Actor Larenz Tate is taking part in Alabama A&M University’s M.A.L.E. Education Initiative aimed at mentoring the next generation of Black male educators and community leaders.
The Love Jones star was present at the famed HBCU on Tuesday, February 20, for a panel discussion aimed at inspiring the young men of Alabama A&M who have hopes of bridging the gap among Black male educators.
“Larenz Tate, we are very happy to have him here with us to speak to our Kings because he is one. He has had a very successful career and I hope that he is able to inspire our young men,” Jessica Brown, Alabama A&M Leadership Development director told News 19.
Tate’s involvement in the M.A.L.E. initiative is part of the school’s mentorship program, launched in 2017. This year, M.A.L.E. expanded to include a week of events titled “Kings on the Hill,” which feature workshops, worship services, and athletic competitions.
With a goal of combatting Alabama’s achievement gap among Black male educators, Alabama A&M University hopes to improve data that shows black male teachers only make up 4% of the state’s workforce.
“We need our young men to be in the classroom and teaching our younger students what they can aspire to be,” Brown said.
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ton Johnson, a native of the Bahamas and a junior at Alabama A&M, has hopes of becoming the prime minister of his country. The M.A.L.E. initiative is helping to set him on a path to accomplishing his career goals.“I don’t like to just talk about it. I want to go ahead and do the work and so, I see the Prime Minister position as one way to go ahead and do the work,” Johnson said.
Johnson, along with senior business major and aspiring entrepreneur Jakobie Forrest, hosts a weekly program called “Man to Gentleman” that offers advice to younger students. The two are also leaders in the Alabama A&M M.A.L.E. Education Initiative.
“In order for us to inspire the next generation of leaders, inspire the next generation of men, husbands, and fathers in the community, we have to make the sacrifice and take time out,” Johnson said.
The M.A.L.E. Education Initiative runs for six consecutive days and ends on Friday.
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