About the Summit on Black Male Youth

The African American Male Initiative (AAMI) began in 2012 at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The AAMI is a consortium of campus and community partners who provide a pathway of support to Black male students in middle and high schools. The overall goal is to complete high school, enter post-secondary education, and identify career possibilities through mentoring and career readiness workshops. Key AAMI partners include The City of Milwaukee’s Black Male Achievement Initiative, Community Advocates, and the Boys and Men of Color Initiative.

The AAMI started its work by gathering over 100 African-American males, between the ages of 12-16, to listen to their stories about their desire to make life in Milwaukee better. From that conversation, the idea of a Summit on Black Male Youth was identified to be the next step to continue the dialogue, and to channel the students’ creative energies toward degree/certificate completion and career choice.

Starting in December 2013, the AAMI hosted its first annual Summit and convened middle and high school students from across southeastern Wisconsin along with presenters, teachers, counselors, and community leaders. As news of the Summit spread, more schools expressed an interest to attend, including schools from northern Illinois.

The Summit’s work group has 35 members which include Student Representatives, Curtis Marshal – representing the Governor’s office, Mike Williams – representing Milwaukee County, Ald. Ashanti Hamilton – representing the Mayor’s Office, UW Credit Union, United Way, the City of Milwaukee, Social Development Commission, Milwaukee Public Schools Team Gear-Up, Running Rebels, Johnson Controls, and UW-Green Bay.

During the Summit, students participate in workshops, which include, The Evolution of the African American Male, The Effects of Continuous Trauma, First Generation Go to College Now, Money Matters, and Becoming a Young Black Male.

The sixth annual Summit on Black Male Youth featured sessions on Black Men in Science and Medicine, Setting Goals for the Future, ABCs of College Admission, Life After High School – Post High-School Reality, and Living in Color.