HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Alabama A&M University is taking the initiative to uplift its young men with a program called 'Kings on The Hill'. This community-building opportunity empowers young black men on campus through activities and conversations. Tuesday's conversation featured actor Larenz Tate at the Knight Center.
AAMU Sophomore Isaiah Huley shares why this week is so special to him. "One thing I am excited for is that we get to come together and learn every year. It is truly special to me that it is during Black History Month that we get to celebrate males. We get to learn more about the black history, where the males really started to play a big part for us today. Also that before this week it is my birthday week. So celebrating it with males that I look up to compared to my freshman year does play a big part."
AAMU senior Christian Emonina believes this week is also all about paying it forward. "That's why we have things like this to show people that there is a community of people that are willing to help and that are willing to show them the way, willing to give them the example, because without that help, you really aren't anything."
AAMU Director of Student Activities Jessica Brown said making sure their young black male students understand that they are needed in the community is key. "They have a presence. There's a need for them. And so we want to make sure that we uplift and empower them, let them know what they can do and that they can reach their goals that they have set for themselves."
Actor Larenz Tate spoke to students about his acting career, offering advice on life lessons he's learned along his journey. "No one's going to save black men like black men. No one's going to save black women except black women." Tate also leaves a final message. "It's okay to be challenged. It's okay for us to want to elevate."