The African American Male Empowerment Summit was held on July 28-29, 2000. This summit was held in Harlem, USA to educate black communities on business, youth development, fatherhood, the prison industrial complex, relationship building, mentoring, technology and community development. This was an informative meeting where thousands of American males came together to learn new ways that they can improve themselves and their community. Those who attended the Friday night opening sessions of the conference came for many different reasons. A number of different messages were given to the youths and the community as well. The theme of the Summit was to discover Your Unique Talents, Apply yourself, and be a leader.

William A. Rogers, Director of Urban affairs at City College, was responsible for setting up the whole program. He is planning programs for youths so they can become young entrepreneurs in their communities. The message that he brings to the youths is try to make it so that young people are not blamed for the problems that are caused by those who are running society. He also stated that, to be successful as a leader in the community, you have to understand yourself and who you are. Once you do that you are ready for the other challenges that come up. He is a positive black man trying to do something positive for the community.

Teacher

Another attendee of the summit was Darryl Mack, a teacher from the Yonkers Public Schools. He was there for fellowship and to receive some insight in how to empower his community and help make a difference. He thinks it takes a conscious effort from everyone to bring finances to the community to get better businesses. He stated that the state needs to step up their role in contributing more resources for inner city schools, implement programs and help uplift and improve the conditions of the schools. As for being a successful father and leader in the community, he stated that youths need more positive role models in the community. If they don't see this in their community, how can they be successful?

Women

Even though it was a male empowerment summit there were some women who came out to support the cause as well. Maatu King, a young black lady, came to see how to empower the community. She stated that while black women are essential to the home, the black man is essential to the foundation of the home. Black men should empower black women. She also stated that if you want to attract business to the community, we have to identify ourselves as a community that is not about drugs or crime. She was every emotional about the topics; the community needs more people like that.

WBR Radio

Cassandra B.Whiype is from WBR radio at City College. Her radio station has a lot of interactions with youth. She advises youths to get mentors because mentors can help them a lot in life. Mentors have probably been down that road or know what you're going through and can help you. I think she is absolutely right with her advice. She also said that we need to be an expert at something the world could use. She went on to say that black people are the only people in the world that speak one language, that we need to go out and learn another language.

Public Relations

Terrie Williams, one of the best-known public relations persons today, also attended the summit. She came to support the brothers, meet and talk with other people, contribute her experiences and be uplifted by the speakers. She stated that you can't pay anyone back but that you must pass your skills on to somebody else. She also stated that, in order to be successful, you must leave no stone unturned, make sure you study your craft, treat everyone with respect and courtesy, be nice to people and remember to say thank you.

Artist

Sir Shadow, artist who those flowtry which is poetry and art together; came out to support the brothers as well. His art work is what he contributes to the community. He puts all his heart, joy, beauty and inspiration into his work so he can show people they can play a part in whatever they want to do. He says that our art is our weapon. It gives us the will to live everyday, the inspiration and shows what you do with your time.

Photojournalist

Mark Perez attended the summit with positive profiles of America. He is a photo- journalist for Next Stop magazine. He came to spread the message of his contributions and his work in the community. His message to the youths is to get involved in the community by volunteering and get help or in touch with the elders in the community.

Johnnie Walker Black Label

Kwesi J. Fraser attended the summit for sponsor Johnnie Walker Black Label. This is their third annual sponsorship of The African American Male Empowerment Summit and the message "Fathering for the New Millennium." He feels that there are a whole bunch of roadblocks for young fathers in the community. He said there are a host roadblocks that are cyclical in nature and come up when you are born. It depends what your scenario is and what you are faced with, how you are raised and poor schooling. He stated that the most important factor is yourself; the only limits on you are the ones you set upon yourself. The most important statement that was made by.... was that we must fill out census and vote in mass for one person and let that person know that you're supporting them due to several criteria. That causes the person to act and respond to his supporters. He declared "it's like what Jay-Z said a closed mouth does not get fed."

Walk the talk

Kemiko Lawrence attended the summit because her husband is the producer of the summit and came to support him. She stated that to help the community, we need to network with others and teach kids the value of owning their own businesses and that technology is the key. If we're not online then we will be left out of line. Her statements are very informative to the community, all people have to do is take action. She also stated that if you want to be a leader in the community, you must lead by example. If you want the youths to be technically smart, you have to be technically smart. If you want the youths to go to school, you need to go to school. You need to do the things you're telling the youth to do and lead by example.

The whole weekend was filled with people giving positive messages to the people in the community, especially the youths. The most important messages given were BE SUCCESSFUL, BE SPIRITUAL, BELIEVE IN YOUR GOD, HAVE FAITH, RESPECT YOURSELF, REMEMBER TO SAY THANKS, PASS ON YOUR SKILLS TO THE NEXT PERSON, GET A MENTOR, BECOME A MENTOR , it can make a huge difference in your life.