Shining Light on Black Excellence: Dwight Pulliam

By Jasmine White

IN a world that tends to only see color and make preconceived notions about different ethnic groups, Dwight Pulliam, junior data analytics major, thinks it is important to be steadfast against these societal challenges. 

“It is very important to me to represent Black men as well as possible and whatever it takes to show that Black men are more than just statistics and more than where they come from,” said Pulliam. 

He is a community assistant in Hill Hall and the president of the Black Men Unified organization. Pulliam prides himself in being involved in the Rider community as he uses his roles on campus to rise above the stereotypical views on young Black men in society. 

Pulliam explained that he considered himself to be an upstanding individual in the classroom setting and beyond the university’s doors. 

He is an inductee of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society and soon to be inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society this spring, always holding his academic success to high standards. 

“It’s most important to me to motivate those around me and continue to build them up, while still servicing [the community] by doing everything I can,” Pulliam said.

Pulliam stepped into the role as president of BMU in fall 2024, along with Sean Lacy, junior sports management major, as his vice president. 

Lacy and Pulliam were roommates their freshman and sophomore semesters. They became close friends during this time as they learned how to tackle and navigate the university environment. 

Lacy recalled the growth of his friendship with Pulliam, shedding a light on his character and the importance of holding characteristics of leadership and mentorship when stepping into a position of guiding others.

“Dwight just has good energy that can just be reciprocated with others. [He] knows how to just be himself and not let other things influence him negatively … he is a positive influential person on campus and definitely is someone to look up to,” Lacy said.

BMU is oriented around making the Rider community aware of political systems and ways to service the community through events, programs and tabling. Neck-tie Tuesday is an event hosted every week that encourages students to dress in professional attire to give a better representation of the minority. 

Pulliam expressed how being president of BMU impacted his day-to-day life, shining light on all he hopes to accomplish during his presidency. 

Engaging with his peers, getting people involved in fundraisers and charity and empowering people, Pulliam’s main goal with leading this organization is to create a safe place for Black men and women and any person of color. 

Pulliam acknowledged that his duty to himself and to his community is to give back, especially to those that may not be able to do for themselves. 

“Holding this position helped me reach out to the Black community that we have at Rider University,” Pulliam said. “It helps me give back to our community and the communities around us. I want to do more donations such as donating clothing, shoes, toiletries and different things like that because there are people out there who need it.”

Pulliam uses Black History Month as a reminder of the rich contributions, resilience and strength of Black men and women throughout history. He acknowledged those who fought for social justice in the past and those who continue to fight for justice today. 

Pulliam emphasized the importance of being able to use his connections and positions in life to not only better himself, but better those around him to create a more unified community. His faith and his dreams guide him and keep him motivated to continue to make more positive changes. 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of dreams,” Pulliam said. “When you believe that, you can reach out to do different things.”

This article is part of the Shining Light on Black Excellence series by The Rider News to showcase impactful Black figures on campus in honor of Black History Month.