 04/2021
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 2 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
From the Director’s Desk The last year has been full of an assortment of challenges for those at all levels of education. The threat of a global pandemic combined with the ongoing threats of racism has made it especially important to provide support for Black students in an era where "Black Lives Matter" is still seen by some as a somehow controversial statement. Similar to many, the upheaval caused by the events of 2020 have encouraged a mood of reflection and yes, even gratefulness. To that end, our African-American Male Initiative (AAMI) is celebrating its 10th anniversary as "MALE Connection” since its founding in the 2010-2011 academic year! We are ecstatic to present this publication to you as a retrospective to document some of the successes, unforgettable moments, and most importantly, the BRILLIANT students who have bolstered our initiative with their presence, intellect, leadership, and brotherhood. I am extremely fortunate to have the privilege of directing this program throughout the last decade. I've seen the students evolve immeasurably both as individuals and as a collective, and I consider the opportunities to experience that growth firsthand one of the biggest privileges of my career in higher education. MALE Connection alumni have gone on to become lawyers, doctoral candidates, entrepreneurs, chemists, musicians, and more, but it's not about positions. It's about the process. It's about the love — for each other, for giving back, and for themselves as extensions of the communities that birthed them and pre-ordained their greatness. I am grateful to the University System of Georgia for its continued support via the African-American Male Initiative office, as well as to Georgia College and countless departments and programs both within the institution and externally for their collaboration towards our mission. We are also grateful to the AAMI team — from assistant directors, advisory board members, administrative professionals, student assistants, bus drivers, catering services, Human Resources, etc. who have either directly or indirectly contributed to the success of this program. It would be impossible to include the names of everyone who has supported this program’s success, but no initiative is sustainable without individuals across campus and the community who give of their time and resources. As you peruse this magazine, I hope you are as proud of these students as I am. I hope not only that you see that the program has been successful via the usual quantitative measures, but you also see that the true measure of this program and what it has meant to students cannot be quantified. I hope that you understand that there are so many stories related to their journeys that couldn't fit within these pages. This publication merely scratches the surface of what our students have been able to accomplish! Lastly, I hope you also remember that as Black students at a predominantly white institution, the mentorship and support is due to no deficits of their own, but rather, to help them navigate the systemic challenges that necessitated the founding of the USG's AAMI program in 2002. These issues still persist but in spite of our students' marginalization they continue to persist and, in many cases, thrive. That's something worth celebrating.
|
Thank you for celebrating with us. I encourage you to partake in our joy by sharing this with others.
DR. C. EMMANUEL LITTLE Program Director, GC African-American Male Initiative emmanuel.little@gcsu.edu 478-445-8594
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 3 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Program Model
INTEGRATED AAMI
MALE Connection operates within the University System of Georgia’s integrated program model for the African-American Male Initiative in order to best support the students at Georgia College. The model features four components, taken from the USG AAMI’s official website: https://www.usg.edu/aami/
Academic Skills Enrichment Provides supplemental literacy, writing, math and study-skill activities to help pre-college students transition to college academic life during the summer and assist enrolled AAMI participants with RPG (retention, progression, and graduation) throughout the academic year.
Student Support Services Makes available internal and external resources, information, and learning tools to enhance students’ academic and social successes.
Adult and Peer Mentoring Connects AAMI students to adults and peers who encourage achievement, foster positive attitudes, as well as a sense of belonging through personal and academic support, while reinforcing RPG.
Leadership Development Provides multi-faceted professional and soft skills forums to help develop and strengthen participants’ leadership skills.
AAMI Staff AAMI Assistant Directors Our program is a team effort, and we have benefited from the contributions of several assistant directors since our program’s initial year as “MALE Connection.” We are forever grateful for their expertise, their passion, and mentorship of our students.
Dr. Edward Hill
Dr. Allen Gee
Dr. David McIntyre
Dr. Michael Igbonagwam
Keri Pompey
Dr. Edward Hill — Assistant Director, 2010-2011 Dr. Edward Hill served as a founding assistant director of our AAMI program. He recently accepted a position at Harris-Stowe State University as the new Associate Provost of Academic Affairs, continuing his dedication to Black students in higher education. Dr. Hill is a graduate of Morehouse College, where he gave AAMI students an immersive experience in 2010. He’s also a highly sought-after motivational speaker and has received countless awards for excellence in teaching and outstanding administrative service. He has also chaired several state and national committees focused on improving outcomes for retention and graduation for males at minority-serving institutions (MSIs).
