Men of Excellence, a group dedicated to empowering minority students, has recently hosted a variety of events, including a Legacy Walk and a Tupac Monologue in conjunction with the campus-wide Black History Month celebrations.
The Legacy Walk led students to various locations that served as relevant sites in relation to the admission of James Meredith, the first African-American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi. At each stop, there were 62 seconds of silence to represent the year of his enrollment: 1962.
Members of the campus group Men of Excellence lead a tour of significant historical spots on campus as a part of Black History Month celebrations. (Photo by: Ariel Cobbert)
The Tupac Monologue discussed the role of hip-hop culture and its effect on political and cultural change in America. Participants explored the potential and realized influence of hip-hop on sociopolitical awareness and activism. The Tupac Monologue explored methods to combat the sociopolitical problems facing the black community using hip-hop.
The group expanded significantly last semester under the direction of senior general studies major Justavian Tillman. Tillman, also the president of the Black Student Union, is a long-time member of Men of Excellence. He said he is proud of the organization’s growth but looks to improve it.
“I heard about it my freshman year and decided to apply,” Tillman said. “This is the first time in three years that we have over 20 committed members.”
The organization’s goal is to create programs that will help improve the minority male image at the University and prepare them for the years beyond college.
“Men of Excellence is an organization created to provide excellent educational, cultural, and social, community services and intellectual programs that will enhance the personal, professional, and social growth of African-American males,” Tillman said.
The organization teaches members about professionalism, but Men of Excellence also educates their members important skills like resume and cover letter building, tying a tie and interviewing.
“These qualities are essential for anyone to learn when preparing for the real world. Our goal is to improve the male image at this institution,” Tillman said. “Our guys having these skills prepares them for the real world and the next step after graduation.”
Men of Excellence secretary Kweisi Fountain said the group is an organization composed of African-American and Latino men who hold a 2.5 gpa or higher.
“Men of Excellence has a strong sense of brotherhood while maintaining a positive and active image in the community and on campus,” Fountain said.
