Philadelphia’s first Black Male Engagement summit centers resources, mentorship and opportunity

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The Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement held its first State of Opportunity for African American Males and Allies summit on Saturday, bringing together Black men and boys for a day centered on resources, mentorship and opportunity.

Held at Girard College, the event featured sessions on health and wellness, reentry and reintegration, artificial intelligence, homeownership, education and mentorship.

Abu Edwards, OBME director, said conversations about the challenges Black men face led to the summit’s creation.

“People were just talking about the issues impacting Black men, and then folks were talking about being just disconnected from opportunities,” he said.

The event was the first of its kind for the office established in 2016 under previous Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney.

“The office is dedicated to transforming the narratives around African American men and boys and how society and life affect them,” said Terrance Turner, an OBME intern.

Turner said the municipal office also works to reduce economic and social disparities affecting men and boys of color, and that it’s only one of three of its kind in the United States.

In addition to the summit, the office works with high school students through mentorship initiatives and community outreach.

For Markee Marshall, an attendee from West Philadelphia, the summit offered networking opportunities as he continues on his path toward becoming an attorney.

“I wanted to be surrounded by Black men,” Marshall said. “I heard that it was going to be a lot of resources.”

Marshall said he was particularly interested in the summit’s reentry session because of his previous work experience in juvenile justice and reentry.

“I just want to stick with that,” Marshall said. “Help out the city of Philadelphia with the youth because I’ve been there.”

For Edwards, who also leads the Mayor’s Commission on African American Males, establishing connections is exactly what he envisioned the inaugural summit would accomplish.

He said he wanted attendees, particularly young Black men, to leave with people in their corner who could continue helping them after the event.

“I hope they connect with a mentor,” Edwards said. “I hope they connect with somebody that they can learn from, and I hope they connect with somebody who can give them an opportunity.”