Wittenberg University student Malik Clayton, class of 2019 from Columbus, Ohio, has been invited to attend the African American Male Institute, hosted by the Leadershape Institute, July 31-Aug. 5, in Champaign, Ill.
The LeaderShape Institute is an organization committed to encouraging individuals to “lead with integrity.” The organization hosts conferences throughout the United States that are designed to empower attendees to make a change in their communities.
According to LeaderShape, the African American Male Institute will be “six days of dialogue and self-discovery in a supportive learning community.” Clayton was chosen because he is a “a very caring individual and an eager learner,” according to Associate Dean for Multicultural Student Programs John Young.
“As a young man, Malik has demonstrated a genuine desire to acquire and develop strong leadership skills,” Young said. “A part of that desire emerged during his junior and senior years in high school when he participated in the Air Force Junior ROTC.”
Clayton, a sport management major who is involved in the Concerned Black Students organization and a program titled Minority Men Striving to Succeed at Wittenberg, says he does not know what to expect from the institute, but he is looking forward to the experience.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m glad I was selected,” Clayton said. “I can’t wait to go to the conference!”
By attending the conference, Clayton hopes to gain better connections and an understanding of how to help his community and Wittenberg. Professor of Communication Catherine Egley Waggoner has been involved with LeaderShape Institute since 1989, and she is confident Clayton will gain a great deal from the experience.
“In 1989, I served as a cluster facilitator at LeaderShape Institute in Illinois, working with college students from around the country,” Waggoner said. “I was very impressed by their intensive and creative leadership curriculum, and I had a blast being there! Since that time, LeaderShape has allowed former facilitators to offer scholarships to deserving students.
“The organization has also evolved in include a special interest session for African American male students, and I wanted a Wittenberg student to have this opportunity. I’ve always had an interest in race and gender issues, and especially in recent days with the Black Lives Matter campaign. This opportunity seemed too good to pass up, and I’m thrilled that Malik will be attending as Wittenberg’s representative. I just wish I could tag along!”
According to LeaderShape, the institute will equip him to do just that. The six-day curriculum is built around four central themes: community, inclusivity, integrity and vision. The organization works to build up young leaders such as Clayton to create a “just, caring, and thriving world.”
Clayton says he “cannot wait” to implement what he learns at the institute when he returns to Wittenberg in the fall.
