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Floyd’s legacy to be honored through the innovative internship program that provides an opportunity for Black male students to experience social justice work
COMMERCE, Texas – (Nov. 12, 2020) –TheGeorge Floyd Memorial Foundation, founded by the family of George Floyd, and the Texas A&M University-Commerce African American Male Mentorship Program (AAMMP) have partnered to create the “Be His Legacy” internship program. Scheduled to launch in January 2021, this two-semester, ground-breaking initiative will provide hands-on equity experience to AAMMP students through community outreach and targeted educational programs.
“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, George Floyd.”
“Be His Legacy” interns will work on intentional reform initiatives aimed to eliminate police brutality, promote social justice, and protect people of color’s civil rights. These activities aim to provide meaningful career path development for AAMMP students before graduation.
“The vision of the ‘Be His Legacy’ internship program is to 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,” said Jayson Douglas, associate director of the A&M-Commerce Office of Intercultural Engagement & Leadership and adjunct faculty of the College of Innovation & Design.
AAMMP is a living learning community under the Office of Intercultural Engagement & Leadership that is devoted to assisting in the matriculation of Black male students at A&M-Commerce. The group strives to develop leadership skills to promote active engagement within their student experience. These skills contribute to students’ persistence beyond graduation, encouraging them to become future Black male leaders and continue Floyd’s legacy.
“This relationship aligns with A&M-Commerce’s strategic goals of student preparedness and creating an inclusive community characterized by respect and collaboration,” said Judy Sackfield, vice president of the A&M-Commerce Student Success and Dean of Students. “Collaborating with the George Floyd Memorial Foundation will enable us to marry academia and industry efforts through experiential learning.”
To apply for the internship program, students must complete a competitive application and interview process. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled as an AAMMP A&M-Commerce student and must be a junior, senior or graduate student.
The George Floyd Memorial Foundation continues to build community engagement, police reform and equity programs throughout the United States, including recent activities in Minneapolis and Tallahassee.
About the George Floyd Memorial Foundation
The George Floyd Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the family of the late George Perry Floyd, Jr. The foundation seeks to uphold the legacy of George Floyd and bridge the gap between community and law enforcement by supporting worthy causes in the areas of community engagement, police reform, and equity throughout the United States. Through the foundation the community will Be The Voice. Be The Change. Be His Legacy.
About Texas A&M University-Commerce
A&M-Commerce serves rural and metropolitan East Texas with distinction, consistently delivering on a promise that our founder, Professor William Leonidas Mayo, made more than a century ago: “No industrious, ambitious youth shall be denied an education if I can prevent it.” We are committed to our university’s mission: Educate. Discover. Achieve.
Programs are delivered on site at the Commerce campus as well as in Corsicana, Dallas, McKinney, Frisco and Mesquite. Many courses are also available online. Students may choose from more than 135 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. A vibrant student life experience includes 14 NCAA Division II athletic teams, a thriving Greek system and more than 120 student organizations.
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LaToya Evans
910-261-5874
Alisha Brown
609-351-5293
