[Photo credit: Young Black Males Conference]
The conference, scheduled for February 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, will welcome over 200 young men from 8th grade through college level, primarily from Pasadena Unified School District and surrounding areas.
The conference will provide essential resources, mentorship, and critical support for young Black males navigating these very challenging times.
The conference has reimagined its theme this year as “Healing, Empowerment & Resilience: Strengthening Our Future,” stretching to ensure the students who attend receive not only academic and career guidance but also mental health support, housing resources, and community engagement to help them move forward.
The program will feature comprehensive workshops focusing on mental health, safety preparedness, financial recovery, and rebuilding after disaster.
Participants will have access to direct connections for housing assistance, counseling services with professionals who understand displacement trauma, scholarships, and financial aid. Employment and career exploration resources will help students plan for a secure future.
Cultural components include panel discussions featuring Black professionals, community leaders, and industry experts sharing strategies for success.
The event will showcase live performances, poetry, and cultural expressions celebrating resilience and unity, culminating in a celebration to restore hope among students.
The Eaton Fire has disrupted education, displaced families, and intensified the need for community support.
Organizers said the Young Black Males Conference is stepping up to help fill this gap by giving young Black males access to resources, healing spaces, and a support network to help them rebuild and reclaim their futures.
Additional information and resources are available through the conference’s website (ybmc.live) and Instagram (@ybmc_socal).
