Oklahoma City – The second annual Men of Color Expo, held at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC), highlighted local leaders who are making a difference in the community. Among the honorees, Byron Dickens was named Educator of the Year for his long‑standing work with the Students Connecting with Mentors for Success (SCMS) program.
Program roots and impact
Dickens has directed the SCMS program since its inception in 2015. At that time, the average GPA for Black male students at OCCC was just 2.03, the lowest of any demographic group on campus. The college president asked Dickens to develop a support system that would help these young men succeed academically and personally.
Under Dickens’ leadership, the program pairs students with mentors, provides academic tutoring, and creates a sense of community for participants. Former student Hiram Ophiohonren, who arrived from Nigeria in 2022, described SCMS as a vital platform that helped him find belonging and navigate college life.
Recognition at the expo
“I’m really humbled by this recognition,” Dickens said during the ceremony. He emphasized that the award reflects the collective effort of his students, many of whom have overcome difficult circumstances to pursue higher education.
“My students are committed to excellence, they are committed to elevating their lives. Many of them have come from difficult circumstances, and they understand that education is a gateway to a better life,” Dickens added.
Event highlights
The Men of Color Expo, organized by Perry Publishing & Broadcasting, honored more than a dozen men for contributions in fields ranging from business to public service. The event began at 7 p.m. on the OCCC campus and featured speeches, networking opportunities, and a celebration of community leadership.
Community members, educators, and local business owners attended, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to uplift underrepresented groups in Oklahoma City.
Looking ahead
Dickens and the SCMS team plan to expand mentorship opportunities and increase enrollment in the program, aiming to raise the academic performance of Black male students across the college. Their goal is to continue building a supportive environment that encourages perseverance, academic achievement, and personal growth.
The Men of Color Expo will continue next year, with organizers hoping to broaden participation and highlight additional stories of impact throughout the Oklahoma City region.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
