In its mission to embolden Black male student success at California’s community colleges, A²MEND held its 15th Annual Summit in Los Angeles in March. Themed “A Radical Reimagination of Black Male Student Success,” the three-day conference drew about 1,000 college students and educators from across the state.
The Summit’s opening day featured inspirational speeches from African American community college leaders who rallied the crowd in the spirit of brotherhood and support of the Black male collegiate experience. The rallying speeches were followed by a panel of impact leaders – actor and author Hill Harper, educator Dr. Christopher Emdin and businesswoman Ivy McGregor – who all led a thought-provoking discussion about radically reimagining Black male student success.
Prior to the panelist segment, A²MEND President Dr. Amanuel Gebru announced the organization’s recent land purchase in Ghana and its plans to build the A²MEND Racial Trauma and Wellness Retreat Center. In support of A²MEND’s land acquisition effort, panelist Hill Harper publicly pledged to underwrite the costs to purchase the remaining three acres of the Ghanaian property.
Also during the Summit, A²MEND’s leadership presented $50,000 in scholarships to deserving students who are currently mentored through the organization. The students will use the funds to pursue their studies in community colleges or further their education at four-year universities.
The Summit additionally featured a student panel who discussed ways that African American students can thrive in California’s community college system. Students also were encouraged to visit a career fair as well as a college recruitment fair organized by A²MEND. The event’s pre-conference day hosted the Women’s Leadership Institute to give African American female college educators an opportunity to network and discuss topics related to Black women in higher education.