The Black and Latino Initiative at Stony Brook University is a student-led mentorship and leadership development program aimed at building community, visibility, and support for Black and Latino students. The initiative was established in 2023 by undergraduate leaders Kaiya Idlett, Julio Taku, and Jay-Len McLean as students returned to campus after the pandemic. These leaders identified that the loss of institutional knowledge had affected traditional programs meant to support Black and Latino communities.
Antonia McFarlane, a student participant, said, “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.” She added, “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.”
Deborah Britton-Riley, coordinator for New Student and Transition Programs at Stony Brook University, explained that the initiative was designed to nurture the emotional, cultural, and academic growth of Black and Latino students. The program includes biweekly gatherings where students discuss their experiences openly. Cultural excursions have been organized to locations such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as well as trips to Washington D.C. and Harlem. Students also participate in workshops on business attire, networking skills, public speaking, and strategic planning.
“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 described how she has witnessed significant personal growth among participants: “I’ve watched them evolve,” she said. “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 from Stony Brook’s Health Science Center noted that events focus on education as well as connection-building among students. He highlighted a financial literacy dinner attended by a bank representative as an example of practical programming with strong attendance figures.
“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,” Amparado said.
David Safo from the Class of 2026 shared his experience with personal growth through involvement in this group: “It offers us a diverse perspective about people who have been in our shoes, people who have lived our experience,” he explained.
Safo also credited his participation with helping him overcome challenges related to 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.
McFarlane described how collaboration is central: “What makes our group really special is how we function like both a team and a family… Everyone contributes something unique… there’s this shared belief that we’re all capable of reaching high goals,” she said.
The foundation for this program began after COVID-19 when Patrick Abel created the Black Mental Health Initiative at Stony Brook University; this effort became integral when campuses reopened post-lockdown amid recognition by student leaders about lost institutional memory affecting Black/Latino student experiences.
The Office of Student Life Assistant Vice President Riccardo McClendon advised—and provided funding—for these efforts alongside guidance from university administrators including Kerwin Morgan (former Track & Field Assistant Coach) and Usama Shaikh (Assistant Chief Diversity Officer).
— Emily Cappiello