YMOC—Homecoming: Where We Belong

Ninety students from 16 schools came to Parker to meet in person for the 4th Annual Cullen J. Davis Young Men of Color Symposium, a day-long experience focusing on belonging and community-building.

After opening remarks from Francis W. Parker School Assistant Principal Priyanka Rupani and Collegiate School Assistant Head of School for Institutional Equity and Belonging Dwight Vidale, educator, speaker, diversity practitioner and Sandy Springs Friends School Head of School Rodney Glasgow took the stage to deliver the keynote address.

Glasgow discussed his personal story and its connections to stories of so many young men of color. Students separated into breakout groups while their adult chaperones learned about advancing DEI work at their own schools.

“The day felt energetic, meaningful and fun!” said Rupani. “The students who spoke at the end of the conference were powerful—it was an emotional experience for me to witness how the day felt for them.”

The student sessions delved into the history of people of color and the effect of stereotypes that are often put upon them. Students bonded over the connections they made with their peers from other schools and the realization that they were not alone in their experiences as young men of color.

“There are other people like me at different schools where most of the kids aren’t like them,” said 6th grader Tyson Madkins. “That made me feel empowered and well-known.”

“There were a lot of people and a lot of laughs, and I got to see that there are more people of color in this world and in different schools and got to know them better,” said 8th grader Nathan Pantoja.

Parker is grateful to the speakers, participants, volunteers and members of our community who contributed their time, thought and attention to making this event a safe and successful in-person experience.

Click here for photos of this symposium.