A group of men from various organizations (e.g. fraternities, 100 Black Men, Shriners, Masons, service organizations, etc.), with an interest in helping young African-American males become successful and productive adults, hosted the first Boys’ Leadership Summit in October 2010. These men answered a charge by Michael Baisden, an international radio personality, who encouraged communities to join together to impact the lives of young black men.
Based on Dr. Shaun Harper’s report titled “Black Male Student Success in Higher Education” he found that Black men’s dismal college enrollments, disengagement and underachievement, and low rates of baccalaureate degree completion are among the most pressing and complex issues in American higher education. So, in 2012, PEF worked on several initiatives to empower men of color, young and old, to convene at luncheons and conferences to share their stories of triumph and collegiate success, said officials.
This year, PEF is joining forces with the founders and organizers of the Boys’ Leadership Summit to host a collaborative workshop for young men that will target males in grades 6-12 and include college males as well. Together, these organizations hope to provoke conversations that will engage, empower and encourage young men to achieve to greater heights.
The 5th Annual Boys Leadership Summit 2014 is a free one-day conference (breakfast and lunch provided) held on Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., that will serve as an opportunity for middle and high school males and their parents as well as young men in college to learn from experts and each other how to become successful and productive adults.
They will cover topics to help attendees learn to cope with issues and problems facing youth today. There will be sessions geared towards parents during the summit. Registration and breakfast will start at 8 a.m. The summit will be held at UT-Chattanooga’s University Center. Register Here. The first 50 people who register online and attend the summit will have their names placed in a bowl to win a gift at the end of the day. For more information, contact Temus Terry at 316-0698.