Maurice Brown '17 remembers the exact moment he realized he needed to do more.
At the time, he was working at Onondaga Community College as a Success Coach, supporting students in the School of Liberal Arts. One student in particular stood out - an engaged student who was suddenly struggling and at risk of failing through no fault of their own. The problem wasn't academic. A major change to the local bus schedule meant the student could no longer get to campus until their first class of the day was nearly complete.
"That's when I knew we, as a community had failed. It's what motivated me to run for office."
He did just that. In 2023, Brown was elected to the Onondaga County Legislature, and he held his swearing-in ceremony on the OCC campus. "This is my home. I'm a lifetime OCC Lazer. This is where my story restarted."
On February 9, Brown returned to campus to share his message of civic engagement with students as part of a series of Black History Month events. He encouraged students to recognize their power and responsibility.
"I wanted students to know the community needs leaders like you to step up. The person you are building into is someone the community needs. Don’t feel like you have to wait to contribute. You can contribute right now.”
"Listening to him share his story about the student impacted by the bus schedule, and his reaction to it, was definitely inspirational," said student Khadra Habseme. "Seeing him now in politics and able to make a difference through his work has inspired me to make a difference, even if it is small."
Brown's appearance was organized and moderated by OCC Professor of Spanish Gerardo Tonatiuh Cummings Rendon, Ph.D.
