Saturday night we kicked off the 4th year of the Black Male Initiative. This program has achieved national attention as an example of how to engage men on campus.

Last year we received a $150,000 grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation to enhance our program. Our results so far have been good, with an increase in both retention and graduation rates for men (men were actually higher than women for the 2002 cohort group).

We always start on opening weekend with an event. Past speakers were Kevin Powell, Byron Hurt, Rani "Tha Hip Hop Doc" Whitfield, and this year, Rev. Run.

Rev. Run spoke about lots of issues, including hip hop (he thinks Jay-Z is the best), God and spirituality, marriage (we have to make it sexy so young brothers pursue it), and motivation.

Well over 100 guys came out, including some brothers from UAPB. Afterwards, we had a good reception and Rev. Run signed copies of his book.

A very cool night (and a highlight for me)

The Prez