Preview
Creation Date
2021
Description
Digital photograph of William T. McCoy on a prayer rug.
Panel Text
Will McCoy works in campus safety and is a full-time student. He also devotes his off time to being a mentor for a non-profit he started called Boys2Men in Norristown. At Ursinus, he is more than just a campus safety officer. He is a role model to students of color and says, “Minority students come to me about everything. Especially the young black males.” He is the only black campus safety officer and the youngest, so many BIPOC students can relate to him. He is grateful that Ursinus has granted him another opportunity to complete his degree and is going to use it to make change in his community of Norristown. He’s humble and always thinking intentionally of how he can help young black males. He respects his religion’s values and implements them in his actions but doesn’t preach. During the month of Ramadan in April, his fasting makes him reflect on his actions as a mentor. He says Ramadan gives him a sense of peace and allows him to disconnect from every form of distraction to focus on what’s important. “During this time, I’m able to stand still and grow intellectually, physically, and mentally.”
Rights
Copyright of the underlying work is held by the artist. The digital image presented here is for educational purposes only and is not for commercial use.
Keywords
student art, 2021, documentary photography, Ursinus College, staff, portrait, photograph
