Black Boys & Men National Symposium Tentative Schedule

Wednesday, June 12 (Day 1)

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm – Opening Reception   

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm - Opening Plenary 

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm - After Hours Activities

Thursday, June 13 (Day 2)

8:45 am – 10:00 am - Session 1

10:15 am – 11:30 am - Session 2

11:30 am – 1:00 pm - Lunch On Own

1:00 pm – 2:15 pm - Featured Speaker

2:30 pm – 3:15 pm - Session 4

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm - Session 5

TBD - Sneaker Ball  

Friday, June 14 (Day 3)

7:30 am - 9:30 am - Light Breakfast              

8:45 am – 10:00 am - Session 6

10:15 am – 11:30 am - Session 7

11:30 am – 1:30 pm - Closing Speaker/Lunch

 

 

 

Choice Sessions

Choice Session 1 (Thursday, 8:00 am to 9:00 am)

During this session participants will engage in three principles of project based teaching. In the context of a project based learning experience anchored in a social-scientific issue and local to Detroit residents, participants will practice building the culture for PBL, assessing student learning and engaging as a project based teacher.

Presented by Brandon Lane

The presenter will share findings from an interpretative phenomenological analysis which explored, described, and interpreted the way low-income African American students experienced university recreation programs and services at a large predominantly white institution (PWI) in the Midwest. The presenter will share findings that describe how students are often subjected to social isolation, including feelings of being unheard, singled out, and overwhelmed by the "whiteness" of campus. The presenter will also facilitate group discussion on how educational leaders can best elevate student voices and begin progress toward enhancing the overall student experience.

Presented by Kate Harmon

In this session, the participants will understand what the "culture" in being culturally responsive is and is not. Practical examples will be provided so that persons that work with Black youth can better meet objectives through a clearer purpose and understanding of culture. We need to understand culture so that all our kids, families, and staff members have a sense of belonging. In addition, knowing our blind spots around race, class, language, body language, etc., can help us serve our stakeholders.

Presented by Ken James

The University of Michigan-Flint is a regional public university in a majority-minority city where 12% of its residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher and 37% live in poverty. UM-Flint manages an existing program intended to serve academically and economically disadvantaged students. The purpose of this session is to engage community members in the deconstruction of an existing program in order to better understand the historical context and challenges faced when developing future iterations of that university program in a city where 57% of the population identifies as Black or African American.

Presented by John Girdwood, Jerry Alexander, Diamond Wilder, and Antonio Parks

Presented by Adam Harris

M.Y. Time: The Interview is a presentation geared toward high school students to help them identify qualities, traits and characteristics that will help them be successful in todayýs world. The presentation is grounded in social emotional learning and emotional intelligence, where there is opportunity for conversation and dialogue to look within to discover ways each person can be the change they wish to see. M.Y Time ý Master Yourself Time also engages individuals in considering how each person can be a positive light for the next generation of young men. Building on the framework that it takes a village to raise a child, ubuntu sets the stage that ýI am because we are, and we are because I am.

Choice Session 2 (Thursday, 9:10 am to 10:10 am)

In the session, the presenter will highlight the reasons why setting standards is so critical for Black men in particular, and offer practical tips and strategies for how to implement this approach in our daily lives. The presenter will draw own his own personal experiences as well as research and insights from other experts in the field, and provide actionable takeaways that attendees can immediately apply to their own lives.

Presented by Jeff Young

In 2014 and 2015, SVSU College of Business undertook a pilot Minority Accounting program aimed at increasing the number of under-represented accountants. We highlight six major lessons from this pilot minority accounting case study:

  1. The power of "Thinking Big"
  2. The need of Institution-wide Collaboration
  3. The power of Community based learning
  4. The need to seed "giving back" principles
  5. The Power of highlight successes achieved
  6. The need to acknowledge challenges faced

Presented by Joseph Ofori-Dankwa and Kwame Akowuah

More, and more diverse, STEM (and beyond) graduates are needed locally and throughout the United States. For Grand Valley State University, this indicates the need to increase program enrollment and composition as well as the number of graduates. Leveraging the strengths of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), GVSU and our community and corporate partners, provides a highly effective approach to developing a diverse talent base that is prepared both technically and professionally.  hrough the creation of articulation agreements with minority serving institutions, GVSU is working to widen the STEM pipeline by creating clear pathways for students wishing to transfer in order to complete an engineering or computing degree. 

