As with anything in life, finding people who face similar challenges, tribulations and even victories can be incredibly valuable to one’s own development. What is even more impactful is finding a community that shares your traditions, values and adversity. When combined with a unique perspective as a member of an underrepresented or marginalized community at a predominantly white institution, students develop a sense of belonging.
The Black and Latino Initiative at Stony Brook University is a student-driven mentorship and leadership development program designed to create a stronger sense of community, visibility and support for Black and Latino students. As students returned to Stony Brook University post-pandemic, a select group of Black students realized that they were significantly impacted by the loss of institutional knowledge in traditional programs and experiences that were created to support and uplift the Black and Latino community.
Through advocacy and creative efforts by undergraduate student leaders Kaiya Idlett, Julio Taku and Jay-Len McLean, the Black and Latino Initiative was established in 2023. This has now become a program that blends cultural affirmation, personal development and peer mentoring into a supportive community model.
“The Black and Latino Initiative gave me something I didn’t know I needed — a reliable support system. It’s one thing to navigate college, but it’s another to have people who look like you, who understand your story, and who are rooting for you every step of the way,” said student Antonia McFarlane’ 25.
“Through this initiative, I found role models to look up to and communities I could be a part of. It gave me comfort during moments of doubt and reminded me that I didn’t have to do this journey alone. It helped me feel seen, valued, and connected in a space that can sometimes feel isolating,” she added.
This initiative, explained Deborah Britton-Riley, coordinator for New Student and Transition Programs at Stony Brook University, was created to nurture the emotional, cultural and academic growth of Black and Latino students. It offers a tapestry of support, from biweekly gatherings where students decompress and engage in open, honest dialogue, to cultural excursions to places like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington, D.C., and Harlem, enriching their understanding of Black and Latino history and contributions. The program also provides practical workshops on professional skills such as business attire, networking, public speaking and strategic planning — essential tools to help students enter and navigate professional spaces with confidence and clarity.
“We wanted to create something that would truly support their leadership development, that would help them understand the power of community and what it means to give back and build legacy,” said Britton-Riley.
Over time, the Black and Latino Initiative has evolved into something far greater than imagined initially, and it continues to grow in response to the needs, concerns and aspirations voiced by the students themselves. The advocacy, empowerment and profound sense of belonging cultivated through this program have transformed how these students see themselves and their futures.
“I’ve watched them evolve,” Britton-Riley reflected. “I’ve seen their presence change, the way they carry themselves, the confidence in how they speak and lead. I’ve watched how they engage with their peers, hold each other accountable, and rise into roles of responsibility and influence. It’s been one of the greatest joys of my work to witness that growth.”
Terrell Amparado, Health Sciences Center assistant director of student life, said that every initiative and event has the intention of educating, connecting and building. He cited a financial literacy program dinner, in which the event hosted a bank representative to facilitate a workshop to help students with understanding basic financial concepts. This event, he said, was the largest attendance to date. But it’s more than that, he said. It’s personal.
“One of the main things that we do as a group that makes the group special is checking in on each other academically, professionally and personally. The interactions are genuine. From the men’s initiative perspective, many internalize their thoughts and feelings but the initiative has helped them speak through them and accept help if needed,” he said.
David Safo, Class of ‘26 and an undergraduate executive assistant in the Dean of Students office, said that he is so proud of the evolution of this group. He feels that the immersive nature in cultural enrichment has given him a deeper mindset about life. “It offers us a diverse perspective about people who have been in our shoes, people who have lived our experience,” he explained.
He also said that, growing up an only child, this group has given him a sense of family that has allowed him to overcome personal challenges and support his growth.
“I was shy at first. Everyone welcomed me, it was so nice. It made making connections easy for me. And, being in this group taught me leadership skills and perseverance. It gave me a purpose on campus,” he said. “I learned that when you do something with your whole heart, the results will speak for themselves.”
McFarlane echoed this sentiment. “What makes our group really special is how we function like both a team and a family. When we brainstorm, everyone’s voice is heard. It’s not just about the most popular idea — it’s about how we bring our individual creativity and problem-solving skills to the table. Everyone contributes something unique, and there’s this shared belief that we’re all capable of reaching high goals,” she said.
The first year after COVID, former student-athlete Patrick Abel created the Black Mental Health Initiative, which was the basis for the current program. As universities began to reopen their campuses and welcome students back after the COVID lockdown, a select group of Black student leaders recognized that the Black and Latino student experiences at Stony Brook were significantly impacted by the loss of institutional knowledge in traditional programs and experiences that were created to support and uplift the Black and Latino community.
The program was advised, supported and funded by the Office of Student Life’s Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students Riccardo McClendon. University administrators, former Track and Field Assistant Coach Kerwin Morgan and Assistant Chief Diversity Officer Usama Shaikh were among the first leaders to aid in the program’s conception, offering guidance, mentorship, facilitation and resources.
— Emily Cappiello
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