Wooster students attend Akron's Black Male Summit

The University of Akron hosted the Black Male Summit on Friday, March 8, with Wooster High and Edgewood Middle School staffers taking a group of young men to attend. The theme this year was “Financial Literacy and Financial Empowerment.”

“Attending the Black Male Summit at Akron University was an eye-opening experience, especially with its focus on business,” said King Blair, a Wooster High sophomore. “The summit provided a great platform for black men to connect with business leaders, educators and peers, offering valuable workshops and networking opportunities.”

The students had the opportunity to learn from speakers, participate in workshops and connect with other attendees. One of the presenters, Alfred Riddick, a self-made millionaire, mentioned financial success begins with behavior. He said, “You should never fail because of lack of effort because effort requires no skill.”

WHS sophomore Trevor Shahan took Riddick’s words to heart. “This stood out to me because he was explaining how even if things don’t go your way, you are only really failing if you’re not trying,” Shahan said. “I like this quote because it can be used in my everyday life, not just business.”

Students also participated in workshops that were of interest to them. One of the sessions sophomore Jaden Clay attended was EmpowerMENt in Business, in which speakers talked about the ins and outs of a business.

“The thing to take away from their stories is there is always another way. Even through adversity and struggles, there is always a way,” Clay said.

Sophomore Deriko Inman was impressed by the visit to the UA because he had not been on a college campus while senior Aidan Holford liked being able to talk to businessmen.

“One of my favorite parts about the summit was the specifically induced career path seminars,” Holford said. “I was able to personally connect with minority businessmen around the area and even help develop my own personal business through information obtained through them.

“I was even able to make personal connections with these men and got their socials and social media accounts to follow. Also, I got a shoutout from them on Instagram.”

Overall, the Black Male Summit provided the young men with a chance to have fun, bond with peers and gain insight.