Presented by Dr. B Donta Truss and Dr. Paul Plotkowski

Our children are Superheroes. Superheroes need mentors, like all the Greats, that train and guide their path to catalyze their superpower. One of our children's greatest mentors is Fathers, who promote literacy. Literacy is the catalyst for all superheroes. Illiteracy is the kryptonite. Culturally relevant pedagogy and specifically peace literacy can empower students to become agents of change in their communities and promote social justice. Fathers play a critical role in increasing literacy in their developing superhero.

Presented by Dr. Erica Robertson

The Power, Process & Proven Worth of Mentorship will help students and young professionals create a checklist of characteristics of future mentors. We will explores the relationship building process, the pitfalls, challenges, rewards and reasons why mentorship is important and necessary. Conversation starters, icebreakers and tips for starting the process with their potential mentor will be shared, tested and polished. Attendees will leave with the confidence and skill to begin reaping the benefits of having a mentor or mentors.

Presented by Damien Butler

Choice Session 3 (Thursday, 10:20 am to 11:20 pm)

This workshop is for boys, men,  and all those who desire to see them live healthy, vibrant, long lives by deconstructing and re-imagining masculinity. With the help of video clips, interactive activities and personal stories the participants will begin to understand and confront masculinity that harms boys, men and the larger society. This workshop will also challenge the participants while generating discussion, ideas and solutions in hopes to create change.

Presented by Clarence Hoan

This session designed to share how young men react to "tough love" and how to appropriately apply it to ensure optimal benefits and avoid unintentional negative outcomes. Historically young black have suffered from extreme treatment due to the narrative set by society and at times by those that intend to support them. Sometimes that support can be viewed as harmful when in fact that was not the intention. Finding that balance is the goal of this session.

Presented by Wayne Lynn

Most adults want to help kids grow and become successful but many do not have the necessary skills. The Faces of Change workshop is designed to help adults get youth turned on to living so they can get turned on to learning. It provides participants with practical techniques/tools to effectively communicate with youth and help them understand how to develop a plan for a successful future. Any adult interested in a youth's success, including teachers, mentors, social workers, parents, and guardians can benefit from this workshop. Highlights include: discussing systemic barriers and how to create better outcomes by connecting the purpose and value of education, providing ways to help youth develop a life plan, and creating an effective network to turn to in a crisis or for encouragement.

Presented by Reggie Beaty and Tony Owens

"Time-on-Task" is one important key preparatory step to achieving success in performance exams. Research shows that one (1) hour of quality tutoring per week, combined with an average K-12 curriculum should enable students to realize 3-5 completed grades per year. Our workshop will explore ways to achieve even higher levels of student engagement on the SAT and ACT exams and we'll look at unique innovative ways of delivering high-quality tutoring for urban students each week in order to change the downward trend of lower academic achievement and poor success for Black youth, especially Black Boys and Black Men on college admissions performance exams. 

Presented by Ty Faulkner and Dr. Clarence Nixon

I propose to prioritize five crucial traits as core values for a successful transition into higher education for future generations: responsibility, accountability, ambition, resilience, and discipline. The transition from high school to college brings about significant challenges as the level of responsibility required daily escalates. I plan to discuss the complexities associated with attending classes, studying, and managing time as a typical college student, acknowledging that these challenges may double for student-athletes.
It's critical to recognize that with increased responsibility comes the need for enhanced accountability. As young adults, understanding the importance of being accountable for one's actions and realizing the potential benefits or consequences that result from our decisions can be difficult. Higher education often presents or creates situations that reveal an individual's resilience and potential.
Resilience and ambition are directly correlated. Together, these traits foster growth in work ethic and enhance the ability to overcome adversity. By sharing my personal experiences at Grand Valley State University, I aim to highlight instances that emphasize the importance of being responsible, accountable, ambitious, resilient, and discipline.

Presented by Denzel Williams

Choice Session 4 (Thursday, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm)

This session will unpack the lived intersection of identities that Black men have to navigate and the weights associated with them. Audre Lorde states "There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives". Often times Black men find themselves at the intersection of identities that impact their very existence but often have to live a life of masking and navigating their seen and unseen spaces of oppression and privilege. This session will unpack the question of "Who am I?", "How do I show up as my full, authentic self?", "And where within my intersecting identities do I feel the safest, or navigate the most trauma. Kimberlee Crenshaw coined the term "intersectionality" as a legal framework for Black women navigating the legal system, and I take that theory into the concept of what does it mean to have this country look at Black men as a single existence entity, but that we all navigate a lot more identities than we realize.

