African American Male Student Leadership Council

The Student Leadership Council (SLC) promotes a network of student leaders who support each other at their schools and across our district while also providing guidance to district leadership on priority initiatives of the AAMA Department.

Staff asked council members why they want to be a part of this student group and their perspective on how they are helping the community.

Tijar

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
My name is Tijar and it means wealth.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
I want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council to so I can do something that is positive and proud for my culture.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
I am serving for my community and my family. To give voice to people that don’t always have a voice.

Napoleon

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Napoleon Battle and my father named me after UW running back Napoleon Kaufman, but to me it means different.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
I want to be a part of AAMA to give people an insight into what a minority goes through in a majority school.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
Giving my little cousins and friends a role model to look up to.

Demarcus

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Demarcus Belle and the origin of my name (last) is that it means beauty in France.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
I want to be a part of the AAMA Student Leadership Council because there’s much to be changed in this world and in our community.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
To humble the community I live in and end our struggle.

Quentin

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Quentin, and I’m not completely sure. I think I’d have to ask my mom again.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
When I started High School I didn’t think there would be something like My Brother’s Keeper. And I like being around Black kids, around my age, older or younger. It’s fun for me.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
Letting Black kids know that people like them can make a difference.

Devaughn

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Devaughn is an altered spelling of Irish surname.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
Help the younger generation and lead them to a good path.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
Just helping other people. Encourage them.

Grady

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Grady means noble and illustrious.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
It allows me to expand my circle and develop experience.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
I am my experience, strength, and hope with people in the community.

August

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
My name is named after August Wilson who was a kicked out of high school and started studying in the library and became a famous play writer.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
There is a lot of implicit bias and racism that I see and would like to change in my schools.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
I would like to become a famous NBA player and give back to my communities and donate to climate change, Black Lives Matter, and all that. I would like to make some cheaper shoes so the poorer people can afford it.

Daud

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
The origin is from Arabic and for my own meaning is STRONG.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
The main reason why is to increase in my knowledge of brotherhood and also partnership.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
As I say I’m serving brotherhood into the community.

Marcel

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Little Warrior (Marcel)

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
To take advantage of opportunities.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
Giveback. Give people dreams about future that will become reality.

Seven

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Seven; God rests on the seventh day.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
Help students of color.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
Building collectives.

Trevon

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Trevon G. Mitchell

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
I want to help others, and others that look like me.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
I’m going to give back by making the future easier to learn and easier to live life.

Kevin

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Kind gentle, handsome birth.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
I want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council to speak for all those who don’t have the courage to say what they believe. I have a voice and I will NOT be shut off.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
I am showing representation.

Derek

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Derek; my cousin’s name. Thong (Ta-hong) is my grandpa’s name and I remind my family of him. Wade; my dad’s last name and I’m proud to have it.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
I want to be heard and to know that I can make an impact.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
I can be flexible and I’m always down to help others make sure they can stay up.

Ajala

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Ajala, dedicated to God. Dedicated to our people.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
To help my people have a better experience than I did. To give the access to the same/similar opportunities I had.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
Developing a platform and space for the youth to forever use the betterment of themselves and their environment.

Ajani

What is your name and the etymology (origin) of it?
Ajani means He who fights for possession. He who wins all battles.

Why do you want to be a part of AAMA Student Leadership Council?
To learn a perspective from other’s lenses. To create a greater powerful force in my statement on the world.

In thinking about community, what purpose are you serving bigger than yourself?
I am developing a platform that anyone will be welcome to ease their environment and life.