Black males in the media: From Compton, Calif., to the White House

How can we send young African American males to college instead of prison? What impact does the news media have on their identity and trajectory? What are the ways they can engage for empowerment and not self-destruction? These are among the topics that make up the collective dialogue of The University of Akron’s ninth annual Black Male Summit, taking place April 8-9 at the John S. Knight Center and on campus.

With renowned speakers hailing from settings ranging from Compton, Calif., to the White House to Northeast Ohio, the national conference is open to all high school and college students as well as educators, administrators, community members, families and those committed to supporting, encouraging and celebrating black male success. Last year’s sold-out event attracted more than 1,600 attendees from around the country.

Prominent broadcasters will examine how news media today influences black male identity.

Journalists to share their perspectives

This year’s Summit is moderated by Russ Mitchell, a journalist best known for his career at CBS and his current role as co-anchor and managing editor of evening news at WKYC-TV 3 (NBC). The nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show” will broadcast live from the Summit on Friday morning, April 8. The keynote speaker at lunch on Friday is Tavis Smiley, broadcaster, author, advocate and philanthropist. On Saturday, April 9, ESPN journalist Stephen A. Smith is the morning’s keynote speaker. The closing keynote speaker on Saturday is Roland Martin, the host and managing editor of TV One’s “News One Now,” the first daily morning news program in history to focus on news and analysis of politics, entertainment, sports and culture from an explicitly African American perspective.

Student success is at the heart of the Black Male Summit. One of this year’s keynote speakers sharing prevailing strategies is, literally, straight out of Compton: Micah Ali, vice president of the Compton Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees. Also speaking on the theme of graduation and student success is Saturday afternoon’s keynote speaker Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, founder and current CEO-president of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB) Organization; Dr. Khalilah A. Shabazz, founder of Student African American Sisterhood National, Inc. (SAAS); Thabiti Boone, a strong supporter for President Barack Obama’s White House Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative; and career educator and trainer Brian Heat, who will speak to high school students at a special session April 8.

‘Cradle-to-Prison Pipeline’

A prominent guest at this year’s Summit on the timely topic of criminal justice is president and CEO of the National Urban League, Marc H. Morial. In addition to sessions during the Summit, Morial, a former mayor of New Orleans, is a keynote speaker for a pre-summit seminar on April 7 titled “Race and Families: The Cradle-to-Prison Pipeline.” Hosted by UA’s School of Law, Center for Family Studies and Office of Inclusion and Equity as well as the Akron Bar Association, the daylong seminar is open to the public (for a fee). Information about registration and a full list of speakers can be found online at Families and Communities Interdisciplinary Seminar.

The power of social engagement to drive positive change is a topic for many speakers and their audiences. Adrian Sims, board member of Hack Cleveland, talks about “Activism: Social, Technological, and Political.” The Rev. Kyle Earley, a leader in the Cleveland Voter Coalition, declares: “It’s Not a Moment, it’s a Movement.” The power of words and how we speak to each other is the topic of “Oh No They Didn’t Just Say That!” with Krischanna Roberson from the Bellevue School District in Washington. “Let’s Rap About It” is a workshop by Ekundayo Igeleke from The Ohio State University who teaches how to use Hip Hop as a tool to build community. Back by popular demand are several sessions of “Thug Life” by Nathan NeJuan from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, who helps young black men explore their anger and use it for personal growth and empowerment.

Legacy Awards

To recognize the achievements of prominent African American males, The University of Akron and the Black Male Summit annually honor three individuals as recipients of the Black Male Summit Legacy Award. The 2016 inductees are: Ed Gilbert, civil rights attorney; Bishop Joey Johnson, theologian and educator; and Dr. Kwame Scruggs, youth empowerment and community activist. The induction takes place at the lunch on Friday, April 8. To learn about the inductees and a new scholarship for African American male high school seniors established in honor of Legacy Award recipients, visit Black Male Summit Legacy Awards online.

Black Male Summit events include more than 60 panel discussions, breakout sessions and workshops April 8-9, at The John S. Knight Center and The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. Registration includes meals for both days, and prices break down as follows: general, community members and guests: $60; UA faculty, staff, contract professionals and high school students: $20; and non-UA college students: $30. The reservation deadline is March 30. Registration and information, including a list of hotel and transportation partners, is available on the Black Male Summit website.

Media contact: Lisa Craig, 330-972-7429 or lmc91@uakron.edu.