A Time to Be Heard
Keith McIver discusses the Minority Men’s Network and the importance of the nonprofit in the Columbia community.
“The Minority Men’s Network was born of the idea that the voices of our community in Columbia, Missouri, needed to be heard; and we needed to position ourselves to be at the table where decisions were being made about ethnic minorities, generally, and Black men, specifically,” says Keith Mclver, president of Minority Men’s Network. “The Minority Men’s Network started as a round table, of sorts, of local leaders in business and in the academy. Dr. Eliot Battle and Dr. Arvarh Strickland were the co-conveners of the Minority Men’s Network.”
The co-conveners began meeting in 1985, and in 1998, the organization formalized its status. They are currently meeting regularly at Columbia College.
“The current officers and I work to carry the baton and address relevant issues facing our community through monthly MMN meetings, presenter-discussion events, community service, newsletters, and scholarship-mentorship opportunities,” says Keith.
Keith, the director of alumni development at Columbia College, is the current president of the Minority Men’s Network, something he holds as a deep honor. “It’s a legacy, a commitment, and a proud tradition of service in Columbia, Missouri,” he says. “The men welcomed me over five years ago and entrusted me last year to continue in this leadership role. I work to fill the large shoes of our prior presidents.”
Keith is joined in the office by Dr. Fred Williams, vice president; Dr. Wiley Miller, treasurer; and Al Cobbins, secretary.
The Minority Men’s Network has a mission to utilize the power of commitment to improve the lives of ethnic minorities through service.
“We value educational achievement. We value our work as mentors and role models. We seek connectedness among ourselves and the community. We value economic empowerment and diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Keith adds.
Getting Connected
The organization is always open to connecting with men who share the organization’s vision, and anyone is welcome to attend a meeting as a guest. Often, their monthly meetings will include a guest speaker discussing an important topic in the community. Membership is by invitation and attending the Minority Men’s Network informational event is a good way to get connected and meet current members.
“The Minority Men’s Network is currently not meeting face-to-face due to the pandemic, but we have been organizationally meeting every few weeks,” says Keith. “We had our first presenter-discussion events last week. Our presenter was Randy Cole, from the Office of Community Development at the City of Columbia, discussing the city’s response to the pandemic for small and minority-owned businesses.”
The Minority Men’s Network is seeking membership and renewals for the new 2020-2021 year. Joining them for a meeting, their First Friday Socials, or their scholarship programs can be a great way to engage in the community’s social issues.
The Minority Men’s Educational Foundation
In 2002, the Minority Men’s Network established the Minority Men’s Network Educational Foundation to provide financial support for the education of minority youth in the Columbia area. The Minority Men’s Educational Foundation holds 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
“We award a total of four $2,000 scholarships named for one of our late members, Ron Marley,” says Keith. “The Ron Marley Memorial Scholarship earnestly solicits contributions to support the mission of improving the lives of ethnic minorities at each of the four high schools in the Columbia Public School District. We value mentorship, community service, academic pursuit, and financial need.”
The 2020 Ron Marley Memorial Scholarship winners are: Mr. Jaden Matthew Lewis from Rock Bridge High School, Ms. Larissa Falls from Battle High School, Mr. Ezekiel Adjokatse from Hickman High School, and Ms. Trinity Stodgell from Douglass High School.
The Minority Men’s Network Educational Foundation has a committee for the scholarship to identify recipients and oversee the program. It is co-chaired by Dr. Wiley Miller and Robert Ross, an administrator at the University of Missouri.
On behalf of the co-chairs, Keith adds: “They wish to express their deep and sincere appreciation of each selection panel member for their time, energy, devotion, and effort serving in the selection process. It is largely the scholarship committee and selection panel’s time that made these outstanding selections possible.
“On behalf of the entire Committee, we regret that we were not able to host the Ron Marley Scholarship Luncheon this year due to the pandemic. We annually toast our award winners and their immediate family members at a catered luncheon,” he says.
The organization welcomes contributions to help support the scholarship. Those interested in contributing can do so through the Minority Men’s Network’s website, or by reaching out to Keith or the Ron Marley Memorial Scholarship Committee.
Minority Men’s Network
P.O. Box 1839
Columbia, MO, 65205
573-875-7550
[email protected]
MinorityMensNetwork.org
Additional Information
Founded: The co-conveners began meeting in 1985, and in 1998, the organization formalized its status.
Mission Statement: To utilize the power of committed men to improve the lives of ethnic minorities through leadership and service.
Board Members:
Keith Mclver
president
Dr. Fred Williams, III
vice president
Dr. Wiley Miller
treasurer, co-chair Ron Marley Memorial Scholarship Committee
Al Cobbins
secretary
Steve Calloway
immediate past president
Douglas Simmons
former president, active member
Robert Ross
former president, co-chair Ron Marley Memorial Scholarship Committee