Morehouse Bonner Scholar, Julien Serrano-O’Neil ‘21, was selected to serve as a panelist on his hometown news station, News 6 WKMG. The graduating senior represented the United Foundation of Central Florida (UFCF) and the Bonner Office of Community Service at Morehouse College and was joined by other central Florida pioneers for the Black History Month Initiative - Real Talk Town Hall Series, an effort to tackle race issues.
During the hour-long episode, A Candid Conversation about Obstacles and Opportunities, the panel analyzed some of the systemic barriers that hinder Black men and women and provided their take on what can be done to ensure that they are given the same opportunities for success as their white counterparts in the future.
Julien shared intimate moments of his journey of overcoming obstacles and delved into his community efforts to support and empower Orlando youth via UFCF, an organization that he currently serves as second vice president and that he credits in helping him get into Morehouse College.
“I believe we are going in the right direction…there is a lot work that needs to be done. We need to be inclusive and equitable in all things that we do.”
Similar to other panelist, Julien also shared his community engagement efforts, which includes funding scholarships for HBCU students, assisting with organizing food distribution events, and advocating for youth on various panels and at town halls.
When asked if the country was on the right track, Julien offered “I believe we are going in the right direction…there is a lot work that needs to be done. We need to be inclusive and equitable in all things that we do. That is how we continue to go in the right direction. It’s about coming together collaboratively to workshop our experiences.”
You can watch the playback on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q2vHve8TAy0