Presented by Aaron Turner

Participants will understand the importance of Black male mentorship programs for young men. Two case studies will be presented, the Southfield Kappa League mentorship program and the Black Male Empowerment Network at Ferris State University. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the lived experiences of former and current members of both programs.

Presented by Darnell Lewis

Growing up and elevating from codependency of parents/guardians, especially in the Black community, can be one of the most rewarding, yet challenging journeys to be on. In this discussion-based session, participants will be able to share and listen to the lived experiences of others in a conversation revolving around the journey of leaving home from our parents/guardians and what it truly means to become independent.

What does independence truly mean? What does it mean to strive toward a life of Individual Accountability? What are some barriers that we may face when on our pursuit to gaining independence? (bills, maintaining mental health, pushback from parents/guardians). Recognizing these obstacles and diving in-depth into the topic of independence, we hope for participants to feel empowered to embark on their journeys of independence and to gain insight from those who have already started theirs!

Presented by Marquel Jeffries and Terrian Garvis

Participants in this session will explore how digital storytelling can be used to empower youth voices to create counter narratives and social change. Attendees will leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling and the tools and techniques required to create impactful and empowering digital stories.

Presented by Quan Neloms

In this interactive session, the presenter will share how his lived and professional experiences have evolved and help participants begin to think about their future and achieving success.

Presented by Ken James and Trey Barclay

Choice Session 5 (Friday, 8:00 am to 9:00 am)

Turning Dreams into Reality, Inc. (TDI) is a dynamic not-for-profit organization that empowers Black boys and men through mentorship, scholarship, and outreach programs. With a focus on TDI's core values: God first, family second, integrity, giving, humility, trust, and service. Participants will gain insight on impactful mentoring strategies that incorporates reality-based concepts to increase resiliency, grit, and degree and career attainment for Black boys and men. Further, session attendees will learn about mentee referral opportunities and change agent partnerships, while exploring how to strengthen, through mentorship, the communities in which they live, work, and engage. This session also includes a powerful group discussion where attendees can lend their voices and expertise by responding to a provided topic that allows honest, open discourse regarding the lived experiences of Black boys and men in America.

Presented by Dr. B Donta Truss, Tim Fields, Tyrish Garrett and Jeremy Spratling

This session will focus on the transformative ordeal that shaped the presenter's life and how his identity as a student-athlete, with football being his lifeline, provided an escape and "second chance". The presenter will also highlight the challenges and stereotypes he encountered as a student-athlete and why he wants to challenge others to understand that student-athletes possess a multifaceted range of skills and talents that extends far beyond the field of play. 

Presented by Denzel Williams

Success By Design is a workshop that will help undergrads and young professionals think about their transition to the next level of employment, professional development, leadership and possibly a clear career path. The workshop will address the decisions that need to be made, skills that need to be developed and challenges they may face. Information will be given to help them use mental, physical and professional tools to help them succeed in future endeavors.

The purpose of the workshop is to help attendees wisely choose goals, develop plans and prepare for the work that needs to be done to be successful in their personal and professional lives. Core values, work ethic, relationships, professional knowledge and other pertinent topics will be discussed to help them prepare for the not so distant future. If they are prepared and have a clear vision of what the future could look like they will be ready to handle the challenges that come with creating the future they desire.

Presented by Damien Butler

Choice Session 6 (Friday, 9:10 am to 10:10 am)

The main session of this lecture is to examine the benefits of mentoring for spiritual formation to support the holistic development of Black males in the K-16 pipeline and present a framework for mentoring them across a wide range of topics.

Presented by Dr. Raphael Price

Focusing on an asset-based approach, I developed the first Men of Excellence Ceremony at my previous institution to focus on an expansive view of academic, co-curricular, and professional involvement for our undergraduate males of color. Also, this was an approach to answer the question that a student casually posed: "When are the faculty, staff, or administrator coming to support us for our events?" The program was successful, with at least 20 males of color (predominately Black males) from second years to seniors who were recognized for their diverse level of involvement and with a turnout of over 80 faculty, staff, students, and administrators there to show up for them.

This workshop intends for students and/or practitioners to come up with tangible ideas on how to widely acknowledge our Black male students (from traditional undergraduates to a full-time employees, part-time fathers) and recognize the assets they do have (This approach is not designed to move away from a student organization or institutional support models but add to them because at times students choose not to participate in either due to time constraints.) The workshop will involve a brief discussion about the intention and impact of the Men of Excellence ceremony, small breakout groups to develop an idea they can implement, and finally, sharing the plan with others. This is an opportunity to use collective talent and skills to encourage new thoughts and perspectives in this idea of "giving people their flowers" to empower our students towards their next step.

