SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University will host the Men of Color Summit on April 26, aiming to empower and promote success among men of color, especially in higher education. The summit, the first of its kind in New Mexico for men from minority groups, will take place on NMSU's Las Cruces campus and is open to Aggies and community members of all backgrounds.

“Our summit serves as an important space for dialogue, empowerment, and action, aimed at addressing the unique needs of men of color while promoting their well-being and success in various spheres of life,” said Patrick Turner, associate vice president of Student Academic Success and founder of NMSU’s Men of Color Initiative.

The event is a collaboration between NMSU’s Student Success Initiative, the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, and the New Mexico Public Education Department, with a focus on creating a platform for dialogue, learning, and networking among men of color and the diverse community of New Mexico.

The summit will feature various speakers, including Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez, Derrick Lewis II from the NAACP’s Youth and College Division, and mental health specialist Abraham Sculley. The goal is to provide valuable insights, inspire personal growth, and build a strong support network for all attendees.

“We want people to leave empowered,” Turner emphasized. “We’re coming from an asset-based approach, and we want people to feel that they have a voice and that they can take this information back to their communities, schools, and organizations.”

The event will include breakout workshops covering a range of topics such as leadership skills, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, arts and creative expression, Black futurism, and STEM education and careers. Speakers for these workshops include professionals from various fields like education, mental health, and research.

Turner, who has conducted research on males of color and their trajectory in higher education, highlighted the importance of reaching high school students to help them establish a healthy relationship with education and break the cycle of challenges they often face.

The Men of Color Summit will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Corbett Center Student Union ballrooms on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus. Registration is required for the free event, and a meet-and-greet mixer will be held on April 25 at the Aggie Lounge in Corbett Center Student Union.

For more information, interested individuals can contact Turner at 575-646-7926 or via email at mocisummit@nmsu.edu.