I AM... Andre Lynch

This week we welcome Andre Lynch, Vice Provost of Institutional Equity and Belonging, to the I Am… collective.

I AM – Andre Lynch, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity and Belonging

I am my Fathers son… “Big Andre’s” son…

Though anxious at times, the weight of the world pressing in…there is no way but up.

I am Neurodivergent, seeing patterns that others miss,

A partner, building loud love in quiet moments,

An outdoorsman, finding peace where the land knows my name.

I am 'Trini to di bone', the scent of 'buss-up' and curry wafting through my bones,

American…although they tell me I am not the right kind,

A lifelong learner who can’t seem to know enough,

A higher ed executive who walks the tightrope of value, change…breathe.

I am an activist, my voice charged with rolling thunder and fire,

Empathetic, my heart…an open window to peer into…but not touch,

Emotional, because feeling is revolution…being is revolution…humanity is

Revolution,

Masculine, yet affectionate…strong yet forgiving,

Flawed…as all who dare to be human.

I am a father, who carries love in tired calloused hands,

An uncle, a guide, a teacher…a bridge for those to cross.

I am a Black man, carved from the rhythms of resilience,

An heir of ancestors who delicately weaved and whispered strength into my soul.

I am here,

I am you,

I am me…

I am whole.

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An original poem written by Vice Provost Andre Lynch, for the Sm[ART] Commons Blog I AM Poem Collective (2025).

If you are a member of MCLA's faculty, staff or administration, the blog looks forward to working with you, to feature your voice in this ongoing poetry collective. Email smartcommonsblog@gmail.com for more information!