1. funding from resources
provided, bridging rela-
tionships with communal
bodies, and many more
tasks must be tackled. Each
and every brother is en-
couraged to help in this
process in whatever man-
ner you see apropos.
With respect to the long
stretch we are approach-
ing for the semester, I
want to remind every
brother to take care of
yourself. Study hard, exer-
cise, eat good, and rest
well! Academics is always
priority, so let’s focus.
All in all, I am beyond
pleased with the reception,
support, and enthusiasm
behind the resurgence of
WABM and am confident
that the community, cam-
pus, and city at large will
take heed to what we ac-
complish!
-Bryan L. Mack
On behalf of The Wiscon-
sin Association of Black
Men Executive Board,
huge thanks to each and
every brother that partici-
pated in the selection pro-
cess. We look forward to
serving you all and are
optimistic for what
next school year has
in store for us.
Below, you will find a
brief introduction to
each board member
as well as their con-
tact information.
***Special thanks to
Brother Keyon Brown
for administering the
ballot count.
In Looking Forward: With
the structure of WABM’s
leadership team estab-
lished, it is time for ac-
countability and collectivi-
ty. Communicate with your
executive board, bring
ideas for improvement to
every session, and continue
to spread the word for a
growing membership base.
The first two sessions have
been great attendance
wise, so let’s continue and
strive to multiply this trend!
This summer will be pivotal
for WABM in the coming
school year. Reaccredita-
tion as a recognized org,
obtaining a budget and
OUR MISSION, VISION, & PURPOSE:
Congrats to the Newly Elected Exec. Board!
Spring 2016 WABM Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 1
April 23rd, 2016
W I S C O N S I N A S S O C I A T I O N O F B L A C K M E N
Inside This Issue
April 21st Elec-
tion Recap
1
Meet the Exec
Board
2-5
Announcements 6-7
M: To create a communal family structure that aids in the recruitment, development, and
retention of men of African descent with the assistance and support of our allies.
V: To see men of African descent educating the world through actions of integrity, intelli-
gence, and initiative with the assistance and support of our allies.
P: To academically and socially mobilize men of African descent in discourse involving
issues that they may encounter on campus and in the world at large with the intent to
build leaders that are passionate about community and camaraderie.
“The African race is
a rubber ball. The
harder you dash it to
the ground, the
higher it will rise.”
-African Proverb
Quote of the Month
2. Page 2 Spring 2016 WABM Newsletter
MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD!
President
Bryan L. Mack | blmack@wisc.edu
Junior—Retailing and Consumer Behavior
Goal for WABM: As President of the Wisconsin Association of
Black Men, my number one priority is ensuring that a space
exists for Black males to grow in every aspect imaginable.
Whether that’s socially, academically, professionally, spiritu-
ally, etc. I am an intermediary for any Black male at UW
seeking development and support.
Internal Vice President
Kenneth Jackson | jackson23@wisc.edu
Freshman—Biomedical Engineering
Goal for WABM: My most poignant goal for WABM is to grow, foster,
and strengthen the community of Black men within the organization.
Secondly, I would like to spread this community established into the
Greater Madison area.
External Vice President
Savion Castro | savion.castro@gmail.com
Junior—Economics, Political Science, & Sociology
Goal for WABM: As External Vice President of WABM, I view my role as help-
ing grow our organizational membership and extending it’s reach across the
state of Wisconsin. Spreading the excellence of Black males is important, but
collaborating with our members and their unique talents and insights will be
equally important. I look forward to hearing your input to execute WABM’s
vision on campus and beyond.
3. Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 3
MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD!
Secretary
Rodrigo Smith | rlsmith28@wisc.edu
Sophomore—Mathematics & Computer Science
Goal for WABM: I would like to see WABM be a center for Black men to seek
advice for how to deal with issues ranging from academics, to social realities of
the campus. There are plenty ways for Black males to flourish, and I believe
WABM’s duty is bridge that understanding.
Treasurer:
Malachi Rhoden
Senior—Accounting & Economics | rhoden@wisc.edu
Goal for WABM: My vision for the Wisconsin Association of Black
Men is to be mature administratively which includes having a
solid financial structure. All events require funds, so it is my goal
to make sure we are able to sustain any event that benefits the
campus as well as any philanthropic endeavor.
Historian
Marquise Mays | mjmays@wisc.edu
Sophomore—Journalism and Communication Arts
Goal for WABM: My main goal for WABM is to create an open
space through visual and cinematic arts that will be archived
for the young Black men succeeding us to realize the im-
portance of not only supporting each other, but the im-
portance of growing together throughout our college years.
4. Page 4 Spring 2016 WABM Newsletter
Undergraduate Mentoring Chair
Rishard Bournes
Freshman—Intended Personal Finance
Goal for WABM: I want WABM to have an impact on this campus by being a
place where African-American men can be supported. I want WABM to be a
resource for African-American men. I want WABM to be an example of the
potential that exists within the African-American male community.
MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD!
Graduate Mentoring Chair
Godwin A.D. Offiah
Master’s and PhD Candidate in Construction Eng. & Mngmt.
Goal for WABM: Looking at the future of Black men here at UW, I
would like to aid the growth of our undergraduate students to be a
better representation of themselves and the community around
them! The battle is long and hard but we shall be victorious in the
end!
Spiritual and Development Chair
Dantrell Cotton
Master’s Candidate for Environmental Studies
Goal for WABM: A healthy mind is vital to continue the work we
are doing. With my various experiences not only as a Posse Men-
tor, but also as the Nehemiah Foundation Empowerment Direc-
tor, I understand the importance of wellness and grounding.
Even without the title of SDC, ensuring that brothers of WABM
are supported and motivated in the entirety of their experience
is encompassed within my life’s mission.
5. Volume 1, Issue 1 Page 5
Graduate Advisor
Kevin Hicks | kjhicks@wisc.edu
Doctoral Candidate in Education Curriculum & Instruction
Goal for WABM: For WABM to establish itself a as a space for
Black males on campus to build each other in a holistic way.
MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD!
6. Announcements and Current Events!
1. The next General Body meeting will be held on April 28th at 7pm
in 159 of the Education Building. This will be a study jam for not
only brothers of the org, but all members of the UW community
interested in attending. SPREAD THE WORD!
2. On April 26th, Quinton Cotton, Program Officer at UW School of
Medicine and Health is hosting a group of high school African-
American males from Milwaukee to tour our campus. If you are
free between 12pm and 1:30pm, contact either Bryan Mack or
Shaunna Newton (srnewton@wisc.edu) to help guide and con-
verse with the young men. All volunteers will receive a Subway
gift card.
3. Congratulations to the neophytes of Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha
Psi, and Zeta Phi Beta! Black excellence comes in many forms and
the campus is eager for what you all will bring to it.
4. Congratulations to Deshawn McKinney of the OMAI First Wave
program on your selection for the Harry S. Truman Public Service
Scholarship Award! Continue to serve the community and enlight-
en space you inhabit.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Page 7 Spring 2016 WABM Newsletter
MCSC Graduation Reception