“It’s important for individuals to see us, to know that it can actually be done.”
In the latest episode of the Detroit talk show HBCU White House, PeerForward CEO Gary Z. Linnen reflected on the importance of being a role model for other Black, Latinx, and first-generation collegegoers like himself.
Linnen was highlighted as part of the radio show’s running feature on influential Black business and nonprofit leaders. The show focuses on bringing minority narratives to the fore of news coverage. In the episode, host Alvin Woods turned to Linnen for insights on how the pandemic is changing the college and employment landscape for low-income students.
The pandemic “made individuals second-guess the value of college,” Linnen said. “We’ve had to meet people where they are so they can really understand that postsecondary training is valuable and 100 percent worth it.” In addition to PeerForward’s college-going campaigns, Linnen stressed the urgency of getting young folks from vulnerable communities informed about vaccination. “It’s important that we are becoming knowledgeable,” Linnen emphasized. “A lot of individuals have misinformation, and that’s what’s helping to keep this pandemic going.”
Watch the full interview here for more of Linnen’s insights: HBCU White House_S.1 Ep. 16 – WHPR-TV Detroit Live (Air Date 8.26.2021).mp4 on Vimeo
