Bro. Tracy Morris receives award at African American Male Intergenerational Conference

The 2nd Annual African American Male Intergenerational Conference , sponsored by the Facilitator Group, under the dynamic leadership of Ambrose Brodus, was held May 21st and 22nd at the ECC Campus. Conference co-sponsors were Educational Cultural Complex (ECC), Neighborhood House Association and Neighborhood Unity Foundation. The Conference theme was “From Boys to Men: Understanding Our Legacy and Responsibility.” This conference was an initiative to mobilize the African American male population, their families and others in a community wide collaborative effort to address the enormous problems confronting African American youth today. Additionally, the conference continues to promote the creation of a community atmosphere that encourages preventive action to achieve this goal. The keynote speaker, Michael Brunker, Executive Director of the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, gave a powerful address as he highlighted issues facing African American youth today both in San Diego and nationwide. He sent out the call for ‘lifeguards’ who will stand up and help our youth in this day and time.

Friday night featured a celebration of excellence in the African American Community. Unsung Heroes were recognized for their tremendous contribution of service to others. The Facilitator Group’s definition of an “unsung hero” simply characterizes an individual or group as one who consistently provides an essential support service that enhances the education, health, moral, and spiritual development of the recipient. Unsung Hero Award recipients were: Tracy Morris of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Robert Robinson of The United African American Ministerial Action Council and Stefan Wilson of Overcoming Gangs and Beyond.

Lincoln High School graduating seniors Dimitre Allen and Kijontray (KJ) McClay and Morse High School ’s Dominique R. Brewington each received book grants of $300 to assist them as they pursue higher education.

The audience enjoyed talented musical selections by accomplished recording artist Jason Brown (Acoustic Guitar/Saxophonist), and uplifting message of the greatness within each of us from Tommy Ford, acclaimed actor from film, stage and television shows Martin, and New York Undercover.

The Saturday session included a high-powered panel which featured Dr. John Ringgold, Bethel Baptist Church , Cecil Steppe, Retired County Chief Probation Officer and Donta Pride, Attorney at Law. The panelist addressed the topic, “African American Males and the Criminal Justice System.” Well over 150 people attended the two-day conference.

Morning solution finder workshop leaders included Dr. Joe Fulcher (Education), Leon Brooks and Ashton Fulcher (Roles and Relationships), Dr. Nketi Forbang, Stefan Wilson and LeMar Slater (Health). Afternoon workshops were lead by Deacon Rodney Collins and Deacon Ernest Taylor (Faith Based and Community Partners), Jeffrey Jackson (Economic Stability), Leonard Thompson, III, Dejuan Hoggard, and guests (Black Images In Media).

Conference attendees also enjoyed a guided tour of the state of the art Complex Skills Center , newly constructed on the ECC Campus by Dr. Bob Parker.

The Black American Political Association of California, San Diego served as conference as hosts. The lunch hour was an opportunity to continue the morning discussions over delicious dining catered by Mr. & Mrs. Martin and Delois Bellamy’s Catering.

The Facilitator Group will be carefully coordinating efforts to publish each of the novel and innovative solution developed in the workshops. Results of the conference survey will also provide valuable insight on daily realities for African American males in San Diego . This document will be made available to the entire San Diego community.

For more information on this conference or publication, please send inquiry to aamiSD@gmail.com or contact via phone at (619) 665-2595.

Photos:

	Lemar Slater presents Robert Robinson of The United African American Ministerial Action Council with the Unsung Hero Award.
	Robert Robinson of The United African American Ministerial Action Council acceptance speech
	Lemar Slater presents Tracy Morris of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. with the Unsung Hero Award.
	Bro. Tracy Morris of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc excites conference attendees with his inspring acceptance of the Unsung Hero Award.
	Lemar Slater presents Stefan Wilson of Overcoming Gangs and Beyond with the Unsung Hero Award