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What happens when you spend a day listening to words of wisdom and inspiring stories so your dream can become a reality? You get a path to success.

During Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) third annual African American Male Initiative (AAMI) Summit, more than 130 attendees learned what it means to take their dreams and make them part of their success story. The AAMI is a University System of Georgia initiative, and attendees were students from GGC, the University of North Georgia and Gordon State College. The summit’s theme was “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother! Dream Big.”

“We want participants to dream big. We equip them with the skills and characteristics to make those dreams tangible, and make them a reality,” said Dr. Rashad Simmons, associate professor and assistant director, AAMI Elite Scholars Program. “With AAMI we want them to gain knowledge, have a deeper understanding of themselves and have the confidence to shoot for the stars.”

Gustavious Maddox, ’23, business administration, presented a session that focused on the links created by being part of AAMI.

“AAMI is a program to help you invest in yourself, show your self-worth and stick to what you want to do,” he said. “When I was new at GGC, I would just come to class and leave. When I joined AAMI, it really helped shape my college experience. I felt welcomed and it helped me build a sense of teamwork and connectiveness. To this day I still call on graduates before and after me.”

Maddox took what he learned to heart and launched his own mentoring service for kids in grades K-8 and with the University of Georgia.

“One thing I teach others is when things get really busy, take a moment alone,” he said. “Find a place alone and talk out loud to yourself. When you speak out your problems you can then release them. Do things to the best of your ability and worry only about the things you can control. I’m also a big believer in prayer.”

For Coréon Johnson, a GGC student studying business administration, business management, being part of AAMI has helped him grow. Recently, he was elected president of GGC’s Student Government Association for the 2025-26 academic year.

“It’s where you can get connected, meet people and help you set goals to succeed,” he said. “No matter where you come from, you can be successful.”

For GGC student Dallas Hogan, who graduates in May with his Bachelor of Arts degree in cinema and media arts production, being an AAMI peer mentor means passing along what he has learned.

“AAMI is about fellowship and being part of a brotherhood,” he said. “I’ve learned to be more outspoken, think outside the box, and be more open-minded to others who have a different perspective.”

View and download AAMI Summit gallery photos.