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Mass Black Male Graduation
Attend the 3rd Annual Mass Black Male Graduation Ceremony 
Saturday, June 25, 2016
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church
4100 South King Drive
Chicago, IL 60653

MEDIA ADVISORY
 
Chicago Ends School Year by Celebrating Accomplishments of Young Black Men
Finally, Good News For and About Young Black Men in Chicago .
 
WHO:
100 Black male 2016 kindergarten, elementary, high school, college and post-college graduates, 20 of some of the most powerful Black men in America including Keynote Speaker George Wright, Community Development Midwest Director at Citi, and up to 500 audience participants, including other students, parents, pastors, guardians, teachers, mentors and community members.
 
WHAT: 
The third-ever annual Mass Black Male Graduation and Transition to Manhood Ceremony in the United States is designed to acknowledge, celebrate, inspire and launch young Black males into positive futures. This ceremony includes African Drumming, Pouring of Libations, March of the Elders, and a special magic performance by David Shareef, also a 2016 PH.D. graduate. 
 
WHY: 
  • In Chicago, only 7% of Black boys in 8th grade read at a proficient level.
  • In Chicago, less than 50% of Black male high-school attendees graduate.
  • In Chicago, only 6 out of 100 young Black men who attend public schools attain a 4-year college degree by age 25.
  • In some communities in Chicago, 70% to 80% of young Black men are not working or in school.
  • In Chicago, young Black men who can't read well are more likely to end up in the Illinois prison system and less likely to contribute to the success of our city.
  • It is said that prison planners project future occupancy needs on the 3rd- and 4th-grade reading scores of Black boys. 
This Mass Black Male Graduation Ceremony is a beacon of hope and sets a new direction for young Black men in Chicago and in America.
 
WHERE:
Metropolitan Apostolic Church
4100 South King Drive, Chicago IL.
 
WHEN:
Saturday - June 25, 2016
Photo opportunities available - 10:20 am (ceremony goes until 12:30 pm)