The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Conference inspires students to succeed

On May 23, Durham College (DC) welcomed 300 students in grades eight to 11, from across Durham Region, to its Oshawa campus for The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Conference.

This is the third year DC has sponsored the conference, an initiative of the Durham District School Board that explores the need for more Black role models, emphasizing the goals of promoting positive transitions and various academic pathways, while eliminating barriers to success.

The morning consisted of workshops, networking sessions, guest speakers and a panel discussion for teachers to explore the value of identity. Students also participated in workshops facilitated by community leaders and organizations focused on technology, design and digital literacy.

Capping off the conference was a keynote by Randell Adjei, founder of Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere, one of Toronto’s largest youth-led initiatives, and an inspirational speaker who uses the spoken word to empower, create community and transform youth through edutainment.