Media Credit: Matt Nicholson [Click to enlarge]

Outside the Knight Library, on the benches under the blooming trees, Ty Schwoeffermann looks straight ahead as though reading from invisible cue cards or searching the air for just the right word as he speaks about his place in the University community. Schwoeffermann talks with his hands, but his voice remains steady and calm, even when he's talking about an issue he cares deeply about.

Schwoeffermann, a University senior, has been in the public eye at the University multiple times throughout the year with his political, social and sometimes controversial work on campus.

After earning the title of "Ebony Man of the Year" last week, awarded by the Black Women of Achievement, Schwoeffermann said he will continue to be involved in campus politics and generate discussion surrounding the taboo subject of racism. With that, he acknowledges, controversy will surely follow, which he is neither daunted by nor unprepared for.

"It feels good to be recognized. At least somebody is supporting me after so much negativity is being thrown at me on a regular basis," said Schwoeffermann, an ethnic studies major and Portland native. Schwoeffermann is involved with the Black Student Union, ran for ASUO president this year and has written commentary for the Emerald.

Delia Pineda, the outreach coordinator for the Black Women of Achievement, said Schwoeffermann was selected as "Ebony Man of the Year" because of his well-rounded involvement, from politics to volunteering both at and outside of the University.

"What we look for is someone well-respected in the community, someone who is involved and looked up to," Pineda said.

The organization began taking note of men of color who filled this description last fall. The 20 active members of the BWA then voted in what Pineda said was an almost unanimous decision among BWA staff.

"He works really, really hard to have his voice heard," Pineda said. "Sometimes it isn't heard because he is so political and at times controversial."

While controversy has surrounded Schwoeffermann, he said he perceives the backlash as coming from a minority of students who want to continue to suppress the issues he is working to make more openly discussed.

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