January 31, 2003, Los Angeles, California: In a nation in which an alarming rate of African American males are in prison, in gangs, unemployed or are victims of homicide, there is unfortunately not enough programs that are constant in their outreach to make a definitive difference in their lives. The annual conference, "Strategies for the Development of the African American Manchild" is a community constant to address these issues and related topics. The day-long conference has been created with a primary focus on men and the youth of our community. The 11th annual Strategies Conference will convene on FEBRUARY 8, 2003, on the campus of CALIFORINIA STATE UNIVERSITY DOMINGUEZ HILLS, in Carson, California, 1000 E. Victoria St., 8:00 AM in the University Gymnasium, and will breakout into 14 campus classrooms. The conference closes out at 3:00 PM that day.



The conference pulls its audience and support from public and social service agencies, faith-based and community-based organizations, health care providers, middle and high schools, community colleges and universities of higher learning. The conference is the birth-child of Dr. Earnestine Thomas-Robertson, Dean of Academic Affairs at Los Angeles Southwest Community College, and has been nurtured by community and academic colleagues at all levels of teaching/learning.



The conference will not only give participants (ages 13-75) an opportunity to learn something positive from the distinguished group of presenters, but they will also be exposed to a number of options and positive alternatives

that will aid them in education, career planning, and life at home. The keynote address will be presented at 8:45 AM by the notable Dr. Ernie Smith, Pediatric Cardiologist at King Drew Medical Center. Respected for his expertise in medicine, his commitment to the community, and his engaging intellect, Dr. Smith will set the tone for a conference with demonstrated success by the number of men who attest to how their lives have been changed in a very constructive and significant way.



Chairing the Planning Committee for the Conference is Mr. Torrence Brannon Reese, Founder/President of FAMLI, Inc., and co-chair, Mr. Shaka Satori, VP of FAMLI, with strong Support from Compton Community College members and sponsoring organizations: T.H.E. CLINIC, LA Bridges at Audubon Middle School, Broadway Federal Bank, Urban Rising Entertainment, Artists for Justice & Liberation, 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, CEO Alliance, Inglewood Chamber of Commerce, LA Southwest College and others who confirm on a daily basis. These institutions have joined in this endeavor to improve student success, entrepreneurial growth, and community accountability by taking responsibility.



Workshop presenter’s include some of Los Angeles’s best minds.., Dr. Ernie Smith, Ph.D of the Senior and Multipurpose Center, Richard Merikara Byrd-pastor of KRST Unity Center for African Spirituality, Hip Hop Pioneer-Alonzo Williams, Conference Co-Chair-Shaka Satori, RBD Communications Founder/Director-Muhammad Nassardeen, Dr. Bimkubwe Thandiwe-author/educator, Harold Hambrick-Director of the LA Black Business Expo & Trade Show, Rev. Mark Whitlock-Executive Director, FAME Renaissance Economic Development Center, David Stewart-Director of the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce, Dadisi Sanyika-Rites of Passage Guru, Writer/Educator-Anthony Samad, Dr. David Horne-Professor at Cal State University Northridge, Professor Wanda-Director Black History Studies at LA Southwest Community College, Mr. Melvin Farmer-Author/Activist, Dr. Rosie Milligan-Publisher/Author, Dr. Malieka Salaam-Educator at Maxine Waters Tech., Mr. Aquil Basheer-Martial Arts Legend/Safety Expert, Nasar Muhammad-Activist/Educator, Darrly Mooney-Health Guru/Conscious Comedian, Dr. Todd Rogers-Professor of Math & Science at LA Southwest College, Mr. Kenneth Key/Counselor at El Camino Community College, Mr. Frank Quan-Professor LA Southwest Community College, Dr. Terry Spearman, LA Southwest College and Sabastien El-Kouby, Rap/Activist/Educator.



One of the salient goals of this conference is the creation of a male youth mentoring project entitled, “SEE A MAN, BE A MAN”, which focuses its initial attention upon the youth of the City of Los Angeles, LA Bridges After School Enrichment program at Audubon Middle School under the auspices of the T.H.E. Clinic, which functions as the lead agency. See A man, Be A Man pairs accomplished male mentors with at risk male youth 10 – 14 years old, who provide the young men with guidance, discipline, academic and career advice, and unconditional love.



Expect that our youth's thinking processes will be enhanced. Expect that learning will be applicable to the real world. Expect that mentor relationships will transform into marked success for men of all ages. The conference will also aid parents and public, social, and human service agencies in selecting and utilizing intervening and preventive methods what will aid in the development of the African American Manchild and in the retention of Black males in higher education. For a conference brochure with details regarding workshop topics, conference information, and the .00 registration fee, please call: 323 295-6571 x 3020. email: famli@ureach.com