Groups vow to create leaders

Some students feel that black males do not take the full initiative to be leaders.

“I think a lot of them have the ability, but they don’t take the initiative to make themselves leaders,” said Nikila Butler, 21, a junior civil engineer technology student from Miami.

There are a couple of organizations on campus dedicated to change that.

Johnnie Story, a 21-year-old senior math education student from Miami said Men of Impact, founded in February 2000, was created to train black men to be leaders in the black community.

“We wanted to created an environment where males can become a part of an organization and make an impact the right way, said Story, who is the chairman for Men of Impact.

Men of Impact sponsor seminars to address controversial topics for black men on campus.

“Black Balls” is a seminar that Men of Impact created to inform black males on topics such as infidelity, STD’s and homosexuality.

The organization on campus that strives to serve as a role model for black men is Progressive Black Mien, Inc, which has been in existence since 1989 and on FAMU’s campus since 2000.

“We are a community service organization focused on eradicating negative stereotypes placed on African American males in the community,” said Orlando Norwood, 20, a sophomore elementary education student from Orlando.

Elton Gumbel, a 21-year old senior broadcast journalism student from Kansis City said Progressive Black Men, Inc. accomplishes its mission through several different avenues.

“Academic excellence, community service and fellowship of brotherhood is how Progressive Black Men Inc. accomplishes their mission,” Gumbel said.

Gumbel, president of Progressive Black Men Inc. said they lead the males on campus by being an example to them.

Another activity Progressive Black Men Inc. sponsors is the Simba program, which encourages boys to excel in education.

Simba has been the focus of Progressive Black Men, Inc. since its beginning in January of 2003.

Progressive Black Men, Inc. volunteers at the Smith Williams Center every Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. to mentor boys age five to 10.

Progressive Black Men, Inc. has also conducted male forums on the problems facing black men dealing with issue such as rape and domestic violence, Gumbel said. “We’re looking forward to doing more events in the future and showing our dedication for growth on FAMU’s campus.”