Mayor Soglin, Boys and Girls Club CEO Michael Johnson Attend Conference

Event focuses on African American Males

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Boys and Girls Club CEO Michael Johnson and Daniel Yancey, 19, who attends Edgewood College, are attending a two day Cities United Conference Why We Can’t Wait: A Convening for Mayors Committed to Eliminating Violence Related Deaths of African American Males.
 
“As we look at multiple issues through the lens of equity in the City, we need to pay attention to our youth and this conference will clearly give us that opportunity,” said Mayor Soglin. “I am really excited that Michael Johnson and Daniel Yancey will be there to provide their insights and experiences.”
 
Daniel Yancey is an active participant in activities at the Boys and Girls Club.  Since eighth grade, Daniel has made the 45-minute bus trip from his home on the west side to La Follette High School so he can participate in the AVID program there.
 
The goals of this first Cities United conference on this issue are to mobilize mayors to understand and advance a dialogue on violence related deaths among African American men and boys, provide leaders an opportunity to chart out next steps to lead on this issue in their cities and to engage youth fully as participants, advocates, presenters and partners.
 
Mayors and participants from around the country are attending the conference which will cover topics including education, employment and criminal justice for minority youth.