Black Male Symposium leaves students feeling motivated

The Black Male Symposium is held annually at the University of Akron and this year several Heidelberg students attended. The symposium aims to provide practical training from leading national experts in African American male educational achievement. Students Geoff Helms, Randy Buffington, Jeff Baker, Terrance Cole Jr., Jaali Roberson, Savannah Overly, Demetrius Magee, and Jamir Wimbley made the trip along with Dr. Trevor Bates, associate dean of health sciences, and Cherrelle Gardner, director of multicultural student affairs. 

The keynote speakers, Dr. William Cross and Dr. Luis Ponjuan, each spoke between breakout sessions. Breakout sessions all had the theme of being a successful student and reaching your full potential. Dr. Cross focused on the identity of people of color and the challenges they face in everyday life while Dr. Ponjuan gave advice on surrounding yourself with people who push you to your fullest potential. "After hearing Dr. Ponjuan speak, it allowed me time to self-reflect and decide what steps I need to take in order to be a better person," Jeff Baker said. The group left the symposium very inspired. "You determine how successful you want to be. People can 'motivate' you all they want but at the end of the day you decide what impacts you." Geoff Helms said.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs can be followed on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat at @Heidelberg_OMSA.