SUNY Maritime College 2019-2020 Annual Report

In addition to awarding scholarships, OBMG mentors students and graduates, helping to develop them as leaders and successful professionals both ashore and afloat. The organization works continuously to establish a network that bridges the gaps in forging ahead with their careers as engineers and merchant mariners. Notably, Capt. Cook and Capt. Wyche were the first African Americans to be inducted into The Maritime College Heritage

Hall in 2014. Representation is an important factor in creating an environment of diversity and inclusion and a spirit of belonging. Capt. Cook has proudly served as a state and federal licensed pilot with the Pilots’ Association for the Bay & River Delaware for almost 30 years. He directs the safe navigation of primarily foreign, and some domestic, ships/vessels entering and departing the various ports along the Delaware River and its tributaries from sea, to

as far north as Trenton, N.J. Looking back on his career as a mariner of over four decades, Capt. Cook recognizes how fortunate he is to be a part of something as powerful as OBMG. “Diversity matters,” he noted, “and it is important to recognize the significant impact people of color have had historically, as well as the ongoing contributions they bring to the maritime industry. What we teach and how we teach will impact our collective future. It is imperative that we listen, respect and appreciate each other.”

“I always believed that education should

be a fundamental right; accessible to anyone without barriers.”

– Capt. Robert Cook

The Organization of Black Maritime Graduates (OBMG) awarded scholarships to students at the Cultural Club’s 33rd Annual Black History Month Dinner on February 27, at the Maritime Academic Center.

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