MOCI – Men of Color Initiative

by Christopher D'Allen, Editor-in-Chief

January 2, 2024

Vari Turner and Alex McKee talk to Sheriff Denita Ball while volunteering in the community.

The Men of Color Initiative (MOCI) at MATC is a program meticulously crafted to foster and champion student leaders while systematically dismantling the barriers to higher education that disproportionately affect men of color. By offering educational programs, weekly check-ins, mentoring opportunities, and co-curricular experiences, MOCI aims to instill confidence in students, empowering them to seize the full range of opportunities that college presents. MOCI members have even had the opportunity to participate in college visits and national conferences, broadening their perspectives as they weigh their options post-graduation.

The executive board of Men of Color was officially inaugurated in the summer of 2022 with the objective of expanding the program’s outreach. With help from MATC faculty and staff, the team identifies students who could benefit from the support of “brothers,” extends personal invitations to meetings, and occasionally follows up to connect them with campus resources and opportunities for success.

The organization’s Vice President Alex McKee personally reached out to over 100 students during the summer, encouraging class registration, engagement with the organization and offering support. The team consistently seeks avenues to enhance their community, whether by providing support and connection to their “brothers” or contributing their time to volunteer as a group, aiming to make the city a better place.

About the Contributor

Christopher D’Allen, Editor-in-Chief

My name is Christopher D'Allen and I am the Editor-in-Chief for the MATC Times, a student run paper dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in scholastic journalism. The MATC Times stands as the voice of our students and a bastion of free speech for the communiy we represent. I joined the staff in my first semester at MATC and obtained my current position at the start of Summer '23. Here I am a photography student and hold a BA in Political Science and Spanish & Latin American Studies with a minor in Democracy and Justice Studies. I have worked an Administrative Assistant, World Language Instructor, a Head Lifeguard and Resident Assistant, but have found that my passion lies in the arts. As a photographer, I challenge myself daily to find a new perspective, capture a fleeting scene and turn moments into memories. As we work to relaunch the MATC Times website and grow our staff, I want to make joining our team as positive a learning experience and beneficial a work experience as possible. I strongly believe in the power of collaboration and inclusivity. As an Editor, I actively encourage diverse perspectives. Each student's unique viewpoint enriches our storytelling and fosters a sense of unity within our community. I aim to bridge the gap between words and images, revealing the untold stories that shape our community.