Dr. Allen Gee — Assistant Director, 2010-2015 Dr. Allen Gee earned his B.A. in Secondary English Teaching from the University of New Hampshire, an M.F.A. in Fiction Writing from the University of Iowa Writers Workshop, and his Ph.D. in Creative Writing and English Literature from the University of Houston. He’s the author of the essay collection, “My Chinese-America,” and is writer James Alan McPherson’s designated biographer. Gee is currently completing a novel, The Iron Road that chronicles the lives of Chinese railroad workers building the Central Pacific line in 1866. He taught from 20042018 at Georgia College where he served as coordinator for the Creative Writing program’s undergraduate concentration and the M.F.A. program, as well as directing the college’s visiting writers series. He has served as the Editor of the literary journal Gulf Coast, Fiction Editor for the literary journal Arts & Letters, and is currently the GEORGIA COLLEGE | 6 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Editor of the multicultural imprint 2040 Books. At Columbus State University, Allen teaches various courses, and as the Donald L. Jordan Endowed Professor of Creative Writing, he leads service trips abroad, runs an annual national writing competition, and organizes a writing conference to be held every two to three years.
Dr. David McIntyre — Assistant Director, 2012-2017 Dr. David McIntyre is currently a Professor of Practice in the Department of Accounting in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He has taught at several colleges and universities over the last 20 years including Texas Christian University, The University of South Carolina, Georgia College & State University, Mercer University and Clemson University. Dr. McIntyre holds a B.B.A. and a M.Acc. from the University of Georgia, an M.B.A. from the University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Before obtaining his Ph.D., he worked in the finance and accounting departments for Sprint Telecommunications in Orlando, Florida gaining experience in the areas of billing systems, internal audit and budgeting. He is a Certified Management Accountant and has held an active CPA license since 1995 providing consulting services to small businesses and non-profit organizations.
Dr. Michael Igbonagwam — Assistant Director, Fall 2019 Dr. Michael Igbonagwam has dedicated his professional career to providing a safe and engaging college experience for all students. He holds degrees from Paine College, Mercer University, and has recently defended his dissertation at Clark Atlanta University. Michael has held various higher education positions that include academic advising, enrollment management, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and High School College Initiatives. Michael is committed to providing transformational and enriching experiences for all students. He has an interest in advocating and empowering Black males to achieve high levels of academic excellence through academic integration and self perception. Michael is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Keri Pompey — Assistant Director, 2015 - Current Keri Pompey has been a critical part of our AAMI program, both as a student and a staff member for most of its existence. Having served as part of our staff since 2015, Keri has provided invaluable impact as someone who has experienced the benefits of MALE Connection firsthand. He currently serves as our program’s assistant director while completing his baccalaureate degree at Georgia College.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 7 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
AAMI
Collaborators 100 Black Men of Milledgeville — Oconee Chapter The 100 Black Men of America was officially established nationwide in 1986 to give back to the community and provide educational, social, cultural, and emotional support youth in Black communities. Given the similar missions, our organization began partnering with Milledgeville’s local chapter of the 100 during the 2010-2011 academic year via several activities and continues to collaborate on a more informal basis.
Georgia College Early College GC Early College is a 7th grade through 12th grade public educational institution on Georgia College’s campus adjacent to our College of Education. Given its proximity to MALE Connection and abundance of young male students eager for mentorship, our program officially partnered with GCEC in 2014. Since then, our students have been mentors for GCEC students both formally and informally, leading sessions on topics ranging from “how to tie a tie” to college preparation. Several GCEC students graduated to become members of MALE Connection as undergraduates, continuing the cycle of mentorship for the next generation!
Georgia College High Achievers Program The GC High Achievers Program focuses on afterschool activities centered around holistic youth development. As a partnership between the Baldwin Board of Education, Georgia College, and the city of Milledgeville, the organization has equipped countless youth with the tools to overcome life’s challenges. MALE Connection began its partnership with the High Achievers in 2014, meeting regularly with their male students in particular to discuss issues pertinent to their development.
