Men of Color builds better relationships

The MATC Men of Color Initiative (MOCI) is connected with the National Boys and Men of Color Initiative, My Brother’s Keeper, which was launched by President Barack Obama.

The MATC MOCI has collaborated with the City of Milwaukee through Mayor Tom Barrett’s office, and has also linked with the Boys and Men of Color at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), Marquette, and the Boys and Girls Club. This initiative was started to support boys and men of color to reach their educational and professional goals. It has set programming that is important to men of color.

Ronald Fancher, School of Pre-College Education transition specialist, is working with the adult high school and GED population to transition them into college programs. Fancher is a Student Service specialist with the college’s Men of Color Initiative. Fancher stated, “The Men of Color organization is here to help men of color build better relationships that lead to course completion and increased graduation.” The initiative was started at MATC in January 2015, by Vicki Martin, college president, who embraced this as one of her initiatives of concern.

men of color

MOCI offers a workshop, Educate to Empower, for MATC male students to inform them of their rights if they are questioned by the police. This workshop also aims to strengthen relationships between the police and men of color. There will be talks about issues and exchanges that happen between men of color and police that are not healthy.

Fancher stated, “The organization knows that there is a need to change the incarceration rate for men of color and the basic laws that cause men of color to get blemishes for minor offenses, which create a problem in the future.”

The Men of Color Initiative’s mission is to increase course completion and graduation rate, and to help MATC male students overcome barriers and obstacles that arise. Fancher stated, “When services are organized to benefit the most needed population, overall student population benefits as a result and improves outcome for all students.” According to Fancher, the organization acknowledges that some men struggle in areas such as procrastination, better decision making, organization, obtaining a drivers license, employment, the ability to find and build successful relationships, and taking advantage of services available. Fancher stated, “The Men of Color organization is working with the Job Shop located here at MATC, because they see that there is a need for employment amongst male students.”

To join send a email to [email protected] or [email protected], or stop in room M322. 

“That’s what ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ is all about. Helping more of our young people stay on track. Providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future. Building on what works – when it works, in those critical life-changing moments.” – President Barack Obama, Feb. 27, 2014.