At the Entrepreneurs Summit May 13-16 in Atlanta, Georgia, Black Enterprise President and CEO Earl Graves Jr. will moderate a BE Town Hall addressing obstacles and solutions to black male success. The forum, “Black Males Matter,” will feature a diverse panel of black men, including NewsOne Now host Roland Martin.
As we gear up for the solution-focused conversation, we remember three of President Obama’s most recent efforts that favored the social and economic welfare of minority men.
Commutations and Pardons
President Obama commuted the sentences of 22 individuals last month, eight of which were sentenced to life. His administration concluded that the incarcerated were punished under an “outdated sentencing regime.” Commutations included 20 men and 2 women, and 16 African Americans, according to reports. In a letter to the newly freed citizens, the President wrote:
“I am granting your application because you have demonstrated the potential to turn your life around. Now it is up to you to make the most of this opportunity. It will not be easy, and you will confront many who doubt people with criminal records can change. Perhaps even you are
unsure of how you will adjust to your new circumstances. But remember that you have the capacity to make good choices. By doing so, you will affect not only your own life, but those close to you. You will also influence, through your example, the possibility that others in your circumstances get their own second chance in the future.”Police Body Cameras
After multiple events leading to the death of black boys and men, like Trayvon Martin and Mike Brown, President Obama proposed new funding to improve the trust between law enforcers and the communities, particularly those of color, they are hired to protect. The White House asked for $263 million in funding for police body cameras and training in efforts to prevent similar instances in the future.
My Brother’s Keeper
In February 2014, President Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper to empower boys and young men of color. Foundations that supported My Brother’s Keeper invested over $150 million. Over the next five years, they seek to invest at least $200 million, in addition to investments from their peers in philanthropy and the business community, to find solutions that have the highest potential for impact in key areas. Some of My Brother’s Keeper efforts
are to assess and suggest improvements to Federal policies and regulations that affect boys and young men of color, and to promote incentives for private and public entities that develop strategies proven to be effective.The Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide is set for May 13—16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.