Rose State College to Host 2nd Annual Black Male Initiative Summit Published February 21, 2018

“College Just Got Real”

Midwest City, Okla. – Rose State College will host the second annual Black Male Initiative Summit on Friday, February 23^rd, 2018 in the Rose State Community Learning Center. The theme of this year’s event is “College Just Got Real,” and is being coordinated by the Rose State College Graduation, Retention, Advocacy and Diversity Center (G.R.A.D.) and Brothers and Sisters in Action.

The Black Male Summit emphasizes the importance of higher education and aims to increase the high school and college graduation rates of African American males. The Summit provides resources to local middle school, high school, and college students seeking guidance to further their education.

Rose State College student, Trey Jay, started the Black Male Initiative Summit (BMIS) in 2017 after conveying concerns about the number of local black males deciding against furthering their education due to a lack of funds. “I truly believe that myself and others will be able to change some lives,” stated Trey Jay.  “I’m sure there will be a few in the room who are fatherless and who don’t have the support of other men that they might need.” 

Jay hopes to help African American males by guiding them on how to be a leader, on becoming a man, and providing support resources to further their education.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to provide leadership development and mentorship to our young black men, stated Erica Alvarez, Director of the Rose State College G.R.A.D. Center. “Rose State College understands the need to support our young men of color and this is one way our office is doing that.”

The day-long event will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. The dynamic speakers presenting at the event include Quentin Dixon, Anthony Crawford, and keynote speaker Asa Leveaux. Topics of discussion will include “Defining Destiny” and “Purpose.”

Registration for this event is free and can be found at www.rose.edu/bmi

The Summit is the culmination of events during Black History Month put on by Rose State’s G.R.A.D. office. Other events earlier this month included a Privilege Walk for students and the showing of the acclaimed movie Hidden Figures (2016).