CLEVELAND — On Saturday, South Euclid nonprofit Young Men Growing and Cuyahoga Community College collaborated to host the Black Male Youth Summit 2024, a day-long event aimed at empowering young Black men from across Northeast Ohio.
3News' Kaitor Kay was given the honor of moderating a panel discussion at the summit entitled "Why Mentorship is Important."
Held at the Tri-C Eastern Campus in Highland Hills, the summit invited Black males aged 13-18 to participate in breakout sessions, meet Northeast Ohio community leaders and enjoy entertainment. Attendees also received free breakfast and lunch.
"Our aim with this event is to provide young men with the opportunity to hear dynamic speakers, connect with local mentors, and receive empowering information that will encourage them to believe in themselves as young black males," Young Men Growing said ahead of the summit.
Parents were also invited to a breakout session about raising young men with Black fathers, educators and leaders.
Young Men Growing was founded in Northeast Ohio by educators Gary Hicks Jr. and Cameron Mathis in 2017. The organization provides financial literacy curriculum, leadership development and social emotional awareness and community engagement programs.
The theme of this year's summit was "No Opportunity Wasted." YMG hopes to make the Black Male Youth Summit and annual event.