Community speakers gave empowering words and positive energy during opening remarks as the summit began. From the floor speaking is Alfonzo Watkins, a graduate of UWM and a professional counselor. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
A high school student claps in the crowd with his peers for the organizers and speakers. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
The UWM African American Male Initiative organizes the summit, bringing in presenters from the community and the university to engage, inform and build confidence in the young men from schools across southeastern Wisconsin. Day one attendees were high schoolers, pictured here, and day two attendees were middle schoolers. Event coordinators estimate that more than 1,200 students attended the event. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Kwabena Antoine Nixon, a poet and community leader, teaches young people about their potential and reminds them they are distinguished. Nixon is one of the founders of Flood the Hood With Dreams — an initiative that shows at-risk youth how to reduce violence through conflict resolution training and poetry workshops. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
The young men gather arm in arm in solidarity and support for one another. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Jacarrie Carr, a graduate of UWM and CEO of the nonprofit Jacarrie’s Kicks for Kids, hosted the workshop “The Scariest Thing In America Is An Educated Black Man.” Around 200 young men attended his workshop, and the room hit capacity. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Students listen intently during Jacarrie Carr's workshop. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Larry Burton has the young men play out different conversations and scenarios in his workshop, "Interpersonal Communication Styles-Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive," to display good responses and verbal skills. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Terry Johnson hosts the workshop "Money Matters" in the Union Cinema. The workshop taught the pros and cons of having a credit card, the advantages of a bank account and the financial pitfalls of quick check cashing services. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Terry Johnson hosts the workshop "Money Matters" in the Union Cinema. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Eugene Cherry, a recent UWM grad, shares his knowledge in the workshop "Black Men in Science and Medicine." Cherry also tells students about the opportunities in the medical field and the lack of black male presence he's witnessed in his schooling and field, and how that can change with the young men in the audience. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Brandon Savage, a social worker with experience in the mental health field and in the educational system, speaks honestly with the young men about life after high school and the realities of life after high school that are often not discussed. (UWM Photo/Elora Hennessey)
Over 1,200 young men gathered at the UWM campus March 18 and 19 for the sixth annual Summit on Black Male Youth, designed for high school and middle school students. The turnout was the largest ever for the event.
This year’s theme, “Black Boys Thriving: Reimagining the Narrative,” was designed to expose young men to options and opportunities for their futures, according to Gary Williams, one of the organizers along with Jim Hill and Ramona Sledge. Williams is an associate professor of educational policy and community studies and director of the Institute for Intercultural Research.
Among this year’s presentations from campus and community mentors were 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, Money Matters and Living in Color.
