Speakers announced for symposium in Battle Creek

May 19, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 17)

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The keynote speakers at the fifth annual Black Boys and Men National Symposium, June 10-12 in Battle Creek, will advance conversations and strategies that drive meaningful, equitable change in education.

New to southwest Michigan this year, the symposium's mission remains the same: three days of connection and action focused on transforming the systems that shape the lives of Black boys and men.

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures, said: “These keynote speakers will do more than inspire. They will challenge participants to think deeply, lead with clarity and leave with defined action steps to take back and do the work required to change trajectories for Black boys.”

Walter M. Kimbrough will open the symposium with a presentation, "Where the Work Begins." Kimbrough is a nationally recognized scholar whose research focuses on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African American men in college. 

Steve Pemberton, bestselling author and founder & CEO of The Lighthouse Academy, returns for a second year. A sought-after speaker, Pemberton shares practical insights on leadership, workplace culture and human potential. 

Motivational speaker Steve Perry will include a panel discussion during his presentation, focusing on moving conversations beyond awareness to practical actions, partnerships and approaches that can improve outcomes.

Register for the symposium at the Double Tree by Hilton Battle Creek, 50 Capital Ave. SW.

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