Judge Mathis leads lineup of keynote speakers for Black Boys and Men Symposium

Detroit native Judge Greg Mathis will bring his inspirational story to Grand Valley's fourth annual Black Boys and Men National Symposium, set for June 11-13 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Through three keynote presentations and breakout sessions, the symposium offers opportunities to learn about the systems that impact the lives of Black boys and men and to foster equitable transformation by bringing together educators, community organizations, industry leaders and corporate partners to forge meaningful collaborations and drive lasting change.

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, said the symposium has created momentum for participants to return to their communities with action plans.

"For the past three years, we have focused on taking a comprehensive look at the lives of Black boys and men across various contexts, equipping our symposium participants with practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change within their professions and broader communities," Truss said.

Registration is open and the early bird rate ends on February 28. Information about the keynote speakers is below. More details about the symposium are online.

Keynote speakers

Judge Greg Mathis: Mathis is known for his advocacy campaigns for urban youth and equal justice. Millions watch him daily on his TV court show, "Judge Mathis."

Mathis opened the Mathis Community Center in Detroit and has assisted thousands of youths through his nonprofit, Young Adults Asserting Themselves, which provides career opportunities, job training and college enrollment assistance. In 2009, the City of Detroit named a street after him. Mathis Avenue is part of a new housing development, which replaced the housing projects where he grew up.

Mathis serves as chair of the Rev. Jesse Jackson's PUSH Excel Scholarship program. He was a board member for the NAACP and Morehouse School of Medicine.

Two Men and a Stool: Reginald Beaty and Tony Owens founded the Foundation for Educational Success, bringing their cumulative experience of more than 50 years in educational and military leadership. 

At the heart of their foundation lies a three-pronged strategy, represented by the legs of a stool. Their consulting firm offers a comprehensive systematic approach to school and college improvement, leveraging the expertise of a diverse team of educators, counselors, administrators and professors for K-12 and college.

Steve Pemberton: Pemberton is a bestselling author, founder and CEO of The Lighthouse Academy, a consultancy transforming workplace cultures and leadership practices. As a former human resources executive at Monster.com, Walgreens and Workhuman, Pemberton has built award-winning organizational environments, emphasizing talent recognition, human connection and workplace purpose.

Pemberton's journey from foster care to executive inspired his first book, "A Chance in the World." He serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including Disability: IN, and Boys Hope Girls Hope.