A2Mend, or African-American Male Education Network & Development, is one of the few clubs on campus that appeals to the needs and interests of black students.
According to their website, their mission is to create an affirming academic and professional environment for African Americans within the community college system.
“Ultimately I’d like every brother to know one another and be able to depend on each other for most anything,” said club president Albert Stemage.
As newly appointed club president, Stemage is looking to expand the club’s reach as he replaces A2Mend’s first Long Beach City College chapter president Lawrence Darrington.
Darrington relinquished his role to Stemage as he transferred out of LBCC.
During A2Mend’s meeting they discussed ways to raise club funding, give back to the community and talked about electing cabinet members where A2Mend’s members could apply.
Umoja is another club who strives to support black students at LBCC.
While looking for a home to host their Thursday meetings, the club was welcomed by Stemage to join A2Mend.
Umoja club president Elijah Harris suggested meals on wheels as a way to volunteer their time properly.
“I want to get to the point where the mayor knows who we are,” Harris referenced to the kind of notoriety that could be possible from their prospective work within Long Beach.
Stemage spoke on the idea of spending time volunteering at the Long Beach mission as another way to make giving back possible, whether it be time or donations.
Members brainstormed ways to raise funds for the club, such as singing carols for the upcoming holiday season and hosting a car wash.
For topics related to future meetings, A2Mend member Clyde Jackson II suggested speaking on the need for financial literacy and how that need can be met.
“I’m a forex trader and almost nobody knows what that even is, but there’s potential to make money pretty easily,” said Jackson II.
Forex trading involves the act of buying and selling foreign currencies in an effort to make a profit.
A2Mend is looking to increase their membership numbers by improving their presence on campus via club events, fundraisers and free lunch meetings.
Stemage encouraged everyone to take apart of the free meeting luncheon and also invited students from the hallway to join the lunch and learn more about the club.
A2Mend meets every Tuesday in T-2311 and is focused on bringing young black men together in an effort to create a harmonious and supportive environment.