Detroit native Jalen Rose, renowned for his NBA career and being an integral part of the University of Michigan’s legendary ‘Fab Five,’ is set to address attendees of the Grand Rapids-based Black Boys and Men National Symposium this summer. This annual event, now in its third year, is organized by Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and aims to empower educators and youth workers with an understanding of how historical realities have shaped the experiences and outcomes for Black boys and men.
Rose is among the three esteemed keynote speakers for this year’s symposium, scheduled to take place at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids from June 12th to 14th. Throughout his NBA career, Rose played for renowned teams such as the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors, showcasing his exceptional skills and earning recognition. The other two keynote speakers are Walter Kimbrough, former President of Philander Smith College, and Rashad Richey, an Emmy-nominated broadcaster, philanthropist, and author.
According to GVSU officials, this three-day symposium is specifically tailored for community leaders and individuals involved in K-12 education, higher education, and youth services. Through a combination of keynote speeches, presentations, and breakout sessions, attendees will delve into ‘the systems that impact the lives of Black boys and men’ and explore strategies for ‘creating equitable transformation through education,’ as stated in a GVSU news release.
B. Donta Truss, GVSU’s Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, emphasizes the significance of providing a holistic perspective on the lives of Black men and boys in diverse contexts. The symposium’s goal, as Truss states, is ‘to share these best practices and give symposium attendees opportunities to sharpen their own toolkits when it comes to helping young people achieve their goals.’
Rose, scheduled to speak on Wednesday, June 12th at 7 p.m., will share his personal experiences and shed light on the systemic barriers that have impacted him and countless other Black boys and men, according to LuWanna Williams, coordinator for GVSU’s HBCU/HSI Pipeline Consortium, who is actively involved in planning the symposium. She further highlights Rose’s focus on addressing issues such as high expulsion and disciplinary rates among Black boys, advocating for positive behavioral interventions and restorative justice practices.
Additionally, Rose will emphasize the crucial need for increased college enrollment and address the underemployment challenges faced by Black men. He will underscore the vital role that educators, community leaders, and mentorship programs play in providing unwavering support and guidance to empower and uplift Black boys and men, maximizing their potential for success.
Born and raised in Detroit, Rose was an integral part of Michigan’s famed ‘Fab Five’ recruiting class that debuted in 1991, making an indelible mark on the game of basketball. He was drafted in the NBA’s first round in 1994, embarking on a successful 13-year professional basketball career. Upon retiring from the NBA in 2007, Rose transitioned into broadcasting, spending 16 years as a lead sports analyst on ABC and ESPN, gracing a variety of network shows. He also collaborated with the New York Post on ‘Renaissance Man,’ a weekly column and podcast series that provided insightful perspectives on sports and beyond. In 2015, Rose authored the New York Times Bestseller ‘Got to Give the People What They Want,’ sharing his unique experiences and insights.
Beyond his accomplishments on the court and in the broadcast booth, Rose is also the founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a tuition-free, open enrollment public charter high school located in Northwest Detroit. Established in 2011, the academy now serves approximately 410 students, providing them with a transformative educational experience.
Reflecting on last year’s success, the Black Boys and Men National Symposium drew nearly 400 attendees, underscoring its impact and relevance. Below are brief profiles of the other two esteemed keynote speakers who will grace the stage at the June symposium:
– Walter Kimbrough: Former President of Philander Smith College, Kimbrough is a renowned scholar, author, and thought leader in the field of education. His expertise in understanding and addressing the educational disparities faced by students of color has earned him widespread recognition and respect.
– Rashad Richey: An Emmy-nominated broadcaster, philanthropist, and author, Richey is the founder and CEO of the Rashad Richey Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth through education, mentorship, and leadership development programs. His unwavering commitment to uplifting underserved communities has made him a respected advocate for social justice and educational equity.
Registration for the three-day symposium is currently priced at $550, increasing to $700 after May 17th. The registration window closes on June 7th. GVSU offers a discounted student rate for educators who wish to bring high school students to the event. Interested individuals can register through GVSU’s official website.
In addition to the keynote addresses, the symposium will feature a diverse array of breakout sessions, engaging presentations, and the annual Sneaker Ball, a popular adult-only evening fundraiser. Attendees of the Sneaker Ball are encouraged to showcase their favorite sneakers while enjoying a ‘Soleful Party with a Purpose.’ Tickets for the Sneaker Ball are priced at $125, with proceeds benefiting GVSU’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. However, symposium registrants are not required to purchase a ticket to attend the ball.
GVSU has announced the lineup of featured presenters for the symposium, including Reggie Beaty, Tony Owens, Tarita Johnson, and Damon F. Arnold. These esteemed individuals will share their expertise and insights, further enriching the symposiums agenda.
For more comprehensive information on the 2024 Black Boys and Men National Symposium, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official GVSU website at gvsu.edu/bbms/
