The Black and Latino Initiative at Stony Brook University is a student-led mentorship and leadership program that aims to build a stronger sense of community and support for Black and Latino students. The program was established in 2023, following concerns among returning students about the loss of institutional knowledge and traditional programs that previously supported these communities.
Student leaders Kaiya Idlett, Julio Taku, and Jay-Len McLean played key roles in launching the initiative, which combines cultural affirmation, personal development, and peer mentoring. The program features biweekly gatherings for open discussion, cultural excursions to locations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington, D.C., and Harlem to deepen understanding of Black and Latino history. It also includes practical workshops on professional skills like business attire, networking, public speaking, and strategic planning.
“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.
Deborah Britton-Riley, coordinator for New Student and Transition Programs at Stony Brook University, explained that the initiative was created to nurture emotional, cultural, and academic growth for Black and Latino students. “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.
Britton-Riley noted how the program has evolved based on feedback from students: “I’ve watched them evolve. 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, assistant director of student life at the Health Science Center, described events designed to educate students on topics such as financial literacy—one workshop hosted by a bank representative drew record attendance—and emphasized genuine connections among group members: “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), an undergraduate executive assistant in the Dean of Students office who participates in the group’s activities focused on cultural enrichment said it provided him with new perspectives: “It offers us a diverse perspective about people who have been in our shoes, people who have lived our experience,” he explained.
Safo also shared how being part of this group helped him overcome challenges associated with being an only child: “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 highlighted teamwork within the initiative: “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... Everyone contributes something unique.”
The origins trace back further; after COVID-19 disruptions led universities nationwide—including Stony Brook—to suspend normal operations before reopening campuses again post-lockdown period (see https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/coronavirus/), former student-athlete Patrick Abel started the Black Mental Health Initiative as groundwork for what became today’s broader effort.
Support from university administration has been critical since inception; Riccardo McClendon (Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students) provided advising along with Kerwin Morgan (former Track & Field Assistant Coach) and Usama Shaikh (Assistant Chief Diversity Officer). Their guidance included mentorship resources vital for developing current programming.