Milledgeville Kappa League The Kappa League is an organization founded by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. To assist in the educational, occupational, and social development of boys from 6th - 12th grade. MALE Connection has partnered with the Milledgeville Kappa League several times for enrichment activities throughout the last decade, including a Black Male Summit in 2016.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 8 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Facts and Figures
AAMI
MALE Connection has been successful in its mission to retain and graduate Black male undergraduate students at Georgia College. The quantitative trends for our program are shown in this section of the publication. Data was taken directly from yearly reports provided to the USG since 2011. Please note that data fields with fewer than five students are marked with an asterisk (*) for privacy reasons. Data for our AAMI program is highlighted in each table. Breon Haskett, MALE Connection student and co-valedictorian for the Fall 2016 Georgia College graduating class.
Enrollment Academic Term
Fall 2019 Fall 2018 Fall 2017 Fall 2016 Fall 2015 Fall 2014 Fall 2013 Fall 2012 Fall 2011 Fall 2010
Total Student Enrollment at Institution
African-American Male Enrollment
# Enrolled 5805 5919 5935 6008 6036 5927 5965 5485 5556 5619
# Enrolled 105 118 126 123 179 177 127 96 105 92
% of Total Enrollment 1.81% 1.99% 2.12% 2.04% 2.97% 2.98% 2.13% 1.75% 1.88% 1.64%
AAMI Particpant Enrollment
# Enrolled 21 17 24 19 25 20 33 20 39 27
% of Total AAM Enrollment 20% 14.41% 19% 15.5% 14% 11.3% 26% 20.8% 37.1% 29.3%
Freshman Retention Academic Term
Fall 2018 Cohort Fall 2017 Cohort Fall 2016 Cohort Fall 2015 Cohort Fall 2014 Cohort Fall 2013 Cohort Fall 2012 Cohort Fall 2011 Cohort Fall 2010 Cohort
Institutional Freshman Retention Rate
African-American Male Freshman Retention Rate
AAMI Freshman Enrollment
# of Students in Cohort
Retention Rate
# of Total Students in Cohort
Retention Rate
# of Students in Cohort
# of Returning Students
Retention Rate
1269
85.7%
11
84.6%
0
0
N/A
1440
84.8%
15
93.3%
*
*
100%
1379
84.2%
26
88.5%
6
6
100%
1473
85.1%
22
84%
5
*
80%
1706
85.9%
22
81.5%
*
*
100%
1395
85.5%
21
73.7%
*
*
100%
1293
85%
18
76.9%
*
*
100%
1204
85.8%
18
77.8%
*
*
100%
1202
83.1%
13
92%
*
*
87.5%
Retention data is based on Fall numbers for the new freshman cohort of students only, from Fall to Fall.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 11 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Graduation Academic Term
Fall 2013 Fall 2012 Fall 2011 Fall 2010
Institutional Graduation Rate
African-American Male Graduation Rate
Total Beginning Cohort
Graduation Rate
1395 1304 1204 1202
63.6% 63.5% 65.9% 59.40%
Total Beginning Cohort
AAMI Participant Graduation
Graduation Rate
Total Beginning Cohort
57.1% 60% N/A N/A
6 * 11 5
21 20 18 13
# of Graduates
5 * 7 *
Graduation Rate
83% 100% 64% 40%
These are six-year graduation rates for fall cohorts of entering baccalaureate degree students.
Degrees Conferred (*Fiscal Year: July 1 - June 30) Academic Term
FY 2019 FY 2018 FY 2017 FY 2016 FY 2015 FY 2014 FY 2013 FY 2012 FY 2011
Institution # of Degrees Conferred # of Degrees Conferred 1314 1233 1303 1163 1273 1166 1152 1215 1105
African-American Male # of Degrees Conferred
# of Degrees Conferred 25 10 19 23 25 51 34 27 14
% of Total Degrees Conferred 1.9% .81% 1.46% 1.98% 1.96% 4.37% 1.6% 2.22% 1.26%
AAMI Particpants # of Degrees Conferred
# of Degrees Conferred 5 4 2 3 5 3 5 4 3
% of Total Degrees Conferred to AAMs 20% 40% 10.5% 13% 20% 5.9% 14.7% 14.8% 21.4%
*The number of degrees conferred is compiled during a fiscal year, as opposed to enrollment rates, retention rates, and graduation rates which are measured on a fall-to-fall basis.
