All middle school, high school, college and professional men are invited to the second annual No More Excuses, Black Men Stand Up conference hosted by Robert Jackson, national speaker and owner of Lavelle Publishing, May 16 from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Lawrence Central High School, 7300 E. 56th St.
Last year, the conference welcomed hundreds of men from the city of Indianapolis and will offer a variety of workshops for each age group, including a panel of both young and mature women who will share their insights and expectations.
“We have workshops for every group,” said Jackson. “A lot of programs simply focus on young men, but I believe there are a lot of seasoned men that need sharpening as well. That’s what makes us unique and different.”
An impressive lineup of community leaders attending includes Supt. Shawn Smith of Lawrence Township; U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind.; Ontay Johnson, executive director of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis; Dr. David Hampton of Light of the World Christian Church and many more.
Jackson and his wife created the conference and said they have a good feeling about this year’s turnout.
“I watched many young men go to prison, both of my best friends were murdered and I’m just tired of all of the violence,” reflected Jackson. “I believe, ‘hurt people, hurt people.’ I want to teach men how to deal with their pain, so we have to come up with solutions and hit the pavement running.”
This year’s conference honors the late William G. Mays, the late publisher and owner of the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and Mays Chemical Company, whose family now continues his proud legacy.
To learn more about the No More Excuses, Black Men Stand Up conference, visit Robertjacksonmotivates.com.
