Bay Area

Youth Leaders Gather for Local My Brother’s Keeper Summit

The My Brother’s Keeper Bay Area Alliance held its inaugural ‘A3- Awareness, Advocacy, and Action’ Youth Summit on Saturday, March 25, at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. “With a commitment to amplifying the voices of our youth, this event provides students with a seat at the table,” said MBK Bay Area Alliance Executive Director Darryl Richardson.

Published

3 years ago

April 28, 2023

Oakland Post

Guests at the MBK summit included MBK student panelist Hesten Parrish, California Deputy State Controller Hasib Emran, MBK student panelist Esperanza Oden, MBK student panelist Ubadi Egeonu, 49er Alumni Donald Strickland. Photo by Eileen Gazaway.

By Carla Thomas

The My Brother’s Keeper Bay Area Alliance held its inaugural ‘A3- Awareness, Advocacy, and Action’ Youth Summit on Saturday, March 25, at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara.

“With a commitment to amplifying the voices of our youth, this event provides students with a seat at the table,” said MBK Bay Area Alliance Executive Director Darryl Richardson.

The A3 Youth Summit brought together nearly 400 leaders and future leaders ages 13-21 from four Bay Area counties and Sacramento. Young people took part in a full day of workshops to identify opportunities and challenges they face and prioritize the core outcome areas of the national MBK initiative. A youth-led regional listening session provided space for youth to reimagine and discuss barriers they face in their respective communities.

Breakout sessions focused on leadership development, college career exploration, financial literacy, mental health and healing.

During the plenary session, the California Deputy State Controller Hasib Emron spoke, expressing support for MBK Bay Area Alliance and its positive impact on youth of color. NFL Alumni Donald Strickland was among featured special guests who actively took part in a live, student-led podcast.

A special performance by rapper StunnaMan02 closed the event. Students danced, sang along, and a few joined the entertainer on stage.

MBK Bay Area Alliance serves as the MBK “backbone” organization to advance the mission of My Brother’s Keeper affiliates in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, and Solano County.