Rowan University’s Men of Color Alliance Brings Together Students, Professional In Off-Campus Mixer
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
GLASSBORO – The Men of Color Alliance probably never thought its network mixer on Friday, April 11, bringing together college students with professional mentors, as challenging political themes of the day, but few would have thought of today’s political themes coming to past.
In the first quarter of this year, President Donald Trump’s Department of Education has threatened to end federal funds to universities supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
Rowan University, where MOCA was founded, announced last month it was “reorganizing and realigning” its Division of Inclusive Excellence, Community & Belonging in response to the directive, going as far as taking its website offline.
But Friday’s The Nexxus Business Networking Event at the Villari’s Lakeside Restaurant was spirited, full of hope inspiration and hope provided by the mentors and enthusiasm about the young college students hoping to make professional connections.
“I think events like this are super-duper important because we need spaces like this to congregate and really come together as a community and talk about things that are bothering us and show that there is still a place for us,” said Michael Nash, co-founder and president of MOCA.
“I think the beautiful thing about what we’re doing here also shows that the next generation is aware of what’s going on out there. We’re engaged, and we’re looking to create solutions. I tell a lot of people around me that we have to keep our eyes on the prize and keep our eyes on the target.”
The mission of the Men of Color Alliance was started to build retention, resources and visibility for men of diverse ethnic backgrounds in professional spaces. It also works to help them navigate the complexities of higher education.
The group’s mission statement said it wants to create a “safe space” for minority men “by uniting them under the common objective of debunking negative stereotypes placed upon them by exemplifying the values of mentorship, service, professionalism, community involvement, discipline, and critical thinking.”
Brock Thomas, a co-founder and treasurer, said Friday’s networking event, who included professionals along with young men and women looking to make professional connections, as one of those safe spaces.
“Events like these are definitely necessary,” Thomas told Front Runner New Jersey. “Not only does it bring people together, but it showcases the amazing things people are doing every day and things that people are accomplishing every day.
“Events like this bring all of those people together in one room and talk about careers, different solutions and how we all can make a better community for each other.”
Tyrus Ballard, president of the Southern Burlington County branch of the NAACP traveled to Glassboro in rainy weather to show support for Thomas, who also serves as the branch’s secretary, and the Men of Color Alliance’s mission.
“I’ve known Mike [Nash] for a while and he does great work and I appreciate Brock and what they are doing,” Ballard said.
“They are bringing different people together, which is what I’m all about. I always talked about how there’s so many different silos when it comes to service, advocacy and community work, yet a lot of these people have the same goals. I’m appreciative of efforts that bring them together.”
Tony Wittock, a cyber security consultant, said he was invited by one of the attendees and left impressed.
“When I came here, I didn’t know quite what to expect but I got to meet some great people tonight, good conversation and connections, so I’m glad I am here,” Wittock said. “I’m looking forward to doing more with MOCA and I may even become a sponsor next time.”
Dena Hendry, the business development manager for Blue Sky Restoration and member of Latinas in Property Management said she saw the event as a way to expand her networking base.
“This is a great way for me to meet some new people that may not be in my industry and that may not know about Blue Sky restoration,” Hendry said. “Latinas in Property Management is a national group and we have board members from Florida, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. We’re there to mentor and encourage women and support them.”
Essence Holman, one of the student attendees, said she found the networking event motivational because of the people she was able to meet.
“When I first came to Rowan I was shy, but I realized how important it was to network,” Holman said. “It was great to see everyone here in their business mind. It was a great atmosphere to be in the company of people where you’d like to be in the future.”
Nash and Thomas said they hope to continue to having networking mixers matching students of color and professionals in the future, helping them build their own professional networks in the future.
They said the Men of Color Alliance will continue with that mission regardless of the politics around them.
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