Bard College

In the midst of the 2020 global pandemic, waves of nationwide protests prompted urgent and frank conversations about race and social justice in this country. As COVID-19 exacerbated systemic inequalities, the opportunity gaps faced by young people across the country widened at an alarming rate—and yet, 2020 also gave rise to creative problem solving and nimble decision-making like never before. To explore the unique position of youth development and mentorship in communities of color in a post-COVID world, Brothers@ is hosting Closing Opportunity Gaps for Young Men of Color: The State of Mentorship & Youth Development Post-2020, a nationwide virtual event and panel discussion on April 22 from 5:30–6:45 p.m. EST. Panelists will explore, among other issues, how the growing movement in defense of Black lives is affecting inclusion amongst young people trying to successfully navigate and thrive in predominantly white institutions and spaces.

Moderated by Shawn Dove, founder, Corporation for Black Male Achievement, and Brothers@ Cofounder and CEO Dariel Vasquez ’17, panelists for the event include Michael Blake, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee; Brandon Micheal Hall, Activist and star of God Friended Me and HBO’s Search Party; Wes Moore, chief executive officer of Robin Hood Foundation; and Angel Obergh ’23, Brothers@ mentor and campus leader, Bard College.