The Black and Latino Initiative at Stony Brook University was created in 2023 to address the needs of Black and Latino students at a predominantly white institution. The program is student-driven, focusing on mentorship, leadership development, and building a sense of community for underrepresented groups.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, some students noticed a loss of institutional knowledge related to programs that previously supported Black and Latino communities. In response, undergraduate leaders Kaiya Idlett, Julio Taku, and Jay-Len McLean helped establish the initiative. The program now offers cultural affirmation, personal growth opportunities, and peer mentoring.
“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, described the initiative as designed to nurture emotional, cultural, and academic growth among participants. Activities include biweekly gatherings for open dialogue as well as trips to sites such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City or Harlem that help deepen understanding of Black and Latino history. The program also provides 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 observed changes among participants over time: “I’ve watched them evolve…I’ve seen their presence change…the confidence in how they speak and lead…It’s been one of the greatest joys of my work to witness that growth.”
Terrell Amparado from Stony Brook’s Health Science Center highlighted educational events such as financial literacy dinners with local bank representatives drawing strong attendance. He noted the importance of genuine interaction within the group: “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…the initiative has helped them speak through [their thoughts]…and accept help if needed.”
David Safo ’26 credited his involvement with helping him gain new perspectives about life experiences shared by others from similar backgrounds: “It offers us a diverse perspective about people who have been in our shoes…”
Safo also spoke about finding family-like support within the group after growing up an only child: “I was shy at first. Everyone welcomed me…being in this group taught me leadership skills…It gave me a purpose on campus.”
McFarlane agreed with this assessment: “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.”
The origins of today’s program trace back to Patrick Abel’s founding of the Black Mental Health Initiative during COVID-19 campus closures; after campuses reopened student leaders identified continued gaps for Black and Latino students due to lost traditions or knowledge from before lockdowns.
Support for launching this initiative came from Riccardo McClendon (Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students), university administrators including Kerwin Morgan (former Track & Field Assistant Coach), Usama Shaikh (Assistant Chief Diversity Officer), among others providing advice or resources.
