Empowering Males of Color (EMOC) is a groundbreaking DC Public Schools initiative designed to enhance the success of Black and Latino male students. By collaborating with community members and school and district leaders, the EMOC team develops strategies to enrich the student experience, boost achievement, and prepare these students for college, careers, and beyond. Key goals include improving literacy and graduation rates, preparing students for high-wage jobs, and increasing student satisfaction.

To support these objectives, the EMOC team sought a brand identity that would build awareness and generate enthusiasm among students, faculty, and key stakeholders. Partnering with the MMD branding team, they created a clean, modern logo featuring bold typography that aligns with the DCPS brand. The logo’s lighter and darker blues blend symbolizes diversity while complementing the DCPS color palette. The incorporation of stars representing the District of Columbia highlights a commitment to community and pride—central to the initiative’s mission.

A vital design feature is silhouettes, which serve as versatile stand-ins for any individual. By seeing themselves reflected in these shapes, students can envision themselves in roles of significance and growth. This thoughtful design choice personalizes the brand and encourages active participation and engagement from the students, reinforcing their connection to the initiative's goals and values.