In hopes of educating students on concepts like professionalism and branding, Teach for America presented an event Tuesday, in the Rattler’s Den titled, “Iron Sharpens Iron: Becoming The Black Renaissance Man.”
Teach for America is a non-profit organization that enlist graduating seniors to work in low-income communities to strengthen the education equity gap. Teach for America is approaching their 25th anniversary and is rooted in providing children an excellent education.
Imani Jennings, an intern for Teach for America and junior business administration student, shared her outlook on the organization.
“Teach for America sponsored the event to nurture the student body while also exposing them to the possibilities of opportunities they can have to make a difference in this world,” Jennings said.
“We would like well-rounded leaders with the potential for making a change to join us in the fight against educational inequity.”
The event incorporated speakers campus-wide with organizations such as the Voices Poetry Group, the Omega Xi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity Incorporated and the Beta Nu chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
The organizations touched on topics like professionalism, personal or professional branding and respecting women.
Ferha Brhan, a senior business administration student, said the event struck a cord.
“It helped me gain a lot of insight within today’s society and about Teach for America and the opportunities it present for children and students who may be interested in teaching,” Brhan said.
The keynote speaker and an associate professor, Reginald Ellis, spoke on how mentorship has affected him in his lifetime. He believes that his mentors are the reason why he is so successful today.
“It takes a man, to teach a man, how to be a man,” Ellis said.
Kandice Asbury and Imani Jennings along with their supervisor, Audrey Williamson, planned the entire event. Kandice and Imani also served as moderators for the event.
“We put on this event to teach students, especially black men, different tactics and tips for building a better personal brand, treating women with respect and elevating their professionalism,” Jennings said.
Teach for America is an organization designated to shaping the lives and future opportunities of students.
Courtesy of Ryan Kornegay