In early June, as the news of George Floyd’s death in Minnesota reverberated across the nation, it hit especially hard within the Texas A&M University community. Floyd was a former student at Texas A&M-Kingsville.
In that moment, Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp said, “It is important we all re-double our efforts to treat everyone, regardless of color, with respect and inclusion in every facet of American life, including our university system. We at The Texas A&M University System are committed to this premise: We are all God’s children and deserving of the same respect and protections that should be afforded every American.”
On Thursday, Texas A&M-Commerce announced it is following through on that promise by partnering with the George Floyd Memorial Foundation on an internship program that aims to “eliminate police brutality, promote social justice, and protect people of color’s civil rights.”
The university’s African American Male Mentorship Program (AAMMP) along with the Foundation are launching the two-semester “Be His Legacy” program in January 2021 that will provide Black male juniors, seniors and graduate students the opportunity to perform community outreach, learn new skills and become future leaders.
“We are honored to launch the “Be His Legacy” internship in conjunction with Texas A&M University at Commerce,” said Bridgett Floyd, sister of George Floyd and president of the George Floyd Memorial Foundation. “As we focus on communities, equity, education and police reform, we are excited to have students interested in these areas help us move the work forward in honor of my brother.”
According to Jayson Douglas, associate director of the A&M-Commerce Office of Intercultural Engagement & Leadership and adjunct faculty of the College of Innovation & Design, the Be His Legacy program will offer “a one-of-a-kind experience for our Black men interested in all aspects of civic engagement, education, and justice – from voter engagement and education to PR and marketing, to lobbying and fundraising.”
The non-profit George Floyd Foundation has been actively working to bring community leaders and law enforcement officials together since Floyd’s tragic death. Its hopes are that engagement can highlight and ultimately help reform policing measures and provide equity for all citizens. The overarching message is: “Be The Voice. Be The Change. Be His Legacy.”
That aligns with the mission of the AAMMP, which serves to help Black male students be engaged through their time at the university and beyond and ultimately now, carry on Floyd’s legacy.
