Get ready for three powerful days of inspiration, connection, and action. Now in its fifth year, the Black Boys & Men National Symposium is expanding to a new home in Battle Creek, where a vibrant community, strong partnerships, and real momentum in education are fueling a future-forward conversation about equity and opportunity.
This gathering brings together K-12 educators, higher education leaders, youth service professionals, and community changemakers who are committed to transforming the systems that shape the lives of Black boys and young men. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or new to this work, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Starr experts will be presenting two powerful sessions at this event. Find out more about their presentations below.
Solutions to the School-to-Prison Pipeline: Shifting from Exclusion to Inclusion
Will Weeks, Resilience Coach & Kathy Hart, Director of Learning Services and Solutions
Thursday, June 11
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Addressing the school-to-prison pipeline requires a systemic shift from punitive, exclusionary discipline practices to inclusive, trauma-informed, and resilience-focused approaches that keep students connected to learning and supportive relationships.
Schools can interrupt this pipeline by replacing zero-tolerance policies with trauma-informed approaches that help educators understand student behavior through the lens of lived experiences, emphasizing safety and connection rather than punishment.
Inclusion is strengthened through consistent implementation of social and emotional learning, which equips students with skills in self-regulation, communication, and conflict resolution. Schools also reduce disparities by examining discipline data for bias and ensuring equitable responses across race, disability, and gender.
Legacy, Presence, and Healing: Understanding Black Fatherhood Across Generations
Ken Ponds, Director of Oneness and Special Advisor to the President & Will Weeks, Resilience Coach
In this session on Black Fatherhood, we will explore the vital role fathers play in advancing equitable outcomes in education and community life.
Participants will examine the systems that shape the experiences of Black males and consider how engaged fatherhood can transform those pathways. Through discussion of proven practices and practical tools, the session will highlight strategies that strengthen family engagement, support student success, and build resilient communities.
Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and resources to champion Black fatherhood, serve as change agents, and implement solutions that uplift Black boys and their families in schools and beyond.
Registration is open, secure your spot and be part of this movement for lasting change.
Organizer
Starr Commonwealth is a national leader in trauma-informed education, partnering with schools and organizations to create safe, supportive environments where all children can thrive. Through research-based training, practical tools, and whole-system strategies, Starr equips educators, clinicians, and leaders to understand the impact of trauma, build resilience, and foster positive relationships that drive both student well-being and academic success.