Average GPA Academic Term
Total Institutional Average Cumulative GPA Total Beginning Cohort
Fall 2019 Fall 2018 Fall 2017 Fall 2016 Fall 2015
5761 5831 5935 6008 5986
Graduation Rate
3.19 3.20 3.22 3.18 3.18
Total Institution African-American Male Average Cumulative GPA Total Beginning Cohort
Graduation Rate
105 115 126 123 125
2.69 2.68 2.7 2.83 2.83
Total AAMI Average Cumulative GPA
Total Beginning Cohort 22 17 24 17 22
Note that AAMI’s specific data is highlighted.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 12 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
# of Graduates
2.98 2.94 2.77 3.15 2.93
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 13 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
aLUMNI CORNER
James Bridgeforth
I've told Dr. Little this many times but I'm going to take this opportunity to say it again: So much of who I am today is due to my participation in programs like AAMI when I was at Georgia College. I'm currently a P.h.D. student in Urban Education Policy at the University of Southern California, where my research focuses on institutional and organizational change for racial justice in K-12 schools. While I loved many parts of my experience at Georgia College, being one of the so few Black men on campus could be lonely and isolating at times. AAMI worked to change that by providing a space to build a stronger sense of community among the Black men at GC. Although we all were unique in our own ways and our discussions and debates were definitely lively, the opportunity to speak openly and honestly about our unique experiences and collectively work toward ensuring better experiences and outcomes for Black men at GC was invaluable. Those experiences in AAMI were critical to my personal and professional development, especially related to bringing change to organizations and institutions. Because of my experiences in AAMI and other organizations like it, regardless of where I go or where I've been, one of the things that I will always value is the incredible power of collective action and community.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 14 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Harold Davis Reflecting on my life after graduation, I can truly say that I’ve been blessed in numerous aspects and I genuinely feel that AAMI played a crucial role in the development of my cognition and how I went about attaining my goals and chasing my dreams. Thinking back, I remember joining AAMI as a shy, young kid that was uncomfortable at times with my black skin as a minority in a predominantly white institution. I struggled at times with being confident under the spotlight, speaking up about controversial issues and making mature decisions. However, AAMI empowered me, gave me resources, and planted seeds of confidence in me that I could do anything and that I was just as good as everyone else regardless of what the statistics or odds said. AAMI showed me how to proceed with purpose and it allowed me to embody the basic principles of leadership and professionalism by putting me in a position where I could learn from successful people of color as well as be an example to others. When thinking about my success post grad, those values really prepared me to flourish and gave me the confidence that I needed to take leaps of faith and be highly successful in the workplace. In one year’s time, I’ve attained a Med-Surg RN position at a magnet hospital. Through my work at the hospital, I’ve been an advocate for patients from all walks of life and have inspired many people to make life changing decisions. During the pandemic, I provided care on Covid units as well as gained experience working on oncology, renal, and cardiac floors. As far as business goes, I negotiated and bought my dream car, Camaro SS, a couple months after graduating and I also purchased a house this year. Currently I’m working on my getting Med-Surg certification and gaining more experience with critical care. That being said, I’m proud to have been in involved in the organization and appreciate of all the opportunities that it allotted me. I pray that the organization continues to grow and make an impact in the lives of others.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 15 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Terrell Davis
After graduating with a degree in Mass Communication in 2017, Terrell entered a career in marketing communications and economic development. Soon discovering an appreciation for community and economic development, he pursued a Master in Public Administration from Georgia College as well. While completing the M.P.A. program, Terrell joined the Georgia Department of Agriculture where he helped formalize and elevate the organization's economic development and marketing brand, Georgia Grown. While with the Department he developed an inclusive brand strategy designed to help the organization tell the stories of minority farmers and food business owners in the state of Georgia. Over the course of his program, Terrell leaned into the idea that “all politics is local.” Following the completion of the M.P.A. program, Terrell joined the Gwinnett County Government where he serves as a Senior Public Relations Specialist who helps curate messaging for nearly one million residents. For a young professional, Terrell has already taken on several roles. Because of the AAMI program, he learned that being intentional and taking calculated risk are necessary steps in life. Each day the AAMI brotherhood and mentorship serves as a reminder that life is always about maximizing your potential. Since launching his career, Terrell has been the only black man in many spaces, but the foundation developed through AAMI motivates him to stay focused. The program also helped him recognize the importance of celebrating and sharing spaces with women like his beautiful wife, Danielle who he met while attending Georgia College. Terrell and Danielle, live in Duluth, Georgia, with their dog, Harley.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 16 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Fidelis Folifac
