ICYMI: Black Men’s Brunch 22–23
An important convening of black men in Brooklyn
Reflecting on a moment of joy
This past weekend, the Black Men’s Brunch was an opportunity for us to amplify each other’s stories. The prior brunch was held in September, featuring Malik Yoba and Mayor Eric Adams as well.
Important to note, it’s not just a brunch. It’s not simply a convening of well-dressed brothers from around the country. It’s a scaleable platform for connection, political impact, value exchange, and business growth. It has consistency and momentum. This event has clear momentum for organic growth, and the power of 500 Men Making a Difference (the sponsored organization) has incredible impact and influence within New York City. A critical piece of Mayor Eric Adams’s support base as well; more on that later.
For me, this event is the kind of thing I live for; it embodies joy. It’s centered on intentionally showcasing ventures that serve inclusive communities and highlights our talents, too often unsupported in the US. WAM Academy is right at home here. Which is why I was quick to return to my old stomping grounds in Brooklyn to attend yet again.
A Safe Space with an Open Layout
Black Men’s Brunch featured middle and high school boys from Henry Street Settlement, a nonprofit that provides year-round programming for youth. There’s a free-flowing energy to the summit, where no boundaries are installed to engage with each other organically. Even better, our rising men received valuable community support and intergenerational dialogue on a Saturday morning where they and we could be anywhere. Still, they were here to pour into each other and publicly receive love and recognition.
Impactful Speakers Were Everywhere
Mayor Eric Adams told us about his humble beginnings of battling housing insecurity, being an ambitious state senator when people laughed at his desire to lead from City Hall, and joked about his down-to-earth appearance as a legislator. Pastor A.R. Bernard shared his experience working with his congregation and the power of black men serving the community with spiritual clarity. Both speakers and Don Peebles’s commitment to us in commercial real estate was heartfelt and powerful. In his closing statements, he pushed us to imagine being an innovator who takes action on what can be, rather than simply asking what could be.
Connecting Across The Country
As WAM finds its home with Black Men’s Brunch, we are directing our community to support our Summer Academy. Our summer cohorts target middle, high school, and rising adults as participants. Our program is designed to scale the mentoring effect with remote facilitation across June, July, and August for one hour a week per course : Self Awareness, Decision Making, and Relationship Skills. To refer a group of students for support, send a direct email to operations@wearemarcus.com.
If you’re a talented facilitator, we’d love to have you. We specialize in discussions that elevate diverse storytelling, and highlight vulnerability, identity, and belonging. We intend to train up to 50 facilitators and deploy their skills on the above flagship courses. You can access our facilitator application here to submit your interest in joining us. We are an equal-opportunity organization. We hire based on competence, commitment to our values, and growth mindset while centering diversity.
