The theme of the 17th annual African American Male Summit, “Everybody Can Be Great,” came from a speech by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Those words rang true Jan. 25 at Green Run High School.
More than 350 VBCPS middle and high school students and several School Board members attended the event sponsored by the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Students marched into the school auditorium as the Green Run band played.
Green Run High, along with Green Run Collegiate and administrators, took the lead in organizing this year’s event.
Principal Tennille Bowser issued a greeting.
“We hope today uplifts, inspires and motivates you to step into greatness,” she said.
Superintendent Dr. Donald Robertson Jr. encouraged attendees to “soak up everything you learn today” and share the knowledge with others.
He introduced guest speaker Patrick Duhaney as “an extraordinary leader.”
Duhaney, the first African American to serve as Virginia Beach city manager, shared how his parents moved their family from Jamaica to the U.S. in search of a better life.
The Army veteran said his military experience helped build leadership skills and prepare him to be an effective team leader.
“Always have the courage to do the right thing,” he said. “Give your best to your job, family, and community.”
Students dispersed throughout the school to a variety of sessions designed to help them become future-ready.
Dr. Charles Corprew, who works for an investment firm, returned to his alma mater as a presenter with yoga therapist Brenten Sims and Derrick White, employed by Virginia Beach Child & Youth Behavioral Health Services.
Their session focused on expressing emotions.
“It’s about understanding your feelings, handling them in healthy ways and staying balanced,” White said.
Stay positive, Corprew added. And when you need to turn unpleasant emotions around, “find things that make you happy.”
For example, he once felt better after meeting up with friends following a stressful day at work.
Some of the young men shared examples of ways to diffuse unpleasant feelings, such as playing basketball, listening to jazz music, and cooking.
Ryan Cyrus and Ricky Perry from Navy Federal Credit Union presented “Managing Your Money.”
The seminar focused on the importance of financial health.
“Creating a budget inspires us to be disciplined with our money,” Cyrus said. There were questions about Roth IRAs, investments and other ways to save money.
They discussed credit scores, identity theft, dangers of social media and more.
Brian Jackson II’s middle school workshop topic was goal setting.
“We set goals so we can stay focused on the target,” said Jackson, a VBCPS employee relations specialist.
Some students shared their goals for the future, including going to college and owning a house.
“With the right attitude, right motivation, you can do it,” he told them.
Jackson said the young men have great potential.
“They have dreams and aspirations that are incredibly reachable,” he said. “And now is the time to begin the pathway to success.”
Landstown High seniors Christian Smith and Josiah Brown visited the gym, which was filled with exhibitors from colleges and organizations.
Christian said he learned a lot from meeting the presenters by “understanding how they managed to get where they are in life.”
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity was a vendor.
Members Kevon Easley and Ray Colston were impressed by the attendees.
“They are part of an eager generation looking for a guided pathway to success,” Easley said.
How did the Summit begin?
The first summit was the vision of Jobynia Caldwell, who retired in 2016 after 41 years with VBCPS.
The former Tallwood High School principal attended this year’s event.
She said the goal was to help close achievement gaps for some African American male students through improved grades, increase enrollment in rigorous coursework and leadership opportunities.
“Being in a leadership role makes you want to achieve and belong in school,” she said.
The summit began with about 20 students from four VBCPS high schools and now includes all middle and high schools.
“It makes my heart glad,” she said.