UCSD Rise Up Event Connects Young Men to Role Models and Empowering Messages
What happens when you bring role models together with young men? When you create a space for real, heartfelt discussion with no judgement? When you create networking for not only adults and youth, but also for the adults themselves from various backgrounds and professional career paths? And you top it off with a powerful closing keynote by our new Superintendent of schools? Let us tell you about Rise Up.
Our Utica City School District System of Care team held Rise Up – the newest community event for Utica district students. The event was designed specifically for young men age 11+ and took place on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Parish on Broadway in Downtown Utica.
Sixteen area role models/speakers with a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise came together to speak and interact with over two dozen young men and their parents/mentors who attended. They ranged from business owners and engineers to coaches, real estate professionals, community educators, actors, authors and artists. Participants were able to connect with role models, get insights to career and life paths, discuss issues that young men face today, be empowered to make positive life choices and learn ways to become an impactful leader.
They took part in:
Meet and Greet with Community Leaders – visits to vendor tables to connect with male influencers from diverse fields.
A Roundtable Discussion on Community Issues – an open conversation on challenges young men face and exploration of ways we can support them. This will included a space for youth to voice their perspectives and ideas.
Interactive Empowerment Activity – a collaborative activity designed to inspire and motivate, providing youth with skills and confidence they can carry forward.
The closing keynote speaker was Dr. Christopher M. Spence, the Superintendent of the Utica City School District, who presented hard hitting messages to the young men that included “we will not accept poor results”, “we must raise expectations”, “find the power in your identity” and “you must believe that you belong anywhere your heart desires.”
Jesenia Wright, ICAN’s Director of School-Based Mental Health, shares her reflection on the event:
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."
Rise Up: Empowering Young Men for Success was a huge success, and I couldn't be prouder. Watching men and community leaders pour words of wisdom and love into our youth was inspiring. To the young men who showed up, opened their hearts, and shared their truths – thank you. To Dr. Spence, thank you for sharing your wisdom and taking the time out of your busy schedule to deliver such a powerful message to your community. We need this! Youth voices matter, and together, we're finding ways to better support them. Collaboration is the key to change, and this event proved that!”
We appreciate the Daily Sentinel for attending the event and publishing a great article about it.
Read here
Speakers included:
Mu-Shaka Benson – Actor, Army Veteran, Electronic Music Artist
Julius Blackshear – Civil Engineer, Owner of Visionary Vending
Elijah Brown – Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Keith Brown – Recreation Specialist at the City of Utica Youth Bureau
Simon Davis – Youth Director, Coach
Javian Dawson – Civic Engagement Advocate, Photographer
Naz Deloach – Owner of Dreamer Studios, Artist, Content Creator
Nigel Dunkley – Athletic Trainer, Owner of Hooper's Rehab
DuWayne Engram – Community Educator - YWCA AMEND Together program
Larry Fennell – Community Advocate, Coach, Mentor
LaSharr Hammel – UCSD Parent Liaison, H.S. Sports Coach
Dave Mentus – Illustrator, Artist, Instructor at 4 Elements Studio
Roosevelt Patterson – Oneida County Save Our Streets Director
Javon Pratt – Owner of Rooster's Smash Burgers
Jermiko Thomas – Speaker, Award Winning Children’s Author
Julian “Tilly” Tillman – Personal Trainer, Owner of Tilly's Focused Individual Training LLC
ABOUT UTICA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT SYSTEM OF CARE
ICAN is a collaborative member of the UCSD System of Care. Launched in 2023, we provide a comprehensive care system of Tier 2 Supports, Behavioral and Clinical Supports, and Training and Education for students and staff. In the first year, ICAN served 356 students in all 13 schools throughout the district and reached well over 6,000 students and 600 staff through training. It meets critical needs and eliminates obstacles. Parents and guardians are also connected with community and school resources to gain access to what they need to succeed.