A Buffalo State alumnus returned to campus to express the importance of furthering an
education, and continuing “to ride that wave until it is over” at the African American Males
Empowering Network lecture series, which started Feb. 28 and is ongoing.
Dr. Christopher St. Vil, social work major and African American studies minor from the class of
2002, educated students on the importance to persevere and progress while in undergrad.
The organization was created and founded in 1998 by Dr. Ron Stewart. St. Vil was its first
president. The organization was formed to address the needs, both academic and nonacademic,
of African American males attending Buffalo State.
Dr. Stewart has read literature suggesting Black males are more successful when they have
collectivity. This became a major reason for him wanting to start an organization.
“In coming up with this name I wanted a ‘catchy but powerful’ nomenclature. Moreover, given
what Black men confront in this country, when we succeed it makes you want to say “AMEN.”
Stewart said.
Stewart believes the organization can help to inspire, retain and graduate young African
American males at Buffalo State. He selects young men he has taught and helped shape post-
graduation to speak during the lecture series, in order to promote the importance of education.
“Ideally, I want speakers who have garnered a modicum of success in their educational and
vocational aspirations,” Stewart said.
The lecture series concluded with St. Vil, and his message left an impact on students.
St. Vil expressed his excitement to return back to the campus that helped him accomplish many
endeavors as a young undergrad. He began his speech by thanking multiple professors and
Education Opportunity mentors for their support and encouragement throughout his Buffalo
State academic career.
“It feels great to be back where it all started, in 1998,” St. Vil said.
He shared his story about the troubles of living in a group home and getting involved in
situations that hindered his academic success, stressing that through all of his hardships, he
managed to find the right path again.
“Education was the path I took. It was not for everyone, but it was for me,” St. Vil said.
After completing a Bachelor’s degree, St. Vil began to embrace the opportunities that lay before
him. He became intrigued by education, and later continued to challenge himself by completing
his Master’s degree in social work at Stony Brook, as well as a doctorate in social work at
Howard University.
St. Vil advised students on having a great support system throughout school.
“Everyone has problems in undergrad,” he said, stressing the importance of pushing forward,
taking on education-related risks and opportunities. He encouraged students to get involved with
their academics and take control of their future.
“You are here and you are here for a reason, it is up to you,” he said.
First college generation student Ariel Williams was inspired and greatly pleased with the speech.
“I wish a lot more males were able to attended this series because he touched on a lot of key
issues that men face while in college,” Williams said.
“(This) presentation was like none that I’ve experienced; it showed me the poor of perseverance
and by any means necessary achieving your goals despite obstacles.”
Stewart has not yet confirmed the next lecture series, but clearly stated what he wants the
message to be.
“Primarily, I want students in general and Black males in particular to realize the power and
value of education,” he said. “These young men have worked hard for their accomplishments
and I want the students to realize that they too, with hard work and perseverance, can be just as
successful.”
Sade McKenzie can be reached by email at mckenzie.record@live.com.