You Matter We Care summit slated Aug. 19

The 7th Annual You Matter We Care community summit will be held in the Dr.Martin Luther King Student Center at Delaware State University’s Dover campus starting at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19.

The host will be Dr. Brittany Hazzard, CEO of LifeChamps LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on life skills coaching and team building for youth with a prime client focus on student athletes and athletic teams.

Hazzard began the You Matter, We Care movement and held the first conference seven years ago. Her mission is to support people in reaching their fullest potential. In order for that to happen, she believes, one has to have efficient, consistent and genuine support. The You Matter We Care conference focuses on intentional empowerment and strength-based approaches, along with support and resources, to counter the negativity that often oppresses boys and men of color. Hazzard said it’s important to shine light on people so they will feel supported enough to thrive and reach their fullest potential.

Hazzard has mentored and coached boys and men of color for more than 15 years. She created the conference to expand the reach of these resources, and include others who also love and support black males. She has also been a TEDx speaker, with her talk titled, “Best Practices for Engaging Black Boys in Mentoring.”

Attendees will explore the prevalence of systemic challenges, community stress and individual risk factors impacting boys and men of color. Panelists will also focus on sharing best-practice strategies to prevent childhood adversity and heal psychological trauma for boys and men of color.

Panelists include Dr. Julius Mullen, Children and Families First chief equity officer; the Rev. Dr. John Moore, United way of Delaware; Darren Rainey, Delaware State University education department; Dr. Juwan Mullen, clinical school social worker; Jamil Moore, Jobs for Delaware Graduates; Derek Savage, All In Sports Academy and Jobs for Delaware Graduates; and Stan Waterman, head men’s basketball coach for Delaware State University.

This event is dedicated to boys and men of color, and is open to all who support them, including educators, family and community members, and mental and behavioral health professionals.

To register, go to eventbrite.com and search You Matter We Care. Seating is limited.

Summit organizers extend thanks to conference sponsors Children and Families First of Delaware, Delaware State University and LifeChamps LLC.