Experiences

Mental Health Initiative (2024)

Created a permanent, professionally designed mental health room on Oakwood University’s campus, where students can read over 50 anonymous stories from peers and alumni who have faced mental health challenges. Matthew hopes visiting the room helps students feel less alone and reminds them there is hope.

White House HBCU Scholar (2024 - 2025)

Served as a White House HBCU Scholar. In this role, he worked with NASA, met with senior officials from the White House and U.S. government, advocated for issues that matter, and more. Political affiliation was not considered and selections were merit-based.

AT&T Rising Future Maker (2024 - 2025)

Selected as one of 25 students nationwide out of more than 2,000 applicants to become an AT&T Rising Future Maker. Each winner received $5,000, a 5G-enabled tablet, and access to exclusive professional development and networking opportunities.

 

Mister Oakwood University (2024 - 2025)

Reigned as Mister Oakwood University (the elected campus king). As a goodwill ambassador for the university, Matthew played a vital role in recruitment efforts, represented the university locally and nationally, and maintained a prominent presence on campus.

Student Government Officer (2022, 2025 - 2026)

Served as a senator, helping female residents affected by a dorm fire secure essential resources. Now serving as Academic Vice President, working to connect students with scholarships and internship opportunities.

Video Series (2024)

Created a 15-episode video series that received national recognition, promoted by U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona and the White House Initiative on HBCUs.

 

Video Series (2024)

Created “Crown Talk,” a 15 episodes video series that amassed over 145,000 views. He interviewed 33 campus kings and queens from 26 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) about their HBCU experience.

Show (2023 - 2024)

Co-founded and co-hosted the Good Morning OU Show. 10 episodes and other video content garnered 185,000+ views during the show’s 1st year. Also, 20 more episodes were filmed for later release.

Fundraiser (2022)

Organized a fundraiser during 12th grade in which $1200+ dollars were raised for typhoon victims in the Philippines. Food packages were given from the funds as well as handwritten cards.

 

Community Service Organization (2019 - 2022)

Founded Operation Radiate (OPR), a community service organization that provided aid to senior citizens. The organization started with 6 students and no operating fund during his 9th grade year. Within 3 years, OPR had 50+ student volunteers, 3 part-time employees, and a $3000+ operating fund. 

Video Series (2020)

During the pandemic, Matthew created an interview series called “Youth Spotlight” to keep his church connected. Notably, the series highlighted the story of a church member’s baby who had Leukemia. This generated support for the child.

Acts of Kindness Project (2019)

As sophomore class secretary in high school, Matthew initiated a program called “Birthdays-R-Us” to recognize the birthdays of freshmen with cupcakes. He wanted to help the new students feel welcomed and loved.

 

Mental Health Initiative (2018)

As a freshman class officer in high school, Matthew set up an initiative called “Freshies in the Feels” to care for the mental health of fellow classmates. A listening ear, a hug, and sometimes chocolate was provided to those who needed it when they needed it.

Recycling Program (2017 - 2018)

Launched a school recycling program to positively impact the environment in 8th grade. Hundreds of pounds of paper were recycled in several months.

Recognition Program (2017 - 2018)

Established a recognition program called “Starbursts for Stars” in 8th grade. With starburst candy, Matthew recognized students at the weekly school assembly for acts of kindness that they had been caught doing during the week.

 

Campaign (2017)

As student body president in middle school, Matthew started a school-wide campaign called “LAA Cares.” One of the acts of kindness conducted through LAA Cares was a Christmas toy drive for children’s hospital patients.

Donation Drives (2015, 2017)

Organized a water drive for residents of Flint, Michigan whose city water supply had lead poisoning in 6th grade. Organized a water drive for Hurricane Irma victims who lacked clean water in 8th grade. 470 water cases were collected for the hurricane victims.

Mission Trips (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019)

Provided humanitarian aid in Kentucky, Haiti, Jamaica, Belize, and Guatemala on mission trips. Matthew worked in medical clinics, helped in construction work, and fundraised nearly $1000 for mission efforts.

 

Press

TV News

Articles

Magazines

Podcasts

  • ILoveMyHBCU? - “We Should Treat Our Votes Like A TikTok Trend — Ep. 40”