Bro. Mark Blackshear organizes third annual Youth Summit
Caring Helpers Leadership Training, a program of Mental Health Systems Inc., in partnership with the San Diego Commission on Gang Intervention and Prevention held the;
3rd Annual Youth Summit
“Embracing Diversity”
On June 23rd 2010 from 10am-3pm
at the Balboa Park Hall of Champions
Approximately 500 community leaders, faith-based and community organizations, youth, adults, and family members came together to be "Touched, Moved and Inspired" . This year’s youth summit showcased the most innovative programs, performers, and agencies throughout San Diego County. The event centered around--and was led by--YOUTH. It’s hard to not want to tell every wonderful detail about this year’s summit, which included dancing, steel drums, poetry, and singing. The event opened with Bonnie Dumanis’ Lincoln High School Youth Advisory Council and their 4 or 40 video; and it included Commissioner Chris Yanov’s inspiring Hero presentation.
We were grateful for the presence of James Lepanto, Senior Vice President of MHS Inc, Alfredo Aguirre, Deputy Director of Children Mental Health, as well as Commissioners Fred Sotelo, Rosa Ana Lozada, and Benny Benavidez, who met with organizations and talked with youth. JJ Anderson assisted in event preparation with the Lincoln High School Advisory Council. Capt. McKinney and other law enforcement officers from the Mid City Police Dept. were there in support of the Youth Voice Program. Other Law enforcement officers present were San Diego’s Asst. Chief of Police Zimmerman, Capt. McElroy from the Southeastern Div. and Sgt. Pace from Juvenile Administration.
Our thanks go out to everyone who supported and participated in this successful event and we want to give a BIG thank you to Lynn Sharpe-Underwood with the San Diego Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention for her collaboration efforts with this years event.
Mark Blackshear
Youth Leadership Trainer
Mental Health Systems Inc.
Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Lambda Iota Chapter
Mark Blackshear the organizer of the event became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in the Spring of 2006 under the Lambda Iota Chapter of San Diego State University. In 2007 Mark became the chapter president and instituted the Youth Summit as their signature Social Action Program of the Year. In its 3rd year in operation the Youth Summit has grown larger each year. In addition to organizing the event, Mark along with members of the Lambda Iota Chapter put on a step performance expressing the African Tradition of the Gumboot Dance and how it relates to African American Greek Culture today.
For more information call:
858-292-0903 ext 110
