Diversity Advocacy is excited to host this year’s Black and Latino Male Summit on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. This summit is a one-day conference focused on issues and community building of black and Latino males at Illinois State University. This year’s theme is “Men of Steel,” which will feature five pillars including accountability, nobility, resiliency, scholarship, and unity.
Brandon Cottrell, a senior biological sciences major, participated in the summit last year. He said the summit is geared toward black and Latino males, but is open to anyone who is interested in attending. Cottrell enjoyed the support from other participants and found his experience enlightening. He said he learned “how valuable education is for producing and building up black and Latino leaders in our communities.”
Jaylon Joyner, a sophomore athletic training major, also participated in last year’s summit. “All students should attend the summit because it is a great way to meet new people and gain knowledge on different issues that go on in the black and Latino community,” he said. Joyner gained a better understanding for the cultural diversity of the black and Latino communities through group discussions and speakers. He said the summit taught him how “important it is to network and serve the community.” He found this experience to be incredibly motivating.
Registration for the summit is required, and applications are being accepted through April 3. For any questions about the Black and Latino Male Summit or upcoming programs, call Diversity Advocacy at (309) 438-8968.
Marie Huels contributed to this article.
