A&M-Commerce Partners with The George Floyd Memorial Foundation

Texas A&M University-Commerce and The George Floyd Memorial Foundation have teamed up to launch the Be His Legacy Internship Program. The new initiative seeks to eliminate police brutality, promote social justice and protect the civil rights of people of color. The program is slated to begin in January 2021.

The Be His Legacy Internship Program will be available to student members of the African American Male Mentorship Program (AAMMP) at A&M-Commerce. AAMMP encourages Black male students to actively engage in the university experience, develop leadership skills, and successfully graduate and become future industry leaders.

With the introduction of the Be His Legacy Internship Program, AAMMP members will have additional opportunities for personal and career development. Be His Legacy is a two-semester program wherein members will engage in hands-on experiences, community outreach, educational programs and reform initiatives.

“This program aims to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for Black men who are interested in all aspects of civic engagement, education and justice–from voter engagement and education to PR, marketing, lobbying and fundraising,” said Jayson Douglas, associate director of the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership.

Bridgett Floyd, president of the George Floyd Memorial Foundation and sister to George Floyd, explained that program participants will enjoy hands-on learning opportunities from industry experts, including a virtual speaker series where interns can interact with leaders from across the country.

“Interns will work on cutting-edge projects with real-world relevance while receiving mentorship from some of the brightest minds in the fields of education, government, law and the non-profit sector,” Floyd said.

The George Floyd Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Bridgett Floyd and family members in memory of the late George Perry Floyd, Jr., who died at the hands of law enforcement in May 2020. The foundation will continue to promote global awareness about racial injustice and provide opportunities for others to unite communities and touch the world.

“We're exceedingly happy to launch our first internship program in partnership with Texas A&M University-Commerce,” said Carry Wright, executive director of the George Floyd Memorial Foundation. “We will build upon the legacy of George Floyd and provide professional growth from a remote capacity.”

Crystal Hardeman-Ikem, director of Intercultural Engagement and Leadership at A&M-Commerce, emphasized the benefits of the Be His Legacy Internship Program.

“This program is all about intentionality–being intentional about increasing and preparing the next generation of our African American male leaders to change the world as we know it today,” she said.

Judy Sackfield, vice president for student success and dean of students, added, “The Be His Legacy Internship Program aligns with A&M-Commerce's strategic goals, which include preparing students for careers and creating an inclusive university community characterized by respect and collaboration.”

To be considered for the program, students must complete an application and interview process. Junior-, senior- and graduate-level members of AAMMP at A&M-Commerce are eligible to apply. Students may contact [email protected] for additional information.

About the George Floyd Memorial Foundation–The George Floyd Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the family of the late George Perry Floyd, Jr. The foundation seeks to uphold the legacy of George Floyd and bridge the gap between community and law enforcement by supporting worthy causes in the areas of community engagement, police reform, and equity throughout the United States. Through the foundation, the community will Be The Voice. Be The Change. Be His Legacy.