My name is Fidelis Folifac, recent graduate (2020) of GC with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I am also an Alum of the African American Male Initiative program at GC. AAMI was a life-changing force in my development since high school. The program helped me feed my passion for higher learning and a desire to serve the community. Dr. Emmanuel Little changed my life forever when he gave me Malcolm X’s autobiography. Through the book and conversations between he and I, my view of society and my critical thinking skills began to develop beyond what I had imagined they could be. AAMI was also very supportive of me throughout high school and college in a very holistic manner. They supported me in my academics, my extracurriculars and personal development. Since graduating, I landed a job at a company called Cargill where I now work as a Quality Control Chemist full time while pursuing my passion for music. The journey has been very fulfilling and knowing that there is more to come makes it all that much better. I owe a lot of credit to the support system I found in the community of Black men in AAMI that kept me going, many of whom I still have a close relationship with these days. I hope one day (post COVID) to be able to pay this forward to other young Black people so that they know that they have a guiding force and community in their corner, who will support and assist them in goals they have set for themselves and as a collective.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 17 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Kory McIntyre
Hello, I’m Kory McIntyre, a recent graduate of Georgia College & State University and the AAMI program. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and I am currently working at Georgia Military College as an admissions counselor. I work with students and alumni doing various things from recruiting, to registration, to school events and many other things. At AAMI, I met with different people with diverse perspectives from all over and became friends with many I would have never met. The leadership, networking, and different ways of thinking I’ve learned has helped me better understand and work with others. I don’t think I would be in the same place without having joined this organization.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 18 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Cory Robinson
Since I graduated, I have become a music teacher. I initially worked temporarily at Wal-Mart until I completed my certification. I worked in my home school system as an elementary music teacher at LCES. While there I taught music, chorus, and theatre. I took my kids to perform on TV three years in a row, grossed over $2,000 for our production of Madagascar, Jr.: A Musical Adventure, and sent students to All-State every year. Currently I work in APS at a low-income middle school teaching Music Appreciation and Popular Music Ensemble. I would say that MALE Connection helped me to be myself around other Black men and to have confidence in myself.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 19 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Education
AAMI PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Given our context within an institution of higher education, we have always prioritized the intellectual development of our MALE Connection students. As a result, our staff has always monitored academic progress and sought to provide the necessary resources to facilitate student success in the classroom. This goes far beyond merely monitoring academic progress, however. Instead, we also endeavored to expose participants to world-renowned thinkers and literature that could provide valuable information to challenge their worldviews. This is crucial to our mission as an organization and more broadly, integral to the liberal arts mission of Georgia College. While the pages of this publication couldn’t possibly capture all of the educational opportunities our students have experienced in the last decade, we’ve included some highlights.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 22 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Reading is Fundamenal
AAMI PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
As part of our focus on education every year, our students receive literature as part of their membership package. The books they receive are intended to challenge their perceptions and expand their thinking on a variety of issues, including leadership, masculinity, economic empowerment, and more. Often, during our biweekly sessions our students will have discussions around passages from these books with a focus on how to critically analyze and, if possible, apply the lessons learned to their lives. In 2019 and 2020, MALE Connection students participated in vibrant “Cuts and Convos” barbershop discussions with the local community around Tayari Jones’ “Silver Sparrow” and Carter G. Woodson’s “The Miseducation of the Negro.” These discussions took place at Artistic Effects, a beauty & barbershop located on the southside of Milledgeville. Raymond Davis, shop owner and barber, co-facilitated the discussions with Dr. C. Emmanuel Little, program director. These discussions focused on various issues such as family dynamics, race, gender, trauma, education, and community empowerment.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 23 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Cultural Experiences
AAMI PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
S
ince its inception, our program has been intentional about provided culturally enriching experiences for all participants, including Early College and High Achievers students as mentees during several years. These experiences served dual purposes — first, to ground our Black male students in the rich history of a shared ancestral heritage; and second, to inspire our students to create their own legacies and become a part of the living Black history that will reverberate for generations after them. We wanted to be intentional about encouraging students to think critically about what it means to be part of a larger story and how to continue that story in their communities.
