By William Masselli ~ Editor-in-Chief
On Thursday, Jan. 27, Claudio Otero, a University of Lynchburg graduate student, hosted the last Man2Man recruitment meeting of the semester.
According to Dr. Robert Canida, II, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, “Man2Man is a student-run organization focused on the development of successful men of color at the University of Lynchburg. The mission of this program is to provide support services to assist students in making decisions that lead to academic success, retention, and graduation. We achieve this goal through mentorship, volunteer work and community building. Part of this organization’s mission is to ensure that our male students of color are knowledgeable about discrimination and how to address it. Equally important, the campus and community work that this organization engages in, hopefully dismantles the systemic roots of discrimination that males of color face on a daily basis.”
Canada noted, “I recently shared the following quote with a student, which I think would be very appropriate for every student. ‘Always remember: You are Braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, Smarter than you think and Loved more than you know. Never Never Give Up.’ Additionally, I am encouraging all students to Speak your truth, be your authentic self, strive for excellence, and serve humankind.”
Otero decided to become involved in Man2Man because he loves, “the message and intention Man2Man has for our students of color here on campus. My freshman year here the previous faculty advisor came to me and asked to join and it gave me an outlet to meet with others that look like me and also serve the community, continuing to serve the students of color on this campus and letting them know that this group is here.”
Otero continued, “We are a Predominantly White Institute (PWI), and people of color do not get to interact with others like themselves on a daily basis. This organization gives us that outlet to interact and help build each other up. Not only is it an opportunity for others here on campus, but we also give hope to people of color in the community and raise the hopes of high schoolers in this area to go to college and strive.”
Otero concluded, “People should join this organization because we are trying to raise awareness of the diversity that is on this campus, promote the excellence and academic success of men of color on this campus, and we have an everlasting impression on the youth of color in this community.”
If you are interested in learning more about this organization, please email harveyd984@lynchburg.edu.
