City Announces Community Conversations Initiative to Engage Men and Boys of Color and Connect Them to Leaders, Resources and Information
Philadelphia – Today, Mayor Jim Kenney joined the Office of Black Male Engagement (OBME) to announce the launch of Community Conversations. The initiative is a monthly forum where community leaders and concerned citizens discuss challenges, opportunities, and solutions to dismantling inequities that impact the lives of men and boys of color in the Philadelphia.
“I’m excited and pleased about the launch of these conversations, and the opportunity to host consistent and centralized men and boys of color to connect with leaders to get their voices and stories heard,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.
Forged by a partnership between the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement and the Community College of Philadelphia’s Center for Male Engagement, Community Conversations is a platform to engage Philadelphians and leaders who work for and with our communities of men and boys of color.
“Community Conversations will be intergenerational, resource focused and informative. The community-focused design is key and necessary to tackling some of the challenges that face Philadelphia’s black and brown men,” said Jack Drummond, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement.
Held monthly at the Community College of Philadelphia, Community Conversations will focus discussions around education, economic development, justice and health and wellness. CCP students will also take part in gathering information about the participants that will inform subsequent Community Conversations event, as well as providing information and resources to all participants and interested residents. The goals of these conversations are to foster spaces for participants to get valuable information from leaders in the community and to connect leaders to the real life issues and stories from men and boys of color.
The first Community Conversation will be held January 18, 2017, 6pm at Community College of Philadelphia, Great Hall – Winnet Student Life Building. The education-focused discussion will include Otis Hackney, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Education. The event is free, and interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP to jack.drummond@phila.gov.
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The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement is dedicated to closing the opportunity divide for men & boys of color. Click HERE For more information about OBME and Community Conversations.
The Community College of Philadelphia values community engagement and service as an important part of its mission. The institution addresses broad economic, cultural and political concerns in the city and beyond through a variety of community service initiatives. More information about CCP’s Center for Male Engagement can be found HERE.