Historical Tours • Albany Civil Rights Institute • National Memorial for Peace and Justice • Legacy Museum • The George Washington Carver Museum
HBCU Experiences • Fort Valley State University • Tuskegee University • Albany State University • Tennesee State University • Fisk University • Alabama State University • Savannah State University • University of Central Florida • Morehouse College
International Experiences • Participation in the annual International Dinner at Georgia College • Participation in continuous virtual conversations with students from DeMontfort University (DMU), located in the United Kingdom.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 24 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 25 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Leadership Development
AAMI PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Leadership is important in all facets of our program. As a result, MALE Connection students have participated in a vast array of activities designed to increase their leadership ability. We intended to provide an intentional focus on understanding how to both follow leadership and lead when the moment requires their skillset. Thus, students have attended and presented at both regional and national conferences, collaborated with other organizations, planned and executed their own events, and most importantly, paid it forward in their communities and in their careers. Check out just a few of the leadership activities our students have participated in below.
• Co-presented at the 2011 National Conference on Race & Ethnicity (NCORE) • Attended the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 NCORE conferences with university peers and leaders across campus • Attendance at the Georgia Collegiate Leadership Conference in 2014 at the University of Georgia • Planned and executed the first-ever Black Male Summit for our program in 2015 • Attended the 2019 National Student Leadership Diversity Conference with GC Theatre majors • Attended the Virtual 2021 Black Male Summit with other AAMI students, hosted by Georgia Southern • Co-facilitation of bi-weekly sessions for AAMI • Leadership positions in NPHC fraternities (in several cases, students held more than one executive board position simultaneously)
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 26 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
AAMI provides multi-faceted professional and soft skills forums to help develop and strengthen participants’ leadership skills.
Mentorship
AAMI PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Mentorship is a common thread throughout all MALE Connection activities, whether directly or indirectly. This not only includes mentorship of our undergraduate participants, but empowering them to become mentors in their own networks as well. Via our strong relationships with GC Early College and the High Achievers program, undergraduate students had ample opportunities to help mentor the next generation. This mentorship involves everything from frequent workshops, chaperoning on enrichment trips, and even basic one-on-one impactful conversations. Some high school students who were mentored by AAMI eventually became undergraduate mentors themselves as part of our program! That's impact that is worth celebrating.
I tell my students, ‘When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else. This is not just a grabbag candy game.’
Toni Morrison
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 29 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
|
Social Activities
AAMI PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
MALE Connection students were honored in Fall 2019 as part of the first-ever “A Night Under The Stars” event, sponsored by the Georgia College African-American Alumni Council. As a part of this historic event, students were able to meet and network with distinguished Black alumni, including the first Black students to integrate Georgia College! Several of our students gained valuable connections and were able to fully grasp the rich heritage that they’ve joined due to their continued success at GC.
College enrichment also involves cultivating a healthy social life. Our program has been able to help foster a more vibrant social environment for participants via various activities, such as bowling nights, movie nights, sports, and collaboration with other organizations. We fully understand that such opportunities are a vital part of our students' holistic development, and thus, we actively seek out such events whenever possible.
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 30 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
Contact Us
Follow Us on Social Media
Dr. C. Emmanuel Little Program Director Email: emmanuel.little@gcsu.edu Phone: 478-445-8594
/maleconnection
Mailing Address: Campus Box 70 Kilpatrick Education Building Milledgeville, GA 31061
/gcmaleconnection
GEORGIA COLLEGE | 31 |
AAMI 2021 NEWSLETTER
2021 AAMI Newsletter
