FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY – October 1, 2024 – Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is excited to announce the launch of the MCNY Men of Color Affinity Group, a new initiative spearheaded by Michael Goodwin, a two-time MCNY alum and adjunct professor. The group is dedicated to supporting and empowering male students of color within the MCNY community. The group will kick off with a dynamic webinar panel discussion titled “MCNY Men of Color: Embracing Your Value in Higher Education – YOU BELONG HERE.”

The launch event will be held virtually and will feature distinguished panelists who will share their experiences, insights, and strategies for navigating higher education to improve the outcomes of degree completion for Black and Brown men.

Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, President of MCNY, expressed enthusiasm about the new initiative, stating:
“We are thrilled to introduce the Men of Color Affinity Group at MCNY. This group represents our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. By creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and connection, we aim to empower our male students of color to fully embrace their value and potential in higher education.”

The webinar panel discussion will cover topics such as the impact of K-12 on higher education enrollment, confronting implicit biases, fostering a sense of belonging, achieving academic success through mentoring and collaborative support, and the importance of representation and community support. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a diverse range of voices, including faculty, alumni, and education professionals, who will share their perspectives on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by men of color in higher education.

Event Details: Everyone is invited and this virtual event is open to the public.
Date: October 1, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Event: Webinar Panel Discussion – “MCNY Men of Color: Embracing Your Value in Higher Education – YOU BELONG HERE”

Registration is required to attend. Please register HERE.

Welcome & Remarks: Charles J. Gibbs, EdD, President, MCNY

Moderator: Michael Goodwin, MPA’13, MSEd-HEA, Director of Employer Relations & Experiential Learning and adjunct professor, MCNY

Panelists:
• Luster Chauncey, MSEd’11 – Humanities Curriculum Specialist, Urban Dove Team Charter Schools
• Francisco J. Lazala, MPA’18 – Shift Supervisor, Humanitarian Emergency Response & Relief Center (HERRC) and adjunct professor at MCNY and Hostos Community College
• Christopher Means – Doctoral Candidate, Associate Head of School, Broome Street Academy Charter High School
• Atla Parker, BPS’24 – Recent alumnus
• Chimere Stephens, BA – Senior Director of Recruitment, New York City Public Schools and Senior Director, NYC Men Teach

For more information about the Men of Color Affinity Group and the upcoming webinar, please REGISTER or contact Michael Goodwin at menofcolor@mcny.edu.

About Metropolitan College of New York
For 60 years, MCNY has maintained a tradition of offering highly motivated learners an education that combines applied skills with professional knowledge, fostering personal transformation and positive change in workplaces and communities. MCNY is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Recognized as both a Predominantly Black Institution (PBI) and a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI), MCNY is dedicated to serving a significant percentage of students of color, particularly from underserved communities.

Founded in 1964 by Audrey Cohen, an educational visionary and activist, MCNY’s mission has remained steadfast, emphasizing Purpose-Centered Education to empower students to achieve their educational and professional goals.

MCNY Locations:
Manhattan Campus: 60 West Street, New York, NY 10006
Bronx Campus: 463 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455

For more information, visit www.mcny.edu or call 212-343-1234.