A community of belonging. A space to build relationships. The opportunity to have one’s success affirmed. These are qualities of many programs targeting men of color that have become fixtures in recent years at colleges and universities around the United States.
The Men of Color Initiative (MOCI) plans several professional and leadership activities for its students each academic year. Every month, MOCI gathers its students for a meeting that includes a professional panel discussion or workshop on a professional or leadership topic. One future goal of the program is for MOCI participants to attend a statewide conference that brings together male students of color from all parts of the state to hear inspirational speakers and engage in leadership and professional development workshops.