Lehigh Scholar Leads University’s Men of Color Alliance

JJ Swenson, a junior at Lehigh University, is the leader of the campus organization Men of Color Alliance (MOCA). MOCA aims to bring together men of color and their allies to engage in critical conversations, provide mentorship, and hold a space for the young men to build community and kinship with one another through retreats and community outreach events.

“Our goal is to create long-lasting bonds,” JJ says of the MOCA community today. “With these connections, we can grow mentally, learn about academic and career opportunities, and provide [each other with] emotional support.”

Lehigh University Director of Multicultural Affairs Jame’l Hodges founded the organization in 2009 after observing a need to strengthen the connection and sense of kinship among men of color. The program aligned with his own doctoral research on the unique challenges that men of color face on college campuses.

“Our goal is to create long-lasting bonds.”

MOCA prides itself on a welcoming spirit that has become a beacon in the Lehigh community. To foster this dynamic, members gather monthly to discuss a range of topics that include academic assistance, professional development, and social barriers that may be unique to the group’s members.

“We are here to find solutions and work together to combat the many obstacles that our demographic faces,” says JJ.

As the organization continues to grow, so does the sense of community among its members. MOCA has proven to be a vital piece of the campus network and is contributing to the success of students of color at Lehigh.