For Markee Marshall, an attendee from West Philadelphia, the summit offered networking opportunities as he continues on his path toward becoming an attorney.
“I wanted to be surrounded by Black men,” Marshall said. “I heard that it was going to be a lot of resources.”
Marshall said he was particularly interested in the summit’s reentry session because of his previous work experience in juvenile justice and reentry.
“I just want to stick with that,” Marshall said. “Help out the city of Philadelphia with the youth because I’ve been there.”
For Edwards, who also leads the Mayor’s Commission on African American Males, establishing connections is exactly what he envisioned the inaugural summit would accomplish.
He said he wanted attendees, particularly young Black men, to leave with people in their corner who could continue helping them after the event.
“I hope they connect with a mentor,” Edwards said. “I hope they connect with somebody that they can learn from, and I hope they connect with somebody who can give them an opportunity.”