Download the conference booklet

Join us on the campus of The University of Akron to hear nationally renowned speakers, educational leaders, practitioners and students explore the critical issues impacting black males in higher education.

Keynote speakers

• Dr. Randal Pinkett, co-founder, chairman and CEO of BTC Partners, and Season 4 winner on NBC's "The Apprentice;"
• Dr. Joseph White, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California - Irvine;
• Dr. R.A. Vernon, founder and senior pastor of The Word Church; and
• Brian Heat, educator, entrepreneur and founder of Saint Gabrielle Street & Co. and New Media Inspirational Entertainment LLC.

See bios of the speakers.

Download the conference booklet, which contains details of all speaker and sessions.

Who should attend

Students, especially African American males, are strongly encouraged to attend. Also, those who should be in attendance include:

• Individuals interested in the recruitment, retention and graduation of African American males at colleges and universities.
• Senior-level administrators
• Guidance counselors
• Community leaders
• Concerned parents
• Faculty

Conference topics

• Retention, Graduation and Engagement
• Healthy Relationships
• Career and Professional Development
• Fatherhood Initiatives
• Mentoring
• Health Issues
• Goal Attainment
• Entrepreneurism
• Identity Development and Masculinity
• Economic Empowerment and Debt Management
• Spirituality

Schedule of events and sessions

For a detailed description of sessions, times and locations click here.

Friday, April 13, 2012

• 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Check-in
• 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Opening Keynote Address
• 2:00-3:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
• 3:30-4:45p.m. Concurrent Sessions

Saturday, April 14, 2012

• 8:30-11:30 a.m. Check-in
• 9:00-9:45 a.m. Opening Plenary Session
• 10:00-11:15 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
• 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
• 1:00-2:30 p.m. Lunch and Keynote Address
• 2:45-4:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
• 4:15-4:45 p.m. Closing Keynote Speaker
• 5:00-6:00 p.m. Closing Reception

All events will be held in the Student Union, unless otherwise stated. (See the Student Union on a map.)

Roo Express Information
The Roo Express will be making continuous stops from the pick up location
on the first floor of the Student Union during the following times:

Friday, April 13, 2012
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
5:00 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, April 14, 2012
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Roo Express will go from the Student Union to Quaker Square Inn to the Akron Ramada and will return back to the Student Union.

Please Note:  The front lit portion will say “special event” and a sign on the side of the bus will say “Black Male Summit.” Be sure to have your registration badge to show the driver.

Hotel information
A block of rooms is also available at the Akron Ramada (formally the City Center Hotel) for the rate of $75 per night for a standard single/double room. Rooms will be held until April 9. For more information, call 330-384-1500 or visit the Akron Ramada website. 

See a full list of hotels in the Akron area.

Interested in a table at the Black Male Summit? Exhibitor space information.

For more information: contact bms@uakron.edu or 330-972-6446.