Statewide Men of Color Initiative
Men of Color Leadership Summit
March 25, 2022
On March 25, 2022, the EOF Statewide Men of Color Initiative held its inaugural Leadership Summit on the campus of Montclair State University. The EOF Statewide Men of Color Initiative, founded in 2021, has the mission to increase admittance, retention, graduation, engagement, and overall success of minority males in NJ’s EOF programs by addressing various academic and social challenges through academic engagement, mentoring peer connection, and professional preparation.
The Summit, titled “Rewriting the Narrative,” focused on reversing the increasing rates of minority males separating from college before earning a degree. The Summit’s goal was to increase the social integration of men of color within the EOF community and on their respective campuses; including strengthening students’ sense of belonging, raising self-confidence, and encouraging academic and personal success.
The student participants were inspired by the keynote address by Montclair State EOF graduate Mike Spence, whose message was about overcoming obstacles and being resilient in life. Mr. Spence described the obstacles he faced while earning his degree. He spoke intensely to the students about what he describes as “time to eat,” meaning moments where individuals “must step up” and “do what they have to do to be successful” not only for themselves but also as leaders and role models for those who look up to them.
Students participated in an engaging workshop series conducted by EOF professionals, Mr. Enrique Noguera, EOF Director at Passaic County College, and Dr. Reggie Walker, EOP Director at Rider University. The workshops titled “Hip-Hop and Masculinity” and “Removing the Mask: Showing My True Self” asked participants to challenge themselves and take an in-depth exploration of self-awareness. The goal was to recognize the importance of being able to identify moments in which they could use vulnerability and community to create safe spaces of empowerment. As well as, challenging and removing barriers in masculinity that promote healthy expressions of strength, vulnerability, service and love.
Sixteen New Jersey EOF programs were represented at the Summit, totaling over 150 student participants and over 30 EOF professionals.
The Summit, titled “Rewriting the Narrative,” focused on reversing the increasing rates of minority males separating from college before earning a degree. The Summit’s goal was to increase the social integration of men of color within the EOF community and on their respective campuses; including strengthening students’ sense of belonging, raising self-confidence, and encouraging academic and personal success.
The student participants were inspired by the keynote address by Montclair State EOF graduate Mike Spence, whose message was about overcoming obstacles and being resilient in life. Mr. Spence described the obstacles he faced while earning his degree. He spoke intensely to the students about what he describes as “time to eat,” meaning moments where individuals “must step up” and “do what they have to do to be successful” not only for themselves but also as leaders and role models for those who look up to them.
Students participated in an engaging workshop series conducted by EOF professionals, Mr. Enrique Noguera, EOF Director at Passaic County College, and Dr. Reggie Walker, EOP Director at Rider University. The workshops titled “Hip-Hop and Masculinity” and “Removing the Mask: Showing My True Self” asked participants to challenge themselves and take an in-depth exploration of self-awareness. The goal was to recognize the importance of being able to identify moments in which they could use vulnerability and community to create safe spaces of empowerment. As well as, challenging and removing barriers in masculinity that promote healthy expressions of strength, vulnerability, service and love.
Sixteen New Jersey EOF programs were represented at the Summit, totaling over 150 student participants and over 30 EOF professionals.