“It is held in Grand Rapids, and led by GVSU because we believe the work is extremely important and we believe we have the ability to impact success outcomes in this West Michigan, Grand Rapids Space.”
That’s Dr. B. Donta Truss is Grand Valley’s Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach. He says this week’s 3rd annual Black Boys and Men National Symposium is geared toward community leaders and people who work in K-12 education, higher ed and youth services with the goal of enduring pathways to success for Black Boys and Men.
“We’ve looked at success indicators for this particular population, they don’t look well, across the country, and so we want again to be an influencer, so more can be heard, elevated and the paths can be clearer to success.”
Speakers and presenters, Dr. Truss says, will provide a holistic look at the lives of Black Men and boys in a variety of contexts; to again help those doing the work in community; those walking alongside black boys and men.
Keynote speakers include Jalen Rose, from U of M’s Fab five, Walter Kimbrough, and Rashad Richey, an Emmy nominated broadcaster.
“So, as we do that work, we’ve invited some great keynote speaker to speak to those persons but provide them with skills and new understanding that will allow them to do this work better.”
The symposium will be held Wednesday through Friday at the Amway Grand Plaza.
