UDC President Ronald Mason Jr. joined other prominent Black leaders in the Greater Washington region at the Howard University Armour J. Blackburn University Center on
March 14 for the “Building the Future, Today: Black Excellence in Education” event. Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) sponsored the occasion as part of their VPP+RaiseDC Speaker Series. Over 100 people attended, including UDC staff, educators, and area students.
VPP is a philanthropic investment organization that creates connections and drives actions that improve life outcomes for youth (0-24) in Greater Washington. They approach systems change with a “racial equity lens through cross-sector collaboration and direct investments, focused on early childhood education, boys and young men of color, and career and college readiness.”
The Greater Washington region is home to many African American male college and university leaders. In addition to President Mason, the panel included George Mason University President Dr. Gregory Washington, Howard University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh and University of Maryland Global Campus Ombudsman, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Blair H. Hayes.
President Mason and his esteemed peers led an in-depth conversation about systemic inequities that young men of color often face. They tackled identity and belonging and provided ways in which these young men could increase their chances of success.
The leaders also explained how their respective colleges and universities extend into their communities to uplift and help prepare young men of color. In addition, they highlighted the importance of focusing on their specific needs, such as mentoring and internships.
When one of the students asked how he should prepare for the future, President Mason said, “Always show up; that’s half the battle. Never let anyone outwork you, and always do the best you can every single day.”
Kiye Corbitt, a seventh-grader who attended the event with some of his classmates from the Statesman College Preparatory Academy for Boys, was “excited and blown away.”
“Their advice is so motivating. I learned many life lessons today. I have a lot to think about and use,” he said.
He wasn’t the only one.
Keith L. Alexander, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The Washington Post who moderated the event, also appreciated the panel. “This was the first time I have ever been in the same room with all of these men, and it was truly inspirational,” he said.
VPP+RaiseDC hopes to put together more panels like this in the future.
“We are excited to have assembled this brilliant brain trust for a conversation about these challenges and the opportunities that exist to improve these boys’ experiences as they transition to college and careers,” said President and CEO of VPP+RaiseDC Carol Thompson Cole.
She challenged everyone in attendance to think about how they could all take action – great or small – to improve the outcomes for Black and Latinx/Hispanic boys.
Watch the insightful conversation below.
