African-American Male Conference

11-7-09

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By WEEK Producer

Story Published: Nov 7, 2009 at 2:28 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2009 at 7:19 PM CDT

According to a counselor at Illinois Central College, African–American men are more likely to be affected by cancer, heart disease, HIV and homicide.

Because of that, Agbara Bryson decided to organize an African–American Male Conference, held Saturday at ICC.

There were workshops dealing with personal responsibility and health.
Bryson says many of the obstacles young African–American men face are self–inflicted.

"In my view there's an epidemic of self–destructive behavior," said Bryson. "That self–destructive behavior is manifesting itself in a high dropout rate in high schools, high dropout rate in college. There's a tremendous absence of African–American men on college campuses."

Participants in the conference were also eligible for free health screenings.
About 60 men and women attended.

Wednesday, Nov 11 at 7:39 AM Mr.Smith wrote ...

To all that's reading comments.The issues that is a concern for the Afrian-Americansmale will soon be a concern for all mankind.Please remember we all live in this great country,so therefore my concern will soon be your's.

Wednesday, Nov 11 at 7:35 AM Mr.Smith wrote ...

Yes you can have a all white womens conference if it's going to address issues dealing with with women and for the betterment.The conference dealt with more than health issues.White are more than welcome to attend .

Wednesday, Nov 11 at 7:30 AM Mr.Smith wrote ...

ANONYMOUS:You should have really given some though to your comment.It's sad that comments like your's can turn a positive into a negative,especially when we are trying to reach young men and women.

Wednesday, Nov 11 at 7:22 AM Mr.Smith wrote ...

We are African-Americans due to our hertiage.Our families was bouhgt and sold as well as traded unlike most cultures.We are and should be entitled to claim our hertiage.Now you do have that RIGHT to claim your english hertiage if you so choose. BJ

Wednesday, Nov 11 at 7:14 AM Mr.Smith wrote ...

Great job Agbara,Our young men and women need conferences like this in order to remain informed as to our shortcomings in life.With conferences like this can and will only help.Even old folks like myself can gain from these meetings.Thank you and keep us informed.

Monday, Nov 9 at 11:00 AM BJ wrote ...

Why are they "Arican American"? They were not born there. I was born in England, I am not an "Enlish American". I am an American, this is where my citizenship is, and I am proud to be an AMERICAN.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 7:29 PM Glad to be there wrote ...

Congrats I.C.C. this was a wonderful conference and children as well as adults loved the Key Note speaker, workshops and the health screenings. Thank you. Also,I believe many people left very informed. Infact, I had my blood pressure and blood sugar checked(free of charge).

Sunday, Nov 8 at 7:19 PM Concerned Parent wrote ...

This conference was long overdue, particularly inlight of the national epidemic of self distructive behavior among African American Males. The CDC has declared homicide as a disease. Dr. Richardson-Deputy Director of Il Department of Public Health, talked about the sad facts regarding health. Andrea Parker gave a wonderful rap-up regarding the conference. Numberous health organizations gave screenings and information.I look forward to the next conference. Way to go I.C.C.

Sunday, Nov 8 at 12:09 PM anonymous wrote ...

nope just end up turning into something racial just like every time a white person try's to have any kind of event but its ok for them twits to have something

Sunday, Nov 8 at 10:43 AM RUKiddingMe? wrote ...

So, is it okay for me to have a White Women's Conference if I'm only talking abouut health issues on white women?

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