Presented by Terrian Garvis

Given the potential for the SCOTUS decision on race-based admission, many of traditionally admission recruitment and evaluation methods may be taken off the table for not just Black students, but many historically marginalized populations.

Presented by Timothy Fields

The session begins with an overview of the Educational Beliefs and Foundational Practices in the 'Teaching for Equity' framework. A case study from a Fellowship team in Grand Rapids will be explored, focusing on how they learned to better attend to the voices and experiences of the students of color. We will then share evidence regarding the improvements the Equity in Literacy Fellowship brought about in student experiences and outcomes, particularly for Black boys and young men who are both U.S.- and foreign-born. The session will end with a call to action asking attendees to consider ways they can create more radically inclusive and academically rigorous schools for Black boys and men in their communities.

Presented by Mary Kay Murphy and Tina De La Fe

In this thought-provoking session, we will delve into the multifaceted nature of black male leadership beyond the well-known figures of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. We will explore the rich tapestry of diverse leadership paths taken by black men in the 21st century and discuss their contributions to various fields, industries, and communities. By highlighting these stories, we aim to challenge stereotypes and inspire a broader understanding of the immense potential and impact of black men as leaders in our society.

Presented by Alexander Lowe

Choice Session 7 (Friday, 10:20 am to 11:20 am)

Whether attending class in person or through digital platforms, more than 34,500 total students are enrolled in Grand Valley's 80 charter public schools. During the 2021-2022 school year, a little more than half of our students (56 percent) enrolled in schools located within Wayne County, which includes Detroit and many of its metropolitan communities. More than one-fifth of our students (22 percent) enrolled in schools found in the three West Michigan counties that house Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Holland. In total, you could find at least one GVSU charter public school in 16 counties across Michigan's lower peninsula. 61% of the students served by GVSU charter public schools are Black.

One of the most important responsibilities charter school authorizers have is ensuring the students they serve are growing academically. One of the most important responsibilities the academic leaders of our schools have is ensuring that students are served equitably.

Join a representation of our educators to discuss how our GVSU charter public schools work to identify systemic barriers to equitable education within their schools and communities, and how they have deconstructed systems and policies to better serve Black boys.

Presented by 

Facilitator:  Shawn Leonard, Executive Director of School Quality, National Heritage Academies

Panelists:

Mia Clark-Grissom, School Leader, Muskegon Covenant Academy

Trevon Hobson, Student Advisor, Kalamazoo Covenant Academy

Eddie Harris, Teacher, Excel Charter Academy

Aquan Grant, Director of School Quality, National Heritage Academies

This session is designed to address the identified challenges and barriers to the progress and success of Black boys and men in both academic and community settings. The purpose of this presentation is to develop collaborations with the session participants to develop strategies that will equip educators, stakeholders, and community members with real-life applications that will produce positive equitable outcomes for academic, social, and overall life success for Black males.

Presented by Dr. David Flowers

It seems like it's getting harder and harder to effectively connect with Black Boys and Men. But it's not. All you need is a window and a mirror. We will explore the Power skills to successfully interact with Black Boys and Men in schools, families and communities. You will leave this session with concrete strategies and tools to better dialogue, empathize, problem solve, love and protect our Black Kings.

Presented by Dr. Jason McGhee

In this Session, we will engage in how Battle Creek Central High School has used the Liberatory Design Framework, practices from Dr. Chris Emdin's "For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood," and student experience surveys to create classroom spaces of inclusion. Through this process, educators will be able to rebuild systems of equitable change in the classroom by empowering teachers and students to have the agency to co-create a more equitable learning environment.

Presented by Tyler Gilland

Panel of university/college students who will share their experiences with young learners. 

Presented by Adam Harris & Alexander Lowe

Black transgender and gender non-conforming people face some of the highest levels of discrimination of all transgender people. Unemployment, housing instability, poverty, harassment and anti-trans violence are all much higher for trans and gender non-conforming Black people. Why? In a world that habitually underserves and marginalizes Black folks the impact is even greater as the Black community itself holds a stiff misogynoir view that all but leaves trans people invisible. Sit with the facilitator for this workshop to hear one perspective on how their community has harmed and supported them throughout life and how you too can be empowered to be a better, more open-minded person.

Presented by DL McKinney



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