Summit Agenda - Black Boy Joy Summit 2024

11:00 AM | Room: 6-66
Sneaker Therapy The Story Of Our Soles
Keith Mascoll
Sneakers are the unofficial sixth element of Hip Hop culture. Many of the stories represented in Hip Hop are not just in the music but in the affiliated sneaker culture.. The participants will be led to use a narrative process that promotes liberation of their old narratives to their preferred narratives of their life. The workshop helps connect Hip Hop to how sneakers has become an expression of individuality and coping with emotions and mental health in the black community.

Sneaker Therapy The Story Of Our Soles

11:00 AM | Room: 6th Floor Atrium
Kings of Color: Creating Art that Moves the Culture
Jamaal Bonnette
Step into a creative space where Hip Hop, reggaeton, and pop culture meet to empower young men of color. Using icons like J. Cole, Ozuna, and Diego Rivera for inspiration, participants will blend their racial pride and masculinity into bold, original art pieces. Together, we’ll break down stereotypes, challenge old definitions of manhood, and honor the kings we are. Art becomes a powerful movement, where your voice can inspire change and express your truth.

Kings of Color: Creating Art that Moves the Culture

1:00 PM | Room: 6-66
How to Hip Hop through the Hood
Elon Fyfield
Got bars, beats, or vocals but don’t know how to make it big? In this workshop, we’ll show you how to turn your passion for music into a thriving business. Learn the secrets to building your brand, dropping your music, and navigating the industry as a true entrepreneur. Whether you rap, sing, or produce, this session will give you the tools to start your journey to success in the music world.

How to Hip Hop through the Hood

1:00 PM | Room: 6-67
Code The Block: Build Apps, Change the Game
Victor "Coach" Hicks
In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to flex your tech skills and design apps that rep your hood, solve real problems, and uplift your community. Whether you’re into gaming, social media, or just want to make a difference, this workshop will show you how to turn your ideas into reality. No experience needed—just bring your creativity, ambition, and a vision for changing the world, one app at a time!

Code The Block: Build Apps, Change the Game

11:00 AM | Room: 2nd Floor Auditorium Right
The CEO Mindset
Len Williamson
Success in business and entrepreneurship depends on having the right mindset. Through interactive activities and real-world examples, participants will learn how to develop a vision, make strategic decisions, and lead with confidence, by practicing problem-solving skills and applying creativity. Join this workshop and take your next step towards becoming a future CEO!

The CEO Mindset

11:00 AM | Room: 6-67
Legacy Kings: Building Wealth, Power & Purpose in Your City
Donald Wright
Join Donald Wright, Deputy Chief of Boston’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, for a powerful workshop on building wealth, influence, and purpose in your community. Discover how to craft a legacy by leveraging your personal story, cultural identity, and leadership skills. Through actionable strategies, this session will equip you to turn your ambition into generational wealth, empower your community, and leave a lasting impact as a true Legacy King in your city.

Legacy Kings: Building Wealth, Power & Purpose in Your City

1:00 PM | Room: 2nd Floor Auditorium Right
Boss Moves: How Health, Hustle, and Financial Smarts Create Success
Willie Jones
In this workshop, we’ll show you why staying fit and financially smart is key to winning in life. Hear our stories as business owners and community leaders from Boston—how we hustled, made smart decisions, and gave back to our neighborhoods. you’ll learn how to navigate the professional world, build success, and use your skills to help your community thrive. Get ready to level up your game in health, wealth, and leadership.

Boss Moves: How Health, Hustle, and Financial Smarts Create Success

11:00 AM | Room: 2-12A
Discovering Your Superpower
YMWAP Team
Everyone has a unique superpower! What’s yours? Leaders of Young Man with a Plan’s holistic mentoring program will deliver a dynamic workshop that helps you recognize the power within yourself to create a positive future. you’ll name your own superpower and then learn how the superpower of having a growth mindset can help you reach new heights. This fun, high-energy workshop combines dialogue and presentation.

Discovering Your Superpower

11:00 AM | Room: 1st Floor Atrium
“Invincibility is a Possibility”
Kevin Pitts
In this dynamic workshop, we’ll dive deep into the connection between your body and mind—how what you do physically can sharpen your mental game, and how mental strength fuels physical power. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore how exercise, self-care, and mindfulness can elevate your mental health and confidence. Whether you’re into sports, fitness, or just staying active, this workshop will help you unlock your best self, inside and out!

Invincibility is a Possibility

1:00 PM | Room: 2-12A
Turning Pain into Power: Embracing Your Story
Vladimir Louissaint
In this interactive 60-minute workshop, you’ll dive into how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect mental health and learn how to flip the script. This session will show you how to turn your pain into strength, helping you rise above challenges and unlock your full potential. Join us to understand your journey and discover the power you hold to create a brighter future.

Turning Pain into Power: Embracing Your Story

11:00 AM | Room: 2-12B
Drop the Beef: Restorative Conflict Resolution Skills
Dr. Alounso Gilzene
In this workshop, you’ll step into the world of hip-hop feuds and learn how to resolve conflicts like a pro. By role-playing famous rap beefs, you’ll practice navigating tough conversations and using Restorative Justice to find peace. Inspired by legendary rap battles and reconciliations, this session will help you handle disagreements, find common ground, and build respect—just like in the hip-hop world.

Drop the Beef: Restorative Conflict Resolution Skills

1:00 PM | Room: 2-12B
Be The Plug…Building Partnerships and Communities
Francois Fils-Aime
Your local YMCA, school, and community centers like Shelburne and the Reggie Lewis Center are more than just spaces—they’re resources to help you grow into the leader you want to be. In this workshop, we’ll show you how to build strong relationships with these organizations, connect with mentors, and access opportunities through places like your city councilor’s office. Learn how to use your community’s support network to level up your goals and make a lasting impact.

Be The Plug…Building Partnerships and Communities

11:00 AM | Room: 2nd Floor Auditorium Left
They Not Like Us: We Are Heroes of Our Own Story!
Jeanette Velasquez
Ready to unlock your superpowers? Join Jeanette Velasquez as she breaks down what it takes to turn life’s challenges into opportunities and become the hero of your own story. From overcoming setbacks to finding your true strengths, this session will show you how to rise above, build real success, and use your talents to level up your future. It’s time to take control, rewrite your story, and show the world that they’re not like us!

They Not Like Us: We Are Heroes of Our Own Story!

1:00 PM | Room: 2nd Floor Auditorium Left
Build Your Future: Resumes, Jobs, and Wealth
Corey Yarbrough
Ready to stand out and land that job or internship? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to craft a winning resume, break into top careers, and start building generational wealth. we’ll show you how to make the right connections, find mentors, and open doors to success. With hands-on guidance and real-world strategies, you’ll leave with the tools you need to take control of your future.