Reflecting on “The Black Man Can” Event: Celebrating Empowerment and Community

Last Friday afternoon, Dr. Michael Stevens, Executive Director of CYDC, and Gavin Ware, Managing Director of External Affairs, accompanied by four dedicated Americorps members attended  “The Black Man Can” event hosted by the  White House Office of Public Engagement, in collaboration with Stephen K. Benjamin, Assistant to the President & Senior Advisor for Public Engagement. This gathering, held in the distinguished Eisenhower Executive Office Building within the White House complex,  spotlighted the remarkable contributions of Black men across various sectors of society & industry.

At the heart of the event was to amplify the voices and achievements of Black men in fields spanning business, sports, arts, culture, and academia. With Michael Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, as one of the event speakers; the panel discussion, moderated by OPE Director Steve Benjamin; and featured guests such as Jason Wright, President of the Washington Commanders; Olajuwon Ajanaku, Founder of Eastside Golf; Jarrid Tingle, Managing Partner at Harlem Capital; and Dr. Brandon Frame, Founder of TheBlackManCan Inc. Their collective wisdom and experiences showcased the  resilience, innovation, and leadership within the Black community in DC.

“The Black Man Can.” event was a great opportunity for our invited corps members to network and connect with the other college students, young professionals, recent graduates, industry leaders, cultural influencers, and community organizations also in attenndance.

Stay tuned for more updates about CYDC unwavering commitment to equity, empowerment, and community engagement.

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