40 Under 40: Octavius LaVon Blount ’15

Throughout my college experience, I was exposed to different people, beliefs, lifestyles, and opinions. At Arcadia, I learned many things from simply listening attentively, talking to people, and asking questions. I learned about them, but even more about myself. I have learned the value of networking and community involvement outside of the classroom. My mother, Octavia, and Arcadia’s Sociology Department instilled in me that community involvement is one of the best ways to give back and become engaged with people in your area.

My uncle, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill (professor of media studies and urban education at Temple University) has made an impact on my life by providing words of wisdom and creating time for discussions about life, education, philosophies, and relationships. He also models how to combine your passion with what you read and to focus on your goals.

The creation of my mentoring program is my greatest achievement. The G.A.A.M.E. Project is a school-based youth mentoring and development program that provides support for young African-American males by addressing perceived challenges and creating potential solutions for their academic success. We aspire to transform the narrative of young black men and boys through believing that African-American males are more than who society labels them.