Judge Mathis opens symposium with call for mentorship, support

President Philomena V. Mantella welcomed more than 400 symposium attendees to the JW Marriott. She said the symposium, which continues at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, aligns with the university's mission to break down barriers and create opportunities for learners.

"We have the collective power to keep moving forward. Education must be a key part of this work, and we must come together to create sustainable change," Mantella said.

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, said the symposium comes at a critical time and cited the country's mental health crisis as one example.

"Yet there is a stigma among Black men and lack of access that keeps too many from getting the help they need," Truss said. "Our young men are not broken, they are brilliant. When we remove barriers to those who are impacted, we all become better."