From rebuilding a vision to walking across the stage… this journey means everything.
Being President at the founding chapter of Black Men In Medicine Inc. was never just a title. It was a responsibility, a test, and a calling. There were moments when bringing BMM back to life felt impossible. Long nights, real pressure, setbacks, and doubts but stayed grounded in purpose. Because I knew what this stood for: brotherhood, excellence, and creating space for Black men to thrive in medicine.
To my Medical Brothers,
This is where it all started, and that means something. Understand this: pressure comes with being first, but so does power. You are the blueprint. When things get tough Stay disciplined. Stay hungry. Stay rooted in purpose. Don’t get comfortable with what we’ve already built. Elevate it. Innovate it. Protect the culture, but don’t be afraid to evolve it. You are carrying something bigger than yourselves. There are young black men watching you, whether you see them or not, trying to figure out if there’s a place for them in medicine. Show them that there is and never forget this is only the beginning.
To our Chartering Schools,
What started at Florida State didn’t just stay at Florida State. University of Florida, Florida A&M University, Nova Southeastern University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, and the University of South Alabama. You are part of something bigger than just one campus. This is a movement. A legacy in motion.
You took a vision from the founding chapter and made it real on your campuses. That takes courage. That takes leadership. That takes faith. Each of you didn’t just start chapters you started impact. You created spaces for brothers to be seen, supported, and pushed toward purpose in medicine. You are the reason this movement is alive beyond one campus.
Today, I don’t just celebrate graduation
I celebrate resilience. I celebrate every brother who believed when this was just an idea, We didn’t just rebuild BMM… We redefine what it could be.
This isn’t the end of my chapter it’s the continuation of our legacy.
BMM forever. 🖤🩺🎓
#BlackMenInMedicine #futuredoctors #legacy
3 major changes, 6 leadership positions, countless all-nighters, and I still did it in 4.
Yesterday, I joined the 2% of Black women in engineering. That number means something, and I carry it with pride. I’m grateful for the exploratory program at Florida State University that led me to civil engineering.
Through NSBE, I stepped into leadership and served as Secretary, Graphics Chair, and Recruitment Chair, growing into the engineer and leader I am today.
Thank you to my family and friends for pouring into me and standing by me through every step of this journey.
Phoebe J. Jean-Baptiste
B.S. in Civil Engineering
Minor in Urban and Regional Planning
and just like that, B.F.A✔️
Thank you, God, for being my number one supporter through everything. Through anything that tried to get in my way, You made sure to remove it. Thank You for believing in me and pushing me to become the amazing man I am today.
To the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement
As a first-generation student, this program gave me the foundation to not just survive, but to truly excel. I’m leaving with more than just a degree. I am leaving with lifelong friends who became family.
Beyond my own studies, one of my greatest honors was the chance to pay it forward as a mentor. Helping other students navigate their own journeys has been the highlight of my college career.
Lesly Nazaire
B.S. Computer Engineering
First Generation
First-generation.
My family sacrificed more than I can ever fully put into words just so I could have a chance. From working at 6 years old in our family’s restaurant, I learned early what hard work, discipline, and resilience truly look like—but more than that, I saw love and what it means to keep going when it’s not easy.
There were long days, tough moments, and times when the path wasn’t clear… but my family never wavered. They carried me when I didn’t even realize it. Along the way, I was also blessed with brothers, mentors, and friends who became family—relationships I know will last a lifetime.
This moment isn’t just mine—it belongs to all of them. Every sacrifice, every lesson, every prayer led to this.
Forever grateful. 🎓
The diary continues… ✍🏾
To The Founding Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc.🔋
From the moment I joined this organization, saying there were trials and tribulations would be an understatement. But through every challenge, every lesson, and every test, we prevailed and something stronger, wiser, and greater emerged. To this Chapter, I want to say thank you. Thank you for changing my collegiate career, shaping my perspective, and giving me experiences that I could never truly repay.
To MOL, we accomplished everything we set out to do, and no one can ever take that away from us. The memories, the long nights, the growth, and the brotherhood we built will always mean more than words can explain. What we created went far beyond the classroom, and I’ll cherish it for life. #24in24out
Membership Chair
Corresponding Secretary
President
Brotherhood is tested in abiding fellowship.
To the LEGENDARY MIGHTY Mu Epsilon Chapter:
Thank you for welcoming me into this fold with open arms. Beyond the letters, this chapter has provided me with a brotherhood that I lean on daily. More importantly, my time here has taught me the true meaning of resilience, how to stand firm in the face of adversity and keep pushing forward. I am leaving this space a much better man than the one who entered it, and for that, I am eternally grateful. GOMAB.”
To 7 L.E.G.E.N.D.S.:
From the very beginning, you’ve been the brothers I could depend on through it all. Thank you for challenging me, holding me accountable, and allowing me to grow into the man I am today. Each of you inspires me in a different way, and I’m a better man just for knowing you. LEGENDΣ live forever.
COLOΣΣAL Signing out
𝑻𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑰𝑵𝑭𝑨𝑴𝑶𝑼𝑺 𝑰𝒐𝒕𝒂 𝑫𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒍𝒑𝒉𝒂 𝑷𝒉𝒊 𝑨𝒍𝒑𝒉𝒂 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅...
To the 401 House, thank you for accepting me, challenging me, and reshaping me through so many different perspectives, lessons, and ideas. The guidance you’ve poured into me is immeasurable, and its impact has no expiration date. To my chapter brothers, thank you for pushing me to become better, holding me accountable, and continuing to uphold the light of Alpha.
To V.A.N.G.U.A.R.D,
I may be the first one out, but I’ll always have y’all’s back. From the long nights to the unforgettable moments, there’s no other group of brothers I would’ve wanted to walk this journey with. No matter the day, the time, or the distance, I’ll move the earth for y’all boys.
Marcus Almon “SAMSON”
7ΙΔ25
#AlphaPhiAlpha #lotaDelta #FSUAlphas #TMOK
#06TTGB
To the Founding Chapter of Progressive Black Men, Inc.:
Thank you for being the cornerstone of my journey. This organization didn’t just introduce me to my first true brothers; it provided the blueprint for my professional life and the foundation for my growth. Because of this brotherhood, I have been challenged to excel, empowered to lead, and refined into the man I am today
To The Wisemen: Looking back, the time we spent together stands out as one of the most genuine and enjoyable chapters of my life. From the moments of uncontrollable laughter to the nights, we shared our burdens and cried together, every memory is etched into who I am. Thank you for being the brothers I could truly be myself with. I’ll never forget the bond we built.
To Emerge:
Looking back at the journey of bringing you in, I am filled with so much pride. Meeting each of you changed my perspective and truly enriched my life. We’ve had the best times together, and I want you to know that I see the incredible potential and greatness you each carry. I am glad to call each of you, my brothers. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, I’m here for you always. And remember, “To Emerge, we must Converge”
Florida State University
The legacy began with my mom, and I’m honored to continue it. Every experience, every memory, and every lesson has become part of my story and helped shape the person I am today. For that, I will always be grateful.
T - 4 days
#grad
