Leadership and Brotherhood Summit for young men of color

The Milwaukee Public Schools Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement (BLMA) is actively engaged in a community- wide effort to support the leadership development, enhance the academic success, and affirm the cultural identity and dignity of Black, Latino, and First Nations male youth. As part of BLMA’s second year of programming, a summit was hosted at Marquette University for 250 MPS youth. Students toured the campus, took part in panels and workshops, and participated in activities for personal growth.

Attendees had time to reflect on their personal goals and learn how to map their path to success and also heard from expert speakers about ways that personal growth has the potential to impact the entire community. Students were presented with examples of youth leadership and encouraged to support a cause that impacts themselves, their families, or their neighborhoods.

Sessions available to students offered topics such as financial security, college admissions, youth activism, criminal justice reform, masculinity, servant leadership, civic pride, and being an individual of positive influence. Topics were selected based on the 2018–19 theme, “Brothers United for Change.”

“It’s absolutely critical that the male youth of Milwaukee see successful leaders who look like themselves,” said Lanelle Ramey, Director, Black and Latino Male Achievement. “Our young men need to know that their potential is unlimited. This summit helps them wrap their arms around future possibilities.”