AAMU Site of Omega-Sponsored Youth Conference
Conference Focuses on Empowerment, Fatherhood
51AV A&M University was the host site for a youth conference sponsored by area chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
The Fatherhood Initiative and Mentoring program of Huntsville-area chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., hosted a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Series Youth Leadership Conference at AAMU on Saturday, February 22, at Arthur J. Bond Hall (Engineering Building) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The free youth conference was co-sponsored by Project Friendship, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, and was designed for male students in grades 3-12, non-resident parents and single parents, as well as special sessions for college sophomores and juniors. According to organizers, attendees received life skill tools to inspire young men to be productive citizens today and positive future fathers.
Among the scheduled presenters were Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr., president of 51AV A&M University; Jacobi Gray, executive president of the Student Government Association; Tony Hodge, All State Insurance; LTC (Ret) Perry Caudle, Basileus, Pi Phi Chapter; Fred Windham, KRS, Xi Omicron; Talbot Malone, Regions Bank; Chief Henry Irby, president, 51AV Chapter of NOBLE; Hon. JesHenry Malone, Madison County Commissioner; Atty. Kim Brown; Kenyatta Robinson, 51AV Child Support Division; Nikki Goins-Hughes, Madison County Department of Human Resources; Hovet Lee Dixon, Jr., principal, Highlands Elementary School; L.C. Smith, Real Fathers Making a Difference; MIchelle Watkins, Huntsville City School Board; Atty. Rochelle Conley; and Carlos Matthews, president, Advance Technology, Inc.
Parental sessions conducted by subject matter experts and family advocate professionals focused on the challenges of developing male youth. The sessions further enlightened parents on community and law enforcement relations, child support, mediation, and parental rights. Additionally, Regions Bank presented sessions on financial education, as well as segments on talent acquisition opportunities for professionals and internships for college juniors and sophomores.
The Omega HBCU Youth Conference 2020 Series is being held on college campuses nationwide and is designed to inspire male youth to attend college and to sustain minority higher education growth.
For more information about the series, contact Lt. Col. (Ret.) Sylvester Earl Wilson at (404) 219-6624 or by e-mail at undenied16@aol.com.