Summer 2024 marked the successful launch of the Male Student Success Initiative Scholars’ Summer Cultural Immersion Experience. From June 12-24, 17 of CCBC’s high-achieving male students of color had the exclusive opportunity to explore African and African American culture in-depth.
The MSSI Scholars participated in on-campus lectures and discussions led by CCBC faculty, followed by an eye-opening six days in South Carolina to study the Gullah Geechee. The scholars participated in guided tours of the community, landmarks and museums to learn about the community’s cultural preservation and values.
What makes this trip unique is that the MSSI Scholars themselves played a key role in determining the trip’s focus. Studying the Gullah Geechee came from the scholars’ discussions about their own cultural and regional differences growing up in Africa or as Black Americans.
“We had something else planned for them this summer,” said Adrianne Washington, dean of Special Academic Programs. “But these students wanted to study the Gullah Geechee. I knew we needed to honor what they wanted and their autonomy. Even though we’re offering the money, they’re investing themselves.”
For MSSI Director Sunni Solomon, the summer activity comes just in time. “We need to keep these guys around and engaged,” said Solmon. “During break, students are asking themselves hard questions: ‘Am I on the right track?’ ‘Is college for me?’"
These experiences reinforce that they’re in the right place."
“I attended a private university in Connecticut before coming to CCBC, and the experience was night and day,” said MSSI Scholar and trip participant Ayoade Adeosun. “The price was night and day. Everything was night and day. Honors, MSSI, it’s all truly a blessing.”
MSSI hopes to attract new students to CCBC and encourage them to reach for academic success by qualifying for the Honors College and MSSI Scholars, which reward students with study travel opportunities like these. MSSI graduated 26 men in 2024, its largest class to date.
The seminar and trip were funded by the Mellon Foundation, the Honors College and MSSI, and made possible by the enthusiastic support of President Kurtinitis and the generous time given by the College of Charleston, Professor Damon Fordham, Tamara Butler, Ph.D., from the Avery Research Center, Brookgreen Gardens and Ron Daise.
The experience culminated in student reflection papers and multimedia presentations.
View photographs, watch a video and read a Q&A for an inside look at the trip and its impact, shared in the participants' own words.
