First Regional MBK Symposium at Uniondale High

I hope our young scholars came away from this event with a newfound purpose and understanding of their life post-graduation.”

Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Superintendent, Uniondale Public Schools

Long Island's first Regional My Brother's Keeper Symposium was held Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Uniondale High School. More than 250 students from Uniondale, Roosevelt, Elmont/Sewanhaka and Brentwood attended. 

The event was launched to allow young men of color to come together to exchange ideas, learn, network and discuss issues important to their success and their maturation in becoming leaders in their communities. Branded "The Gathering," the event focused on college and nontraditional careers, entrepreneurship, building wealth, perseverance, mental health, community impact, leadership, and the importance of brotherhood. 

The event also featured youth-led workshops, college recruiters, special guest speakers and a panel discussion titled "Thoughts of an MBK Man." 

Ten different workshops were offered throughout the event, starting with Life after High School, instructed by Ms. Maria Pettinicchi, Northwell Health. Also offered were:

-        The NCAA and Life as A College Athlete, instructed by Mr. Jonathan Prevost and Mr. Justin Brown, Baldwin Oaks Civic Association

-        I Am My Brother's Keeper: Living the Motto, instructed by Mr. Sergio Argueta, UHS/STRONG Youth, Inc.

-        The Path, instructed by Mr. Steve Muir and Ms. Niala Muir, Heeling Soles

-        Financial Literacy for Young Men, instructed by Mr. Chris DiLeonardo, Jovia Financial Credit Union

-        The Building Blocks of Brotherhood, instructed by Mr. Jonathan Morgan and Mr. Joshua Castellanos, Brentwood High School MBK

-        The Power of Public Speaking and Its Impact on Young Men of Color, instructed by Mr. Richard Connelly and Mr. Roderick Peele, The American Debate League

-        Your Rights: Navigating the Law, instructed by Mr. Monte Chandler, Esq., The Chandler Law Firm

-        Connecting with Our Communities, instructed by Mr. Jonathan Prevost and Mr. Marvin Amazan, Baldwin Oaks Civic Association

-        Success after High School, instructed by Men of Elmont

"Scholars had the opportunity to learn about dealing with pressure post-graduation, time management, overcoming life's obstacles, financial literacy, the meaning of brotherhood, mental health, their legal rights, community engagement, and so much more," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil. "As important, they had the opportunity to network with college recruiters and their fellow peers and hear remarks from widely esteemed individuals. I hope our young scholars came away from this event with a newfound purpose and understanding of their life post-graduation. Thank you to all those who attended. You helped make this event a great success."