Male Students Empowered at Black and Brown Summit
Cleveland, Ohio – Friday, October 6, 2023
Written by Sopufa Whyte
Career Specialist Instructor at Lincoln West School of Global Studies
On October 5, 2023, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) and Lincoln West Global Studies (LWGS) joined forces to provide a life-changing experience for male students by participating in the Black and Brown Summit held at Tri-C. The event focused on empowering young men of color through inspirational talks and interactive workshops, offering them valuable insights and tools for personal and professional growth.
The Black and Brown Male Summit, hosted by Cuyahoga Community College, aims to address the national problem of a lack of student success in the areas of persistence, retention and graduation for African-American and Latino males. Their mission is to close the achievement gap by bringing together high school and college students, business professionals, educators, government officials and community leaders from Northeast Ohio and beyond. The overarching goal of the conference is to introduce participants to accomplished professional men and programs geared to help black and brown men succeed in high school and college.
The students were given the unique opportunity to hear from a lineup of accomplished men of color, including keynote speaker Mark Granville, Manager of Franchise Partnerships for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mr. Granville's keynote address was a powerful testament to the potential and possibilities that await every young person, regardless of background. His journey from adversity to success resonated deeply with the attendees, illustrating that with determination and vision, any obstacle can be overcome. Mr. Granville shared his journey, highlighting the keys to his success and emphasizing the importance of perseverance, education, and community involvement.
The summit also featured a series of engaging workshops designed to address various aspects of personal development. These sessions covered topics such as overcoming adversity, fostering growth, and maintaining physical and mental wellness. Led by experienced facilitators, the workshops provided practical strategies and actionable steps for the students to implement in their own lives.
As the Career Specialist Instructor at Lincoln West School of Global Studies, I express my enthusiasm for the event. The Black and Brown Summit is a testament to the commitment of Y.O.U. and Lincoln West Global Studies to provide our young men with the tools and inspiration they need to succeed. We believe in the potential of every student, and events like these create opportunities for them to realize their dreams.
Mr. Teroy Wade, Intervention Specialist at Lincoln West School of Global Studies, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impact of mentorship and positive role models in shaping the future of these young men. "Events like the Black and Brown Summit provide our students with invaluable exposure to successful individuals who look like them and have overcome similar challenges. This experience fosters a sense of possibility and shows them that their dreams are within reach."
Youth Opportunities Unlimited and Lincoln West School of Global Studies are committed to nurturing the potential of young people and equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. The success of the Black and Brown Summit is a testament to their dedication to empowering youth and creating opportunities for growth and success.