The Black Boys and Men National Symposium will open with Where the Work Begins, a powerful, solutions-driven dialogue moderated by Walter M. Kimbrough, Ph.D. This opening session convenes public-school superintendents for a candid conversation on the current state of Black boys in public education—addressing access and opportunity, leadership and accountability, and long-term outcomes. Designed to move beyond reflection toward responsibility, the discussion sets the tone for the work ahead.

Dr. Kimbrough brings decades of distinguished leadership in student affairs, higher education, and community advocacy to anchor this conversation. A nationally recognized scholar whose research focuses on HBCUs and African American men in college, he has served in senior leadership roles from vice president for student affairs at Albany State University to president of Philander Smith College, where he became one of the youngest college presidents in the nation. His scholarship, lived experience, and unwavering commitment to equity position him to challenge assumptions, surface hard truths, and call participants into meaningful action.

Widely respected as a thought leader and public intellectual, Dr. Kimbrough is also an outspoken advocate on social justice, free speech, and Black male achievement. He is the author of Black Greek 101, a leading authority on African American fraternities and sororities, and a frequent commentator in national media. His leadership has been recognized with honors including Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 and The Grio 100.

Where the Work Begins is not a ceremonial opening—it is a charge. A moment to listen closely, speak honestly, and commit collectively to the work required to change trajectories for Black boys in classrooms, institutions, and communities across the country.

Returning for his second year, Steve Pemberton is a visionary leader, bestselling author, and Founder & CEO of The Lighthouse Academy, a consultancy dedicated to transforming workplace culture and leadership through purpose, connection, and human-centered practices. A former HR executive at Monster.com, Walgreens, and Workhuman, Steve has helped build award-winning organizations recognized for elevating talent, fostering equity, and strengthening human connection at work.

Steve’s extraordinary journey from foster care to national prominence inspired his first book, A Chance in the World, later adapted into a feature film and educational curriculum. His second bestseller, The Lighthouse Effect, empowers individuals to turn personal adversity into purpose, shaping his mission and the foundation of The Lighthouse Academy.

A sought-after speaker across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors, Steve shares practical insights on leadership, workplace culture, and human potential. His contributions have earned numerous honors, including the Horizon Award from the U.S. Congress and the Lifetime Achiever Award from the New England Opportunity Association. He holds honorary doctorates from Boston College, Providence College, and Winston-Salem State University, and serves on several nonprofit boards, including Disability: IN and Boys Hope Girls Hope. Through his work and advocacy, Steve remains committed to ensuring everyone has “A Chance in the World.”

Can You Hear Me Now? Elevating the Voices of Black Men

The symposium will conclude with a featured closing conversation led by Dr. Steve Perry, focused on advancing outcomes and opportunities for Black boys and men.

Dr. Perry will open the session with a TED Talk–style thought leadership segment examining the current state of Black boys and men across education, workforce, and community contexts. This segment will provide an honest framing of challenges while also highlighting opportunities for progress and collective responsibility.

Following this opening segment, Dr. Perry will moderate a panel discussion featuring Black male leaders who will expand on these themes through lived experiences, leadership insights, and solution-oriented strategies. The conversation will intentionally move beyond awareness to focus on practical actions, partnerships, and approaches that can improve outcomes.